Network error WINSOCK 10091: "Network subsystem is unusable"
Error
Network error 10091: "Network subsystem is unusable"
Error description
The error usually occurs on a very poor connection, for example, a laptop's Wi-Fi connection via a 3G hotspot and a loaded mobile network. In this case, there is a connection, but the delays are too long, tens of seconds.
Problem solution
1. Network drivers are missing or corrupted:
- TCP/IP protocol is deleted or not installed;
- network card driver is corrupted;
- antivirus or firewall is deleted or disabled; the system starts displaying 10091 network error.
Run the command netsh winsock reset in the console to reset Winsock settings.
Launch ncpa.cpl — is at least one network adapter is on?
Check in devmgmt.msc for any errors in network drivers
2. Virtual machine issue:
Virtual machines (Hyper-V, VMware) often are not assigned with adapter. No connected network and Winsock detects the subsystem as "unusable".
Assign network adapter.
3. Necessary network Windows Services are not launched:
- For example: "DHCP client", "TCP/IP Support", "Network Connections", "Winsock Helper".
Open services.msc, and find:
DHCP Client
Network Connections
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Winsock Helper Service (if any)
All these services must be enabled and work.