Troubleshooting Internet Connection Issues after Upgrading to Windows 10 20H2
Upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10 can sometimes lead to frustrating internet connectivity problems. After recently updating a HP laptop to Windows 10 20H2, one user reported total loss of WiFi functionality. We’ll explore potential solutions to restore full internet access after a 20H2 upgrade failure.
Pinpointing the Cause
In this case, the user noticed the upgrade immediately severed the connection. No browsers could access the web. Even Windows services like Updates bounced with failed handshakes.
After rolling back and re-upgrading as a test, the issue persisted. This points to something within the 20H2 update causing the system not to play nice with the network adapter or configured settings.
But where precisely does the problem lie? And what steps can we take to coax Windows into restoring happy online functionality?
Is Windows 10 21h2 ready to download & install?
Both Home and Pro users running Windows 10 version 21H1 will eventually see a Windows Update notice ( Start > Settings > Update & Security) like the one in the screenshot below, saying that 21H2 is ready to be downloaded and installed.
Why did 20h2 download fail?
And now 20H2 update has downloaded and is installing, albeit quite slowly. Up to 12% right now and crossing my fingers. The download failed because the MSA account associated with the user was denied authorization to download the content. The specified path is invalid. An attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format. . . . . .
Testing Basic Hardware Connectivity
First, we’ll want to rule out physical problems with the network card or connections.
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Verify WiFi is toggled on in Settings. Toggle it off and on again.
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Ensure no Airplane Mode is activated.
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Check that the WiFi router itself has power and appears operational.
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Determine if other devices can successfully access the network.
If you can connect on other hardware, we know the issue resides with the Windows machine rather than the network.
Resetting Network Components
With connectivity verified outside the problem Windows install, a reset of components often resolves post-update issues:
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First, reboot both the router and the Windows 10 computer. Surprisingly often, a restart resolves transient software and firmware glitches.
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Forcing a flush of DNS information can also kick things back into motion. From an Administrator Command Prompt, run
ipconfig /flushdns. -
Reset network components themselves with
netsh winsock resetandnetsh int ip resetin the Admin prompt. -
Restart once more after network resets for changes to fully initialize.
How to activate Windows 10 21h2?
If your current Windows 10 has been activated, you will not have to provide the product key during the Windows 10 21H2 clean install process on the same device. After the installation, the system will be automatically activated. You can go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Then, you should the Activation status under Windows.
Can I uninstall Windows 10 20h2?
It should be noted that you can only uninstall Windows 10 20H2 and roll back to a previous version if you are within ten days of installing the feature update. If it has been 10 days or later, the ‘Get started’ button will be grayed out, and you will not be able to select it.
Running Diagnostics and Troubleshooters
If connectivity still won’t cooperate, bring in Windows’ own troubleshooting tools:
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Access Network & Internet Settings, then find Network Reset and select it. This will reconfigure all components similar to a clean install.
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Under Update & Security, access Troubleshoot, then locate the Network Adapter and Internet Connection troubleshooters. Execute each to diagnose common problems.
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Try the automated Network Troubleshooter under Network & Internet Status for a broad fix-finding mission.
These will check settings, refresh components, and probe for any obvious connectivity failures Windows can detect and restore on its own.
Analyzing Potential Software and Driver Issues
Provided the troubleshooters come up empty, closely examine software and drivers:
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Look in Update History under Windows Update and uninstall recent problematic updates. This rolls back suspect patches breaking things.
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Check for new driver versions for your specific network adapter model. Install if available. Keeping drivers updated prevents compatibility issues.
How to download Windows 10 version 20h2 ISO files?
We have already shared a detailed tutorial on how to download Windows 10 version 20H2 ISO files; here is a recap of how to quickly download the ISO files to clean install Windows 10 20H2 in the future: Click on this link, and you will see a ” Select edition ” drop-down menu. Click on Windows 10 under October 2020 Update and hit Confirm .
How long does Windows 10 20h2 last?
As an H2-targeted release, 20H2 is serviced for 30 months from the release date for devices running Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education editions. To download and install Windows 10, version 20H2, use Windows Update ( Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update ).
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Consider resetting the TCP/IP stack with
netsh int ip reset reset.login an Admin prompt. This wipes all TCP data that could be corrupted.
When All Else Fails: The Nuclear Approach
If you’ve tried absolutely everything else to no avail, a clean reinstallation of the OS can remedy situations where some irrecoverable corruption has crippled the networking stack.
Backup data and settings, then perform a fresh Windows 10 install. Avoid the 20H2 upgrade initially – stick with a known good version like 20H1. Once running stable, cautiously test 20H2 again while watching for recurrence of the issue.
With a combination of resets, refreshes, driver updates, and troubleshooting, most post-update internet fails can be quickly triaged and restored. But in rare worst-case scenarios, a blank slate may be required.
Preventing Future Upgrade Woes
To avoid nasty surprises after future Windows updates:
How do I get help with Windows 11 update issues?
For immediate help with Windows update issues, use the Get Help app in Windows or go to support.microsoft.com. Follow @WindowsUpdate on X (formerly Twitter) for Windows release health updates. On October 10, 2023, Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 21H2 will reach end of servicing.
What is Windows 10 May 2020 update?
As usual, it is a staggered rollout and starts with compatible devices first followed by more users. Similar to its predecessor, Windows 10 version 2004 May 2020 Update, it is more like a large cumulative update (formerly known as a Service Pack) than a full-blown feature update. The update does include a few minor improvements and features.
How to fix Windows 10 20h2 update issue?
A lot of Windows users reported, deleting folder $WINDOWS.~BT in the C: drive, help them fix the windows 10 20H2 update issue. If none of these promising workarounds have solved your problem, then go through our final solution that involves upgrading to the update under discussion using the Media Creation Tool.
Why did windows 11 not upgrade to 21h2?
Some hardware ineligible Windows 10 and Windows 11, version 21H2 devices were offered an inaccurate upgrade to Windows 11. These ineligible devices did not meet the minimum requirements to run Window 11. Devices that experienced this issue were not able to complete the upgrade installation process.
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Maintain good data backups in case recovery becomes necessary.
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Delay applying updates for some weeks until major bugs are ironed out in patches.
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Research reported update issues online before installing.
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Use metered connections to receive updates more gradually rather than all at once.
With vigilance and care, Windows 10 upgrades can proceed more smoothly. But should the worst happen, at least you now have a toolkit to dismantle the problem and get back online.
Let us know if you have any other tips for rescuing internet access post-update! Networking can be complex, but together we can conquer configuration gremlins. Onward to more harmonious computing!
References
- https://pureinfotech.com/fix-wifi-problems-windows-10-20h2/
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows-9424a1f7-6a3b-65a6-4d78-7f07eee84d2c
How do I get help with Windows 10 version 20h2?
Find information on recently resolved issues for Windows 10, version 20H2. To find a specific issue, use the search function on your browser (CTRL + F for Microsoft Edge). For immediate help with Windows update issues, use Get Help in Windows or go to support.microsoft.com. Follow @WindowsUpdate on Twitter for Windows release health updates.
