Windows 10 updates tend to break things, and the most recent Window 10 version 2004 update is no exception. According to numerous forum posts, the latest irksome bug prevents Windows 10 apps from accessing the internet even when the PC is successfully connected and your web browser is working just fine.

Microsoft acknowledged this bug in a support forum thread and says it stems from an issue with Windows 10’s Network Connectivity Status Indicator. The company is investigating and will patch the problem it once a solution is engineered, but some users have already found a reliable workaround that should restore network connection for your apps in the meantime.

How to fix the Windows 10 version 2004 network connectivity bug

1. Search for “Registry Editor” using the search bar in the Windows taskbar
2. Open Registry Editor from the search results and click “Yes” when prompted to let the app make changes.
3. In the Registry Editor app, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet
4. Right-click “EnableActiveProbing” and select Modify.
5. Change the “Value data” from 0 to 1.
6. Click “OK” to close the window and save your edits.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

With luck, your apps will be able to connect to the internet again once you reboot your PC. If they don’t, double-check you input that registry fix properly. If you’re still out of luck, you might have to seek out a different solution or wait for Microsoft’s patch. If you happen to have encounter another fix or discovered your own

Source | Lifehacker.com By Brendan Hesse