Fix “the group or resource is not in the correct state”

by
Windows

The error message, “the group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation” has been affecting a lot of windows 10 users. It mostly occurs while accessing the file explorer, opening UWP application, and setting up WiFi hotspot network using command prompt.

In the latter, the error message usually starts with “the hosted network couldn’t be started”.

How to fix the issue

There are several ways to fix this issue and get your PC working.

  1. System file checker scan
  2. Use the system’s troubleshooters
  3. Reset/reinstall windows or the affected app

Resource

However, before you use any of the methods, try and restore your system settings. This will undo any modifications which might be causing the error.

  • Open the Run dialog box by clicking the Win + R keys
  • Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter
  • Go to the system protection tab and press the System Restore Button
  • You will then select your preferred system restore point
  • Follow the rest of the instructions, and once it is done, restart your computer
  • If the error hasn’t been fixed you can proceed with the other options

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1. System File Checker Scan and DISM

System file checker scan is a built-in command utility that restores corrupted and missing files in your PC. It could help solve the error.

  • Search for ‘command prompt’ using Windows search or Cortana
  • Right click command prompt and choose Run as Administrator
  • Type in ‘sfc/scannow’ and press Enter
  • Wait for the command to finish then reboot your computer

When it comes to using DISM, open the “command prompt (Admin)” and input the following commands sequentially while executing them;

  • Dism Online/Cleanup-Image/CheckHealth
  • Dism Online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealth
  • Dism/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

Restart your computer once done and check if the error has been fixed.

2. Use the system’s troubleshooter

In this case you will try both the program compatibility troubleshooter and the windows store apps troubleshooter.

  • To get to the two, launch the settings app by pressing WINKEY + I button.
  • Select Update & Security then click Troubleshoot
  • Follow instructions for each of the two troubleshooters

Restart your PC and check if the problem has been solved

3. Reset/reinstall windows or the affected app

Resetting or reinstalling windows and any affected applications is another reliable way of solving the “the group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation” error.

  • Open settings
  • Select Update & Security
  • Press Recovery
  • You will be presented with the option to Reset your PC
  • Select “Get Started”
  • Follow the rest of the instructions on the screen
  • Be sure to select the “Keep my Files” option to avoid losing any files

In case your settings app is not functioning, follow these steps to reset the PC

  • Click the WIN key or start button on the task bar
  • Click the power button
  • Press and hold the Shift key and click Restart
  • Your computer will restart in the advanced start up options
  • From here you can follow the steps listed above

Fixing “The hosted network couldn’t be started”

Now, if the message reads, “the hosted network couldn’t be started”, then it means Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter isn’t enabled. Most of the times the WiFi driver is either faulty or incompatible.

Solving the issue involves rolling back the WiFi card driver to a previous version, updating to the latest version, or changing certain WiFi settings.

1. Roll back the WiFi card driver to a previous version

  • Click on Windows + X and choose Device Manager
  • Or CTRL + R to open command prompt
  • Type “devmgmt.msc” and press OK
  • Grant Admin privileges if asked to
  • Expand the Network Adapters and double click WiFi Adapter
  • Choose Driver tab and select Roll back driver
  • Follow the rest of the prompts to finish the roll back

Once you’ve done the above, reboot your PC.

2. Updating WiFi drivers

  • Click on Windows + X and choose Device Manager
  • Or CTRL + R to open command prompt
  • Type “devmgmt.msc” and press OK
  • Grant Admin privileges if asked to
  • Expand Network Adapters and note the name of the wireless card
  • Search google or support website of the laptop vendor for the WiFi card and driver
  • Follow the link and download the drivers
  • Install the drivers and reboot your PC

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3. Change WiFi card settings

  • Click on Windows + X and choose Device Manager
  • Or CTRL + R to open command prompt
  • Type “devmgmt.msc” and press OK
  • Grant Admin privileges if asked to
  • Expand the Network Adapters and double click WiFi Adapter
  • Click on Advanced in the Properties windows
  • From the property list, pick HT Mode and change the value to Enabled
  • Click OK

You can now check the hosted working mode by doing the following:

  • Enter the command netsh wlan show drivers in the command prompt
  • If your hostednetwork supported = “yes”, then the “resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation windows 10 Microsoft hosted network error” is fixed.

Hopefully, you are no longer receiving the “group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation” error on your device.