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Fix: ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY 54 (0x36)
Reinstalling or updating the network driver works for most
4 min. read
Updated onNovember 5, 2024
updated onNovember 5, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
TheERROR_NETWORK_BUSYsystem error, with code54 (0x36), is encountered when performing network-intensive tasks, such as downloading an app fromMicrosoft Store. The error message reads,The network is busy.
Common causes forError Network Busy54 (0x36)include issues with the network adapter, a malfunctioning driver, corrupt system files, misconfigured network settings, and malware infection.
Before you move to troubleshooting, install all pending Windows updates, switch to another network (preferably a mobile hotspot), and reconnect the network adapter if using an external one!
How can I fix ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY (The network is busy)?
1. Re-enable the network adapter
2. Reinstall the network adapter driver
3. Update the network adapter driver
Whileupdating the network adapter’s driver, if Windows tells you that the best drivers are already installed, head to the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest version, and thenmanually install the driver.
4. Repair the corrupt system files
If you are also facing other problems with the PC, includingslow performance, it could be thecorrupted system filesto blame. To fix this, simply run the SFC(System File Checker)andDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)scans to replace all such files with their cached copies.
4. Reset the network settings
6. Scan the PC for malware
If Windows Security can’t detect any threats triggeringERROR_NETWORK_BUSY, I recommend using atop-rated antivirus solutionto run deeper scans across all drives on the hard disk.
7. Reinstall Windows
When nothing else works, the last option is toreinstall Windows. Although, for most of you, it shouldn’t come down to that!
To reinstall Windows 11, connect a USB flash drive to another PC > go toMicrosoft’s official website> download theMedia Creation Tool> use it tocreate a bootable USB drive> plug the flash drive into the affected PC >change the boot orderto the bootable Windows USB > follow the on-screen setup instructions to complete the installation.
SinceERROR_NETWORK_BUSYis a network-related issue, you know that the fault usually lies with the adapter or its driver. However, if there are multiple adapters,check the Windows errors logto identify the malfunctioning one, and then proceed with the troubleshooting!
We have covered a similar issue in our latestError_Path_Busy 148 (0x94)article, so go ahead and check it out for more information. We also have an article dedicated toError_Busy, so don’t miss it.
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:event log viewers,Fix network issues,System Errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
