5 Ways to Fix the Winsock Error With Code 10051

Winsock 10051 errors are a type of error code that usually appears when trying to connect to the internet using the Windows Socket Interface (Winsock). This error indicates that the remote server refuses the connection.

This guide explains five ways to fix the error code to get your connection back up and running. We’ll cover how to perform several troubleshooting operations. Additionally, we will discuss some causes of this error and other similar errors.

What is the Winsock error with code 10051?

The computer attempting the connection experiences a Winsock error with code 10051 because the router or modem has a problem. This issue can result in the other network being unreachable.

The reasons you may experience this error can range from one cause to another, and they include:

• Insufficient buffer space: The 10051 Winsock error code occurs when the computer does not have sufficient buffer space to process the request.
•  Server or Domain is Down: Winsock error code 10051 can stem from a server or domain that is down. It may be down for maintenance or due to a failure.
•  Network congestion: The cause of the 10051 Winsock error code can be network congestion when too many packets of data go through the network.
•  Firewall Block: Winsock error code 10051 can indicate that a firewall is blocking the connection.
•  Connection failure: The 10051 Winsock error code can occur due to a connection failure between two or more applications attempting to communicate across a network.
•  Timeout: The cause of the error code can also be a timeout when a packet of data fails to reach its destination within the time limit set by the system.
•  Unreachable Network: Winsock error code 10051 indicates that the targeted network is unreachable.

How do I fix the Winsock error 10051

Before trying the solutions, try these prefixes first:

• Restart your computer: Restarting the computer refreshes the Winsock API connection, clearing out any old settings or corrupted data that may be causing the error. It will also refresh other services like DNS and DHCP, which can help to ensure secure and reliable network connections.
•  Scan your computer for malware and viruses: The main benefit of using SFC is that it can fix the Winsock likely caused by a corrupted file resulting from malware or virus activity. Open your Command Prompt as an admin, enter sfc /scannow, then click Enter and wait for the process to complete.
•  Run the Windows Network Diagnostics tool: The tool can detect a range of common network-related problems, including problems with DNS configuration, IP or routing conflicts, misconfigured firewalls, or incorrect settings on your network cards and adapters.
•  Disable VPN: Disable any VPNs or proxies you might be using.
•  Check Firewall: Check your firewall settings and ensure that Windows is allowed to access the network.
•  Download latest service packs: Download and install the latest Windows service packs.

1. Reset TCP/IP Network Stack Manually

1. Press the Windows + S keys together to initiate Search and enter cmd.
2. Then, on the result, click on Run as administrator to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   
3. When the UAC prompt opens, click Yes to continue.
4. When the Command Prompt opens, enter the following command and tap Enter to run. The command will rewrite two registry keys that TCP/IP requires to function correctly:
   netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt
   
5. Finally, restart your PC.

2. Use netsh to reset Winsock

1. Press the Windows + S keys together to initiate Search and enter cmd.
2. Then, on the result, click on Run as administrator to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   
3. When the UAC prompt opens, click Yes to continue.
4. When the Command Prompt opens, enter the following command to see the LSPs (Layered Service Providers) that the reset would affect and tap Enter to run:
   netsh winsock show catalog
   
5. After that, enter the following command to initiate the reset:
   netsh winsock reset catalog
   Note that this will remove all Winsock LSPs.
   
6. Also note that after running this command, you may need to re-install some programs that previously had LSPs.
7. Finally, restart your PC.

3. Reset Network settings

1. Press the Windows and I keys to open the Settings menu.
   
2. Then, select the Network & internet tab on the left pane.
   
3. After that, click on the Advanced network settings option.
4. Under More settings, click on the Network reset option.
   
5. Then, click the Reset now button next to Network reset and select the Yes response in the confirmation window when it comes up.
   
6. Finally, restart your PC.

4. Update Network adapter

1. Firstly, simultaneously press the Windows and X keys to open the Quick Link menu.
   
2. Secondly, click Device Manager or press M to launch the tool.
   
3. Now click the arrow on the left of Network adapters to expand it.
   
4. Then right-click on your Wi-Fi driver and select the Update driver option.
   
5. Once the next screen opens, choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
6. Wait for the process to complete.
7. Finally, restart your PC.

5. Modify adapter setting

1. Press the Windows and I keys to open the Settings menu.
   
2. Then, select the Network & internet tab on the left pane.
   
3. After that, click on the Advanced network settings option.
4. Click More network adapter options under Related settings.
   
5. Then, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties from the options.
   
6. When the Properties window opens, click on the Sharing tab.
   
7. Under Internet Connection Sharing, tick the checkbox close to Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
   
8. Finally, click on the OK button to save the changes made.

What are some common Winsock error?

Some other common Winsock errors may include:

• Winsock error 10014: A call to a Winsock function with an invalid pointer or structure causes this error.
•  Winsock error 10022: A socket will cause this error when attempting an invalid operation. An instance of this is trying to perform a specified function when the socket is not in an allowed state.
•  Winsock error 10038: Attempting a socket operation on a socket that is not open or not created, or calling an operation with an invalid argument, will cause this error.
•  Winsock Error 996: The application has tried to determine an uncompleted operation’s status, and the overlapped I/O event object is not signaled.
•  Winsock error 10013: Access to the socket was forbidden because broadcast permission was not set using setsockopt(SO_BROADCAST).
•  Winsock error 10024: Too many open files.
•  Winsock error 10041: Specified a protocol that does not support the semantics of the requested socket type. For example, SOCK_STREAM cannot accept the ARPA Internet UDP protocol.

To conclude, the Winsock error with code 10051 is an error that can be a result of a software or hardware issue, and it can be quite a problem. However, following the steps in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the problem successfully.

The Winsock error with code 10051 can be quickly addressed and corrected with some troubleshooting. If you need further help after trying all these fixes, do not hesitate to contact Microsoft support for guidance.