When you try to ping a website, IP address, or network place using Command Prompt in Windows 11 or 10, you might see this error: “PING: transmit failed. General failure“. This usually means there’s a hiccup with sending out ping requests, which are meant to check if your computer can talk to another address on the network.
Even though you get this error, it doesn’t mean your internet is completely down. You might still be able to surf the web and use other online stuff just fine.
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What does “PING: transmit failed. General failure” mean?
The “PING: transmit failed. General failure” error tells us there’s trouble in sending network requests with the ping command. This command checks if your computer can reach and talk to another network address. The error hints at some snags in your network setup or maybe some issues with the hardware or software.
Pro tip: How to Ping IPv6 Address in Windows 11
Network adapter issues
One big reason for the “PING: transmit failed. General failure” error could be your computer’s network adapter. It might be turned off, not working right, or having driver problems.
Make sure your network adapter is on and try updating its drivers. You can find driver updates in your device manager or on the manufacturer’s website. This can help fix communication issues over your network.
Also see: Ping IPv4 Address Instead of IPv6 in Windows 11/10 CMD
Incorrect IP configuration
Another reason for the error might be wrong IP settings on your device. If your IP configuration is off, it can cause problems talking over the network. To fix this, you can reset your IP settings using Command Prompt. Try running ipconfig /release and then ipconfig /renew, and don’t forget to restart your computer to see the changes.
ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registerdns netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset
Also, make sure there are no wrong static IP settings messing with your network. It’s important to have your computer’s IP settings match your network’s needs.
Related resource: How to Check IP Address in Windows 11
Firewall or antivirus interference
Firewalls and antivirus programs are great for safety, but sometimes they get in the way of network traffic, including ping requests. If you think they might be causing the “PING: transmit failed. General failure” error, try turning them off for a bit and ping again.
If disabling them fixes the ping, you’ll need to tweak their settings to let ping requests through. But remember to turn your security back on after checking!
Useful guide: How to Find the IP Address of a Website in Windows 10 / 11
Network cable or router issues
If you’re using a wired connection, a bad network cable or router troubles can cause the error. Check if your cable is plugged in tight and not broken.
For Wi-Fi, a router hiccup might be the problem. Turning the router off and on again can sometimes fix these glitches, refreshing your network.
Linked issue: Windows 11 Can’t Connect to Ethernet but WiFi Works
Routing and ISP factors
Routing issues, which are often out of your hands, can also lead to this error. These problems might happen in the bigger internet setup or with your ISP. Plus, some ISPs block the kind of traffic needed for ping to work. If you’re stuck here, talking to your ISP or looking into your network paths might help figure things out.
Check the hosts file in Windows
The hosts file is a key part of network settings in Windows. It links hostnames to IP addresses. If something’s wrong with this file, like bad entries or it’s just messed up, you might run into network problems including our “PING: transmit failed. General failure” error.
Make sure the hosts file doesn’t have any wrong info and matches what you need for your network.
Linked issue: Access Denied When Editing Hosts File in Windows 11/10
ICMP protocol and ping functionality
The ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is what lets the ping command do its thing, sending “echo requests” and waiting for replies. If ICMP isn’t working right, because it’s turned off or blocked (maybe by a firewall or network rules), then ping won’t work.
- Check your firewall (either Windows Firewall or another one) and make sure ICMP isn’t blocked. In Windows Firewall, you can let these requests through in the advanced settings.
- Log into your router and see if ICMP is blocked there. Some routers let you turn ICMP on or off.
- If you’re on a big network, like at a school or company, ICMP might be off for security reasons. Talk to the people who run your network.
- Try using Ping or Traceroute to test if ICMP is working. If these commands are okay, then ICMP is probably fine.
- If your router or modem’s software is old, it might mess with ICMP. Look for updates from the manufacturer.
Operating system issues
Sometimes, the “PING: transmit failed. General failure” error is because of something wonky in your operating system. This might be corrupted files or an outdated system. Using the sfc /scannow command in Command Prompt can help find and fix bad files.
Keeping your system updated can also help. In worse cases, you might need to reset or reinstall your system, but try to avoid this to not lose your stuff.
Summing up
The “PING: transmit failed. General failure” error can be a bit tricky. It pops up when trying to ping using CMD in Windows 11 or 10, but it doesn’t mean your whole internet is down. It just means the ping didn’t go through. Fixing this involves checking your network settings, updating things, and maybe changing some firewall rules. Remember, network issues can get complicated, and sometimes you might need a pro to help out.
