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220-1102 Practice Question: A user calls the help desk because their Windows…
A user calls the help desk because their Windows 10 laptop will not connect to any Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi adapter is enabled in Device Manager and shows no errors, but the network list is empty. Other devices connect fine. Which command should be run first to reset the network stack?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between resetting the network stack (Winsock) versus restarting a service or refreshing an IP lease, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose 'ipconfig /renew' because they think the issue is DHCP-related, when the empty network list indicates a lower-level Winsock corruption.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run 'netsh winsock reset' from an elevated Command Prompt.
The 'netsh winsock reset' command is the correct first step because it resets the Winsock catalog, which manages network I/O and API calls. When the Wi-Fi adapter shows no errors but the network list is empty, the issue is often a corrupted Winsock configuration rather than a driver or service failure. This command restores the Winsock stack to a clean state without requiring a reboot, making it the most direct fix for this specific symptom.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run 'ipconfig /release' followed by 'ipconfig /renew'.
Why it's wrong here
The 'ipconfig /release' and 'ipconfig /renew' commands are used to obtain a new IP address from a DHCP server. While essential for resolving IP address conflicts or connectivity issues related to network configuration at the IP layer, these commands operate at the network layer (Layer 3) and do not address corruption within the Windows Sockets (Winsock) catalog. Winsock corruption, which affects how applications access network services, prevents the operating system from properly enumerating available networks, rendering IP renewal ineffective for this specific problem.
- ✓
Run 'netsh winsock reset' from an elevated Command Prompt.
Why this is correct
The 'netsh winsock reset' command is the appropriate solution because it rebuilds the Winsock catalog, which is a critical component of the Windows network stack. Winsock provides a standard interface for Windows applications to interact with network protocols, and corruption within this catalog can prevent the system from properly detecting and displaying available networks. By resetting Winsock, the command effectively restores the network communication interface to its default, functional state, allowing networks to be visible again.
- ✗
Run 'sfc /scannow' to check system files.
Why it's wrong here
The 'sfc /scannow' command (System File Checker) is designed to scan for and repair corrupted or missing protected Windows system files. While crucial for maintaining operating system integrity and resolving issues stemming from damaged core files, it primarily focuses on file-level corruption. This utility does not specifically target or repair logical corruption within the network stack's configuration or the Winsock catalog, which is a database of network service providers, making it ineffective for an "empty network list" problem.
- ✗
Run 'net start wlansvc' to start the WLAN AutoConfig service.
Why it's wrong here
The 'net start wlansvc' command attempts to start the WLAN AutoConfig service, which is responsible for managing wireless network connections and profiles. While this service is essential for wireless functionality, merely starting it will not resolve underlying corruption within the Winsock catalog. If Winsock is corrupted, the system cannot properly utilize the WLAN AutoConfig service to enumerate networks, even if the service itself is running or successfully started. This command addresses service state, not network stack integrity.
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Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.