Fix: “The group or resource is not in the correct state” Error on Windows?

The error often appears when the users try to launch UWP (Universal Windows Platform) applications that can be installed from the Microsoft Store. It popups with no further detail except “The group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation.”

Although there could be many reasons behind this error, we have mentioned some of the main ones below:-

• Corrupted System Files- The corruption of any Windows file can trigger this error. System crashes, defective programs, and malware are the main reason behind any corrupted file.
• Outdated and Disabled Network Adapters- Outdated drivers and disabled hidden adapters can cause this issue. You may need to enable them because they play a significant role in running UWP applications.
• Conflicting Programs- The conflict between any UWP applications and Microsoft services has the potential to trigger this issue. If some Microsoft services are clashing with the UWP applications, you may encounter this error.
• Wrong Windows Installation- Several users have reported having this error right after the installation of Windows OS. So there is a good possibility that the improper Windows installation is causing this issue.

1. Run System File Checker and DISM Commands

System File Checker is a process to restore corrupted files. The utility scans your computer and restores the files that get corrupted. On the other hand, DISM commands have a DLL package to repair Windows Images along with the files. Typically most errors from Windows can be efficiently resolved by running the repair commands as an administrator. Below are the steps that will guide you to run system commands:-

1. To run the system commands, type Command Prompt and open it as administrator by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys

   

2. Click Yes when the UAC asks for permissions
3. Once the terminal is opened, insert the below commands one by one to repair Windows files

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   sfc /scannow

   

4. Once done, try to open the problematic application and check if the error is fixed.

2. Update Network Adapters/Drivers

As per our research, the error most likely occurs due to the outdated drivers, as most UWP applications require an updated network driver. So if the network drivers are not up to date, try updating the drivers because this may fix the Error: The group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation.

1. To update the network driver, right-click the Start-Menu and select Device Manager

   

2. Once the page loads up, right-click on your network adapter and select Update Driver
   

   

3. Click Search Automatically For Drivers and install it
4. If you received the message, The Best Drivers For Your Device Are Already Installed, uninstall the current driver and restart your computer
5. Once done, check if the error persists. If it is, then proceed to the next solution.

3. Enable Hidden Network Adapters

It has been observed that disabled hidden network adapters are causing this issue. You have to enable them as it aids in fixing the error.

1. To enable the hidden adapters, press the Windows + R keys at the same time
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter
   

   

3. Click on the View from the top and click Show Hidden Devices
   

   

4. Now under network adapters, right-click Microsoft Kernal Debug Network Adapter
5. Click Enable, if it is disabled

   

6. Once done, open the application causing error and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Restart TCP/IP Net Bios Helper

TCP/IP Net Bios Helper is a service that allows communicating with each other over a TCP network. By default, the service is enabled, but if the service gets disabled, you may experience this error. To prevent this, restart the service by following the below steps:-

1. Open Run Program by pressing the Windows + R keys
2. Type services.msc and press Enter
   

   

3. Once the services page is opened, find and right-click TCP/IP Net Bios Helper
   
4. Click Properties and change startup type from Manual to Automatic
   

   

5. Once done, click on Stop then click Start to restart the service

   

6. Now restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

The conflict between services and applications might lead you to this issue. To find which service and application are causing the error, you have to perform a clean boot, a troubleshooting technique that allows users to start Windows with the minimum services and drivers. Suppose you encounter this error after performing a clean boot. In that case, there is no third party or even Microsoft service causing the error, or else you have to enable the services half at a time to find the problematic program.

1. To perform a clean boot, click the Start Menu and type MSConfig
   

   

2. Click on the first option that should take you to the system configuration Window
3. Now click the Selective Startup and go to the Services tab from the top

   

4. Check the option named Hide All Microsoft Services, then click Disable All
5. Once done, click Apply then click OK and restart your computer to see if the error persists.

   

6. Run Programs Troubleshooters

If the issue is not resolved, we recommend you run in-built troubleshooters to identify and fix the problem.

1. To do that, click Start Menu and type Settings
   

   

2. Navigate to the System and scroll down to the bottom, select Troubleshoot. In Windows 10, go to Update & Security, and click Troubleshoot.

   

3. Click Other Troubleshoot. In Windows 10 it should be Additional Troubleshoot
4. Now run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
   

   

5. Once done, this should fix Error: The group or resource is not in the correct state to perform the requested operation.

7. Revert to Previous Restore Point

If none of the methods have worked, we recommend you to go back to the previous restore point. This method requires a restore point. If you did not create any restore point in the past, you may proceed to the next method.

1. To do a system restore, type rstrui in the Search Menu and press Enter
   

   

2. Now open System Restore and click Next
   

   

3. Select the recently created restore point and click Next
   

   

4. Then, click Finish. Once done check if the issue is fixed. 

8. Reinstall or Reset Windows

If all else fails, you may need to reinstall or reset Windows OS, which will fix this issue. There can be a chance of incorrect Windows installation. Fortunately, we have a complete guide article on How to Install Windows. You must read those articles if you don’t know adequately about the installation of the operating system.

1. To reset Windows, type Reset This PC in the search menu and open it

   

2. Click Reset PC and select keep My Files
   

   

3. Now pick the Local Reinstall option

   

4. Then, finally, click Reset
5. Once you reset, check if the issue is resolved.
6. If this method does not work, then go for the clean installation of Windows.