Can't access some websites under Bootcamp

[theDanielJLewis]

I'm having a really weird issue with Windows 10 under Bootcamp. In short, I can't access some websites. For example, www.planetside2.com or even my router's web interface.

The PlanetSide website gives a connection timeout error while the router site keeps loading after authentication without displaying anything on the screen.

This happens only in Windows 10 on my 2020 iMac 5K running Big Sur and all the latest updates on everything. I even deleted my Boot Camp and started over completely with a fresh installation and the problem is still there!

All the other devices in my home can access PlanetSide2.com without problems.

But here's where it gets weirder. When I run the very same Windows Boot Camp instance through macOS via Parallels Desktop 16, then Windows can visit the website without any problem!

I've tried different browsers. I've tried a "clean boot." I've tried disabling all firewall settings in Windows. I've tried setting my network to Private. I've tried resetting Winsock. I've released and renewed my IP. I've reset the network settings. I've updated Windows and macOS. I've confirmed Windows is properly activated.

The only other thing that worked (at least for visiting the website, but not for launching the game) was to use Brave Browser's built-in Tor VPN.

But no matter what else I do, I can't access planetside2.com through any browser when I'm booted into Windows 10.

I might be able to try Windows 10 via Bootcamp on another Mac.

But when even a clean installation can fix the problem, I don't know what can!

Any other suggestions for how to fix this?

 

[IowaLynn]

Tell me what router you use, and tried on Ethernet? Which v. Windows - Home, Pro / OEM or retail?

 

[theDanielJLewis]

Thanks for the response!

I use an Asus (labeled as T-Mobile) TM-AC1900.

My iMac is already on Ethernet, but I could try wifi instead.

I'm running Windows 10 Home. I'm assuming it's retail because I installed from the official ISO and used my Windows 7 Home key to activate the upgrade.

I was also using OpenDNS and UPNP on my router, but I disabled both of those and it made no difference. I rebooted my router, too.

 

[IowaLynn]

Not supported, no firmware upgrade, long in the tooth sortof.
How to flash upgrade firmware, though I'd shop for WIFI 6+ router today.

How to config ASUS RT-AC68U to use AiMesh

T-Mobile router TM AC-1900 is a cheap alternative of Asus RT-AC68U. but it is not supported by Asus. To use latest Asus AiMesh, need to…

moreless.medium.com

RT-AC1900 - Support

www.asus.com

I avoid routers from ISPs and opt to upgrade more often, firmware support & security.
Also avoid included security programs your ISP may install.

WIFI is less secure than ethernet and when making changes.

 

[theDanielJLewis]

Yeah, I know it's older, but since I'm wired in, I really don't need much more.

But I suspect the problem is not with the router since I can access the website in macOS, on other devices, and even in the same Windows installation accessed through Parallels.

It's like there's something, maybe driver-related, that affects what websites I can visit only when I'm in Windows via Boot Camp.

 

[BrianBaughn]

What are the DNS settings for the Windows Bootcamp system?

 

[IowaLynn]

I've had issues where devices and Windows were having trouble. Rebooting router, losing connections, slow, Android vs iOS etc. ALL USSUES went away wgen i installed latest AX45 WI-FI 6 unit. Especially had trouble pointing to firmware. And yours is old. $0.02¢

 

[theDanielJLewis]

FIXED!

Thanks to Brian's suggestion, I thought to try forcing some local DNS changes, like CloudFlare, OpenDNS, etc. Although changing to those didn't fix the issue, and it looked like everything was on automatic before trying other DNS addresses. When those didn't work, I switched back to automatic DNS and suddenly the pages started working again!

So it seems there's a DNS configuration bug in the Boot Camp setup for this iMac. When I set up Boot Camp on my mid-2014 MBP, I didn't have any of these DNS issues.

Thank you for helping me figure this out!