5 Ways to Fix the Failed-to-Connect-to-Server Minecraft Error on Windows PCs

The failed-to-connect error is one of the most widely reported Minecraft issues. Players who need to fix that error see a “Failed to connect to the server” message appear when they try to join a multiplayer server. Players also see a “Can’t connect to server” message in the multiplayer server list. Consequently, players can’t play the game because Minecraft doesn’t connect to the server. Here are some ways you can fix the failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft error on Windows PCs.

Read also: 5 Ways to Fix the Minecraft Exit Code 1 Error on a Windows PC

Flush the DNS and Reset Winsock

The failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft error often occurs because of network glitches. Players can resolve such glitches to fix this issue by executing commands for flushing the DNS cache and resetting the Winsock catalog. You can execute those commands like this.

1. To access the file finder tool, press the Windows logo + S key combination.
2. Type in Command Prompt to find the app of that name.
3. Right-click Command Prompt and select the option for running that app as an administrator.
4. Input these separate network commands for flushing the DNS, renewing the IP address, and resetting Winsock, pressing Enter after each:
   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   netsch winsock reset
   
   

   The Winsock reset command

5. Restart Windows after executing those commands.

Set an Alternative DNS Server

Setting an alternative DNS server is a resolution some players confirm can fix the failed-to-connect-to-serve Minecraft issue. Your PC’s default ISP Domain Name System server can cause gaming connection issues if it’s not entirely unreliable. Try changing your PC’s DNS server like this.

1. Open Run with the Windows logo + R key combination for accessing that accessory.
2. Enter ncpa.cpl into Run’s command box and hit Enter to access Network Connections.
3. Click your internet connection adapter with the right mouse button to select Properties.
4. Next, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4.
5. Select the radio button for the Use the following DNS server addresses option.
6. Enter the 8.8.8.8 Google DNS address into the Preferred DNS box.
7. Input 8.8.4.4 inside the Preferred DNS box.
   
   

   The Use the following DNS server addresses option

8. Click the Validate settings upon exit checkbox.
9. Select OK in the IPv4 window to finish.

Hard Reset (or Power Cycle) Your Internet Router

A few users have said they’ve fixed the failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft error by resetting their internet routers. You can reset most routers by pressing a small reset button on them. You might need a pin to firmly press that reset button if it’s very small.

Alternatively, try power cycling a router, which is a little different to hard resetting it. To do that, unplug the router’s power cable for a few minutes and plug it back in again. Wait about five minutes for all the router’s lights to go on.

Try Directly Connecting to the Server

Some players confirm directly connecting to servers has enabled them to bypass the failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft issue. To do this, select the server in Minecraft’s Play Multiplayer server list and click Direct Connection. You will then need to input the IP address of the server you’re trying to connect with and click Join Server. Ask the player hosting the server to provide the required IP address info.

The Server Address box

Sometimes, the failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft issue can even arise for local servers. Try using the localhost address if you’re the host. To do this, input localhost in the Server Address box and click Join Server.

Temporarily Turn Off the Windows Firewall

Windows Defender Firewall can cause Minecraft connection issues by blocking the game’s outgoing connectivity. Temporarily turn that firewall off before starting Minecraft to ensure it’s not causing any issues. This Microsoft guide page tells you how Windows 11/10 users can disable that firewall.

The Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options

Other Possible Ways to Fix the Failed-to-Connect-to-Server Minecraft Error

The possible solutions above are more likely resolutions for the failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft error. However, you can also try applying these additional potential fixes for that issue if necessary:

• Disable background apps with high network usage with the Task Manager tool.
• Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
• Turn off a VPN connection before playing Minecraft if you have one.
• Update the network adapter driver on your PC. You can do this quicker by utilizing a third-party driver updater tool that identifies outmoded device drivers.

The resolutions for the failed-to-connect-to-server Minecraft error are confirmed to work by players who’ve needed to resolve that issue. So, they’re worth a try but aren’t necessarily guaranteed to resolve that connection error in all cases. If that connection error persists, consider contacting the support service for the game from this Minecraft Help Center webpage.