5 Ways to Fix the GTA V “Rockstar Game Services are Unavailable” Error on Windows PCs

Countless players have reported the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error arises when they try to play Grand Theft Auto V or GTA Online. The full error message says, “The Rockstar game services are unavailable right now. Please try again later.” That is a message some Grand Theft Auto players see when attempting to access the Rockstar online client. It is a gaming issue that can occur for PC and console versions of the game. This is how you can fix the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error on a Windows 11/10 PC.

Read also: 8 Ways to Fix Grand Theft Auto V Not Launching on a Windows PC

Execute Flush DNS and Network Winsock Reset Commands

Executing commands for flushing the DNS cache and resetting Winsock might resolve network issues causing the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error on your PC. You can execute those commands as follows.

1. Press the Windows logo + S buttons on your keyboard to trigger the search bar.
2. Input Command Prompt to find the app that matches the search phrase.
3. Click Command Prompt’s Run as administrator option to start that app with elevated privileges.
4. Input ipconfig /flushdns and press Return to flush the DNS.
   
   

   The ipconfig /flushdns command

5. Enter netsh Winsock reset and hit Return.
   
   

   The netsh Winsock reset command

6. Exit the Command Prompt to restart your PC.

Change Your DNS Server Settings

Many GTA V players confirm changing DNS servers can fix the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error on PCs and consoles. Cloudflare and Google are two recommended DNS servers. These are the steps for setting a Google DNS on Windows PCs.

1. Right-click the Start taskbar icon and select Run on the secondary shortcut menu.
2. Next, enter the ncpa.cpl text for opening Network Connections into Run and press OK.
3. Right-click the adapter for your internet to select a Properties context menu option.
4. Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 setting to access a DNS configuration window.
5. Click Use the following DNS server addresses to activate those configuration options.
6. Enter the Google DNS 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server box.
   
   

   The Use the following DNS server addresses option

7. Input 8.8.4.4 in the value box for the Alternative DNS server box.
8. Select OK on the properties windows to apply the DNS settings.

Reset Your PC’s Internet Router

Sometimes the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error can be caused by a misconfigured router. Resetting a router will likely address that potential cause. Note you’ll need to reconnect to your internet on your PC (and other devices) after resetting the router.

To reset a router, first shut down your PC. Press the small reset button on the back of the router with a pin if necessary for about five seconds. Restart your PC and reconnect to your internet.

Temporarily Disable Firewalls and Antivirus Shields

A firewall can block apps like the Rockstar client from establishing connections. So, try disabling firewalls on your PCs before starting GTA V. You can disable the Windows firewall by following the instructions on this Microsoft help page. Also, turn off any third-party firewall alternative on your PC.

The Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option

Aside from that, disable antivirus shields temporarily before starting Grand Theft Auto V. Doing this will ensure they aren’t flagging the game in any way. To disable a third-party antivirus tool, you’ll need to right-click its system tray icon and select a context menu option for turning off its shield. Select to turn it off for about an hour or two if you can.

Utilize a VPN Connection

Utilizing VPNs, which change IPs, is a confirmed way to fix the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error. So, consider installing and utilizing free VPN software to set up a VPN connection for playing Grand Theft Auto V. Proton VPN, TunnelBear, and Windscribe are good freely available VPNs worth considering.

The Proton VPN software page

Other Possible Ways to Fix the “Rockstar Game Services are Unavailable” Error

Still can’t play GTA V online? If not, try applying these additional resolutions for the “Rockstar games services are unavailable” error:

• Reinstall Grand Theft Auto V or GTA Online.
• Check if there’s a general server outage from this Rockstar page. If so, wait until the Rockstar server-side issue is sorted.
• Disable the proxy server on your PC if enabled.

Applying the resolutions above will likely fix the “Rockstar game services are unavailable” error on most players’ Windows PCs. Some might also resolve that error on consoles, but most of the instructions above are only applicable to Windows PC users. You can also send a ticket to GTA V support service for further potential solutions from this Rockstar help page.