Battle.net is a gaming client many players utilize to start games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Hearthstone, and World of Warcraft. However, the Battle.net launcher software doesn’t always work (start) on some players’ PCs. For example, a Reddit post said this about Blizzard’s gaming client not working, “I have Battle.net as a shortcut on my taskbar, but when I click it it doesn’t open.” Players can’t access their Blizzard game libraries when Battle.net doesn’t start on their PCs. This is how you can fix Battle.net not working on a Windows 11/10 PC.
Set Battle.net to Run With Admin Rights
Some users have said they fixed Battle.net not working by setting that gaming client to run with administrator rights. It’s also recommended to check for and disable any Battle.net background processes before doing so. Try applying this potential solution like this.
- Utilize the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination to bring up Task Manager.
- Right-click any Battle.net processes shown in the Processes tab and click End task.
- Next, right-click your Battle.net Windows desktop shortcut to select Properties.
- Select Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator within the Battle.net properties window.
- To save settings and exit the window, click Apply and OK.
The Run this program as an administrator option
- Double-click your Battle.net desktop shortcut to see if it works.
Disable an Enabled Proxy Server
Disabling the proxy server setting is a potential fix for Battle.net not working users say has worked for them. This is probably because an enabled proxy server can cause connectivity issues for the Battle.net software. You can disable an enabled proxy server on a Windows PC as instructed on this Blizzard help page.
The proxy server option
Run the Secondary Logon Process
Secondary Logon is a service that needs to be enabled and running for the Battle.net software. So, check if that service is disabled and enable it if it is. This is how to enable and start the secondary login process.
- Press the Windows logo + S key combination, input a services search phrase, and select the matching Services result.
- Double-click Secondary Logon in the process window.
- Select Automatic within the Startup drop-down menu for the service if that option is set to Disabled (or even Manual).
- Click Start inside the Secondary Logon Properties window.
- Remember to press Apply.
The Secondary Logon Properties window
- Click OK to exit Secondary Logon Properties.
Delete Battle.net’s Cache Folder
Corrupted cache data is a potential cause for Battle.net not working. You can address this potential cause by clearing the cached data for Battle.net. To do that, try deleting the Battle.net data folder like this.
- To access the Run dialog, hold the Windows key and press R.
- Type %programdata% in Run and click OK.
- Right-click Battle.net and select Delete.
The Battle.net cache folder
Turn Off the Windows Defender Firewall
Windows Defender Firewall can be a barrier to Battle.net’s connectivity if the gaming client isn’t allowed through. So, try disabling WDF before you attempt to start Battle.net to see if that makes any difference. Microsoft’s guide to disabling Windows Defender Firewall tells you how to apply this potential fix.
The Windows Defender Firewall
Do not leave the firewall permanently off, even if this fix works. You can try adding Battle.net to that firewall’s allowed list. This Microsoft webpage provides instructions for adding apps to the allowed list for Windows Defender Firewall. Also, select Public/Private checkboxes for the Battle.net app added.
Perform a Windows 11/10 Clean Boot
Clean booting is a troubleshooting method that disables third-party background apps and services starting with Windows. Clean booting could disable an app or service conflicting with Blizzard’s gaming client. Check out Microsoft’s clean-boot guide for details about how to apply this potential solution.
The System Configuration window for disabling services
Reinstall Battle.net
Some users might need to reinstall Battle.net to get Blizzard’s game client working again. Applying this potential fix will completely refresh all the software’s files and update it. This Blizzard support page includes instructions for reinstalling the Battle.net desktop app on Windows PCs.
The Programs and Features uninstaller tool
The seven troubleshooting methods above will probably fix Battle.net not working on most users’ PCs. Applying those potential resolutions will address the most common causes for Blizzard’s gaming client app not starting. If they’re not enough, try clicking Get support on this Battle.net page to ask Blizzard’s help service for further potential fixes.
