5 Ways to Fix the Valorant Timeout Error on a Windows PC

5 Ways to Fix the Valorant Timeout Error on a Windows PC

Valorant is an exciting multiplayer shoot ‘em for Windows PCs. However, some players report they can’t play that game because of the Valorant Timeout error, which has a message that says, “Something unusual has happened and it is taking longer than expected to load.” Players report the Timeout error arises when they try to launch Valorant, but it can also occur during matches.

The good news is that there are confirmed resolutions for fixing Valorant’s Timeout error. This error can arise because of internet connection issues or security app conflicts. These are five more widely confirmed methods for fixing the Valorant Timeout error on a Windows 11/10 PC.

Run Valorant With Fullscreen Optimization Disabled

Fullscreen optimization is a Windows feature enabled by default that’s supposed to optimize games run in fullscreen mode. However, this feature doesn’t always work properly, and some Valorant players have confirmed disabling fullscreen optimization can fix the Timeout error. So, try disabling fullscreen optimization like this:

1. First, right-click the Valorant shortcut with which you launch the game from the Windows desktop and select Properties. Alternatively, open the game’s installation folder and right-click the Valorant EXE (application) file to select the same Properties option.
2. Click Compatibility to access the required settings.
3. Select the Disable fullscreen optimizations checkbox.
   
   

   The Disable fullscreen optimizations checkbox

4. Next, select Run this program as an administrator.
5. Select Apply and OK to set the compatibility options you’ve selected for Valorant.

Change Your DNS Server

Many players say they’ve fixed the Valorant Timeout error by changing their PCs’ DNS settings. Google DNS is the recommended alternative Domain Name System to switch to for resolving this error. You can set a Google DNS within Windows 11/10 like this:

1. To access the Run dialog, hold the Windows logo key and press R simultaneously.
2. Enter a ncpa.cpl command in Run and click OK.
3. Right-click your internet connection shown in the Network Connection applet to select Properties.
   
   

   The Network Connections Control Panel applet

4. Next, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 to select it and press the Properties button.
5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses to activate the DNS server boxes.
6. Enter 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS box.
7. Input 8.8.4.4 inside the Alternative DNS box.
   
   

   The Internet Protocol Version 4 window

8. Press OK to save settings and exit the Internet Protocol Version 4 window.

Execute Commands for Resetting DNS Cache and Winsock Catalog

1. Find the Command Prompt app by pressing the Windows logo key + S and entering cmd within the search box.
2. Click Run as administrator for the Command Prompt app the search tool finds.
3. Input ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
   
   

   The ipconfig /flushdns command

4. Then enter the netsch winsock reset command and press the Return keyboard key.
   
   

   The netsch winsock reset command

Disable Microsoft Defender

1. Click the Windows Security icon inside the system tray area of the taskbar.
2. Next, click Virus & threat protection > Manage settings to reach a Real-time protection option.
   
   

   The Manage settings navigation option

3. Turn off the Real-time protection setting to disable Microsoft Defender.
   
   

   The Real-time protection option

4. Launch Valorant with Microsoft Defender turned off.

I don’t recommend leaving the Microsoft Defender real-time protection off if this potential fix works. Turn the Real-time protection option back on when you aren’t playing Valorant.

Alternatively, try adding Valorant to Windows Security’s antivirus exclusion list. You can do that by clicking Add or remove exclusions under the Real-time protection option and pressing the Add an exclusion button. Click Folder and select to add the Valorant installation directory to the exclusion list.

Disable the Windows Firewall

The Windows firewall is a security component for filtering network traffic. That firewall can be a barrier for Valorant to connect to the necessary server if the game is not allowed through it. Try disabling that firewall before launching Valorant as follows:

1. To find the firewall applet, open the search box and input the keyword phrase Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click the Windows Defender Firewall Control Panel applet found by the search tool.
3. Next, select the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off navigation option on the left side of the Control Panel applet.
   
   

   The Windows Defender Firewall Control Panel applet

4. Click both the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options to select them and press OK.
   

   The Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options

5. Run Valorant to see if the Timeout error occurs again.

Again, I don’t advise that you permanently leave the Windows firewall disabled if this potential resolution does resolve the Valorant Timeout error. Turn the firewall back on after you’ve finished playing Valorant.

I hope those potential resolutions help you fix the Valorant Timeout error. If they’re not enough though, consider sending a support ticket about this game issue to the Riot Games support service. You can do so by signing into the Riot Games Valorant site and clicking the Submit a Ticket button on this webpage.