Introduction

If you're a Minecraft enthusiast facing multiplayer issues or server errors on your Windows PC, this article is tailor-made for you. We'll guide you through a comprehensive set of troubleshooting techniques, from assessing server status and network stability to refining VPN settings and refreshing your DNS resolver cache. Moreover, we'll dive into effective modifications in your Task Manager that could boost your Minecraft experience. Join us as we tackle these glitches, step-by-step, to help you get back into your favourite virtual world seamlessly. Let's dive into the pixelated universe of Minecraft troubleshooting!

Minecraft Server Status

Ensure the server you are trying to join is running correctly. To do so, navigate to the Minecraft server status page, where you can verify the server status, player count, and Minecraft version running on the server. Simply enter the server’s IP address and select “Get Server Status”.

Make sure that the server is up and running

Test your Network Connection

If the server is up and running, the issue might be related to your network connection. Make sure to test your connection by visiting Speedtest.net. A normal up- and download speed, without interruption, is essential for a stable gaming experience. Especially your ping should remain below 100ms.

Test your internet connection to the closest server

Disable VPN or Proxy Connection

Account for any VPN service that could be running on your system. Or turn off your VPN while in-game.

Windows Settings > Network & Internet > VPN

Network Improvement Tips

Use an ethernet cable to ensure the best possible connection. If you have to use a Wifi connection, restart your router or modem if you haven't done this in a while, and reduce the number of devices connected to the same network.

End Network Intensive Apps

Next, open up your Task Manager by searching for it in your start menu search. In the Performance tab, open up your Resource Monitor.

Task Manager > Performance > Resource Monitor

In the Network tab, open the Processes with network activity, and after a few seconds, you will see every process using your network connection. This might be your browser running in the background, Steam, or a download bottlenecking your connection. We suggest you only end the processes you know won't break your operating system.

Resource Monitor > Network > Processes with Network Activity

Command Prompt

Ppen up your Command Prompt, by searching for CMD and hitting enter. Use the following commands:

ping google.com

This command will check your latency and packet loss to google's servers. If your ping is higher than 100ms, or if you encounter any packet loss, then you should make a few changes to your connection, and follow the next tweaks.

ipconfig /flushdns

This will flush and reset the content of your DNS resolver cache. Using this command can in some cases fix server-related issues for Minecraft on your PC.

Verify Connection to ISP

If you still have server-related issues, you should verify your connection to your ISP and make sure you are using a decent data plan. You can troubleshoot this step by switching your connection to your hotspot.

Change DNS Server Address

When this is done, we will change your DNS server address in case your network connection still causes the problem. Open up your Control Panel by searching for it in your start menu search. Make sure to View by: Category, and click on Network and Internet.

Click on Network and Sharing Centre, and here select your connection.

This will open up a new window containing general information about your connection. Navigate to Properties, and lastly, double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4.

Select to Use the following DNS server addresses option, and as your Preferred DNS server, use: 8.8.8.8, and as your Alternate DNS server, use: 8.8.4.4. This will for a lot of users fix server errors and other problems for Minecraft, as these are official public DNS server addresses from Google, which are safe to use.

Update Network Adapter Driver

To further troubleshoot network-related problems, we suggest updating your Network Adapter’s driver. To do so, search for Device Manager in your start menu search to open it up. Expand your Network Adapters, right-click the one you are using, and select Update Driver. Click on Search automatically for drivers. This will take a second to download and install the latest Network Adapter driver.

Device Manager > Network Adapters > Update Driver

Windows OS Update

You should also ensure that your Windows 11 version is up to date. Search for Update to open up your Check for Updates system settings window. Your Windows settings will open up. Click on Check for Updates, Download or Install Now, and restart your PC after making all these changes to your OS.

Disable 3rd Party Applications

If you still get a server error or a bad connection, you most likely have software running on your system that hinders you from playing Minecraft.

To fix this, we suggest ending processes in your Task Manager of recently installed programs that can change your files or use up your available resources, such as OBS, Shadowplay, CCleaner or Adobe applications, to troubleshoot which program is causing the issue. You should also make sure that your java version is up to date.

This error usually occurs when the Minecraft server is down or your internet connection is unstable.
This error is usually caused by outdated or incompatible Java versions. To fix it, update your Java to the latest version or uninstall and reinstall it.
This error is caused by running out of available memory for Minecraft to use. To fix it, try allocating more RAM to the game in the launcher settings, or close other programs that may be using up too much memory on your PC.
This error typically occurs when your internet connection is slow or unstable. Try restarting your router or modem, or check if your firewall settings are blocking the game's connection.
You can verify the status of your preferred Minecraft server by visiting the Minecraft server status page. Input the server's IP address and select 'Get Server Status' to see the server status, player count, and the Minecraft version running on the server.
If you're using a VPN, it can sometimes interfere with game connectivity. You might want to consider disabling it while playing Minecraft. If your issues persist, check your network stability and VPN settings.
For optimal gaming experience, a stable up- and download speed, and a ping below 100ms are essential. You can check these parameters using Speedtest.net. Also, consider using an Ethernet cable for a more reliable connection, limit devices on the same network, or reboot your router if it hasn't been restarted in a while.
Sometimes, network problems leading to Minecraft server issues may be due to your DNS server. Changing your DNS server to a public one, like Google's at 8.8.8.8 (preferred) and 8.8.4.4 (alternate), might resolve these issues.
If Minecraft multiplayer is still not working, you might have a software running that's interfering with Minecraft. Consider checking your Task Manager and ending processes for recently installed programs that could be causing the issue. Also, ensure your Java version and Windows 11 version are up to date.