Fix “ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163” Error in Any Game on Windows 11 or 10
Online games, such as Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Valorant, GTA Online, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Grounded 2, etc., on Windows 11 or Windows 10 are usually run smoothly, but sometimes unexpected errors can interrupt your experience. One such frustrating issue is the “ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163” error. This error often appears when a game fails to establish a connection with its servers, leaving players stuck on loading screens or unable to join multiplayer sessions.
Let’s learn about this error, such as what it is and how to resolve it to get back in the game!
What is ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163?
The “ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163” error is a network-related issue that occurs when your system cannot properly connect to a game server. It is not tied to a specific game, which means it can appear across multiple titles that rely on online connectivity.
This error is usually caused by problems such as unstable internet connection, firewall restrictions, incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, or server-side issues. Sometimes, even minor misconfigurations in Windows networking components can trigger it.
In simple terms, the error indicates that your PC tried to connect to the game server but failed due to communication problems between your system and the internet.
How to Fix “ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163” Error in Any Game on Windows 11 or 10?
To fix the “ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163” error in Windows 11 or 10, check your internet connection, restart your router, disable the firewall or antivirus temporarily, reset network settings, update network drivers, and ensure the game servers are online. These steps resolve most connectivity issues and restore access to online gameplay.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection Stability
The first thing you should do is ensure that your internet connection is working properly. A weak or unstable connection is one of the most common causes of this error.
Start by opening a browser and visiting any website to confirm connectivity. If pages load slowly or fail to load, your internet is likely the problem. You can also run a speed test to verify your connection quality.
If you are using WiFi, try moving closer to your router or switching to a wired Ethernet connection. Wired connections are more stable and reduce packet loss, which is critical for online gaming.
Restarting your modem and router can also fix temporary glitches. Turn them off, wait for about 30 seconds, and then power them back on. Once the connection is restored, launch your game again and check if the error is resolved.
Step 2: Restart Your PC and Game Client
Sometimes, the issue is not with your internet but with temporary system glitches. Restarting your PC clears background processes and resets network services.
Close your game completely, including any launcher such as Steam or Epic Games. Then restart your computer. After rebooting, open the game client again and try reconnecting.
This simple step often resolves minor issues related to cached data or stuck processes that interfere with network communication.
Step 3: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
Your Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus software may block the game from connecting to its servers.
Open your firewall settings and temporarily disable it. Then launch the game and check if the error disappears. If the game connects successfully, it means the firewall was blocking the connection.
Instead of keeping it disabled, you should add the game as an exception. Go to firewall settings and allow the game executable file through both private and public networks.
If you are using antivirus software, disable it briefly and test the game. If it works, add the game to the antivirus exclusion list.
Step 4: Reset Network Settings in Windows
Resetting your network settings can fix deeper configuration issues that cause connectivity problems.
Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. Scroll down and select Network Reset. This will remove all saved networks and reset adapters to default settings.
After the reset, restart your computer. Reconnect to your WiFi or Ethernet and launch the game again.
This step is especially useful if you have recently changed network settings or installed VPN software.
Step 5: Flush DNS and Renew IP Address
Corrupted DNS cache or IP conflicts can prevent your system from connecting to servers.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type the command to flush the DNS cache and press Enter. Then release and renew your IP address using the appropriate commands.
This process clears outdated network data and forces your system to obtain fresh connection details from your ISP.
After completing the process, restart your system and test the game again.
Step 6: Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can lead to connection failures.
Open Device Manager and expand Network Adapters. Right-click your network adapter and select Update Driver. Choose the option to search automatically for updated drivers.
If Windows does not find an update, visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver manually.
After installing the updated driver, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.
Step 7: Disable VPN or Proxy Connections
Using a VPN or proxy can interfere with game servers and cause connection errors.
If you have a VPN enabled, disconnect it and try launching the game again. Similarly, disable any proxy settings in Windows by going to Network and Internet settings.
Many online games block VPN traffic or fail to connect through certain servers, which can trigger the 4163 error.
Step 8: Check Game Server Status
Sometimes, the issue is not on your end. Game servers may be down for maintenance or experiencing outages.
Visit the official website or social media pages of the game to check server status. If servers are down, you will need to wait until they are restored.
Trying to troubleshoot your system during server downtime will not fix the issue.
Step 9: Verify Game Files
Corrupted game files can also cause connectivity issues.
Open your game launcher and locate the option to verify or repair game files. This process scans the installation and replaces any missing or damaged files.
After verification is complete, restart the game and attempt to connect again.
Step 10: Disable Background Apps
Background applications can consume bandwidth or interfere with network connections.
Close unnecessary apps such as browsers, downloads, or streaming services. Also, check Task Manager for programs using high network resources.
Disabling these apps ensures that your game has enough bandwidth to connect smoothly.
Step 11: Change DNS Server
Switching to a public DNS server can improve connectivity and reduce errors.
Go to your network adapter settings and manually set a DNS server such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
After applying the changes, restart your connection and test the game again.
This step often helps when ISP DNS servers are slow or unreliable.
Step 12: Reinstall the Game
If none of the above methods work, reinstalling the game may resolve the issue.
Uninstall the game completely from your system. Then download and install it again from the official source.
This ensures that all files are up to date and properly configured.
FAQs
Why does the ConnectToNetwork: Failed: 4163 error occur?
This error occurs due to network connectivity issues such as unstable internet, blocked connections, outdated drivers, or server downtime.
Can this error be fixed easily?
Yes, in most cases it can be fixed by checking your internet connection, resetting network settings, or updating drivers.
Does the firewall cause this error?
Yes, firewall or antivirus software can block game connections, which can trigger this error.
Is this error related to a specific game?
No, it can occur in any online game that requires server connectivity.
Should I reinstall Windows to fix this issue?
Reinstalling Windows is not necessary. The issue can usually be resolved using the steps mentioned in this guide.