Overwatch is one of the most popular team-based game shooter games out there. However, it is not immune to certain technical issues you may find in all online games. And, server connection issues are one of the most common issues you might face while playing it.
Do you keep losing your connection to the game server on Overwatch? Then, we might have some effective solutions for you. So, keep reading for some simple ways to fix Overwatch game server connection problems.
Simple Yet Effective Solutions to Overwatch Server Connection Problems
The server connection issues you are facing might have a wide range of reasons. So, you need to try the appropriate solution depending on the cause of the issue. It might take quite a while for you to find the cause all by yourself and apply a solution. So, to make that a bit easier for you, you can start applying the following solutions right away:
Restart Your Router Network
The Overwatch server connection problem might occur due to an issue with your router network. So, you must try restarting the device to fix any network errors. Disconnect your computer from the router network, and then unplug the router. Also, detach the cable from the router if you are using an ethernet connection. Leave the router in that condition for a couple of minutes.
Plugin the router once you are ready and connect to its network. This can fix the server connection issues effectively in many cases. If this does not do the trick, there are some more solutions you can try a try.
Update or Reinstall the Network Driver
Are you unable to fix the issue by reconnecting to your router? Then the problem might lie in your device. So you must make sure that you are using the latest network adapter. After all, the server connection issue often occurs when the network adapter is outdated.
Open the Device Manager on your Windows system using the Start menu search box. Then, expand the Network Adapters option and right-click the one you are using. Opt for updating its driver to the latest version. But, what if you are already using the latest network driver? You can try reinstalling the driver in case it is corrupted.
To reinstall, you simply need to remove the driver and restart your device. This should automatically download the network driver on your computer again.
Remove Wireless Interference
Are you using a wireless connection with your router? Then, you might face Overwatch server connection issues due to interference from nearby networks. So, you can try relocating your router to avoid this problem further.
But, what if this fails to fix the problem? In that case, you must consider switching to an ethernet connection for a stable and secure connection. Provided that you have correctly identified the cause of the problem, this method should fix it effectively.
Reset the Winsock Data
The Winsock program is responsible for determining how your PC accesses network services. So, it plays an important role in connecting your device to the Overwatch game server. You might sometimes face connection problems due to an issue with this program. In such cases, resetting the Winsock data can provide you with an effective solution. And, you can do that quite easily, using the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
Enter the command “netsh winsock reset” when prompted to reset the Winsock data. Then, you must restart your PC and try to connect with the Overwatch server.
Flush Your DNS and Renew Your IP
Overwatch server connection problems might often have something to do with your network configuration. In such situations, you can resolve the issue by flushing your DNS and setting a new IP. You can do that by launching the Command Prompt as the administrator.
Enter the command “ipconfig /flushdns” to flush your existing DNS. Then, try to connect to your Overwatch server again to complete the renewal. To renew the IP, you need to release the existing one first. Input the command “ipconfig /release”, and then “ipconfig /renew” to release and renew the IP respectively.
Restart your device once you have taken the aforementioned steps. Then, check whether the Overwatch server connection problem persists.
Shut Down Programs that Use Network Resources
You might fail to connect with the Overwatch server simply because other apps are taking up network resources. You might get a solution by stopping those apps in such cases. Many of these programs might keep running in the background after you close them. So, go to the Task Manager through the Start menu search bar.
Look for background programs that use network resources and opt for ending those tasks. This should help you save some more network resources for playing Overwatch. So, launch the game and check whether you can connect to its server now.
Change the DNS Server
The problem you are facing might also have something to do with your DNS server. So, changing this server might help you fix this issue. You can do that using the Control panel in a few simple steps. Click on ‘view the network status and tasks’ under Network and Internet. Then, select ‘change adapter settings’ given in blue on the left side of the screen.
Right-click the network you are using on the next window and open its Properties. Then, open the properties of the IPV4, under the Networking tab and opt for obtaining an IP address automatically. Enter your preferred and alternate DNS servers and select the option to use them. Click on OK once you are done and restart your computer.
What if These Solutions do not Work?
You would usually find an effective solution to the Overwatch server connection issues with one of the aforementioned methods. But, none of them is effective, you must try playing on a different server. Also, make sure that you have updated the game to its latest version. If required, run a scan with Blizzard’s Battle.net app and share it with the Overwatch support team.
