Counter Strike not connecting to server errors

CS: GO is one of the most popular FPS games in the world, and it is owned by Steam.
The article below will guide you with tips on what to do when you have CS: GO connectivity issues.
For more information about this amazing game, visit our dedicated CS: GO Hub.
Hardcore gamers may also be interested in our Gaming page as well.

XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE

To fix various PC problems, we recommend Restoro PC Repair Tool:
This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps:

Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.

Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer's security and performance

Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is among the best multiplayer blasters for Windows. However, it’s not immune to server connection issues.

When Counter-Strike does not connect with the server, a Matchmaking Failed or VAC Disconnect error message might pop up. As a consequence, players can’t play CS: GO online when errors like those arise.

If you’re getting a similar server connection error for Counter: Global Offensive, check out some of these potential resolutions for it.

How can I fix Counter-Strike not connecting to the server?

1. Is the Counter-Strike server down?

Counter Strike’s server might be currently down. To check, open Counter Strike’s page on Downdetector in a browser. That page tells you if Counter-Strike is currently down or not. If it is, wait for the CS outage to get fixed.

2. Try another game server alternative

If Counter-Strike does not connect with the server maybe you want to try another game server alternative that can help you provide the best game experience.

We suggest you try Host Havoc that has a custom control panel very easy to use in order to change maps and install further modifications to your server in just a few minutes.

Their directory for modpacks are by far a higher-level that any other game hosting provider.

Host Havoc is a high-performance server with excellent 24/7 technical support that helps you fix the issues easily and fast.

Here are some of its main features:

24/7 Customer Support
Daily Backups Available
Complete Control of Your Server
Full FTP Access
Instant Server Setup
Easy Configuration
Switch Games Any Time
Steam Workshop Availability
11 Global Locations
Advanced Settings
Free DDoS Protection

With a powerful control suite and unique features, and installers, this server hosting is very easy to use for both novice and advanced users.

⇒ Get Host Havoc

3. Verify the integrity of the game’s cache

Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

Steam’s Verify Integrity option can often resolve Counter-Strike server errors.

To do that, open the Steam client software.

Click Library at the top of Steam’s window.

Right-click Counter Strike: Global Offensive to select Properties.

Select the Local Files tab shown directly below.

Verify Integrity option counter strike not connecting to server

Click the Verify Integrity of Game Files option.

4. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall

CS: GO server errors can be due to Windows Defender Firewall blocking the game connecting with the server.

To turn off WDF, press the Windows key + S hotkey.

Input firewall to search for the WDF applet.

Click Windows Defender Firewall to open the Control Panel applet shown directly below.

Windows Defender Firewall applet counter strike not connecting to server

Click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off link.

Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options, and click the OK button.

Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option counter strike not connecting to server

5. Turn off third-party antivirus utilities

Users with third-party antivirus utilities might need to disable, or even uninstall, those utilities to stop them from blocking CS: GO. Avast, Kaspersky, BullGuard, Norton Security, and Bitdefender are some AV software that incorporates firewalls.

You can usually disable AV utilities like those by right-clicking their system tray icons and selecting disable/turn off settings on the context menus.

Some antivirus software might also include additional options to toggle their firewalls off & on.

However, some users might need to completely uninstall their third-party antivirus software to stop them blocking CS: GO. You can uninstall AV software via the Programs and Features applet, much the same as other software.

The How to Uninstall Programs post provides further details on how you can uninstall software.

6. Repair Steam service

To fix VAC server connection errors, try repairing Steam. First, make sure Steam is closed.

Press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.

Input this command in the Open box:

"C:Program Files (x86)SteambinSteamService.exe" /repair.

Note that users who haven’t installed Steam at its default Program Files directory will need to change the SteamService.exe file path in that command.

Then press the OK button.

7. Switch to Google DNS server

Switching to Google DNS server can resolve CS: GO server errors. Right-click the Start button to select Run.

Input ncpa.cpl in the Open box, and click the OK option.

Right-click your net connection there to select Properties.

Network Connections applet counter strike not connecting to server

Double-click Wi-Fi Properties to open the window shown directly below.

Wi-Fi Properties window counter strike not connecting to server

Select the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button.

Enter 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server box.

Input 8.8.4.4 in the Alternative DNS server box.

Select the Validate settings upon exit checkbox option.

Press the OK button.

Those are some of the more likely fixes for Counter-Strike not connecting to server errors. In addition, try removing superfluous third-party programs from Windows’ startup.

The Add or Remove Startup Apps in Windows 10 post provides further details for how users can configure the system startup.

By following these steps you should be able to fix any Counter-Strike -related issues and play uninterrupted again.

Let us know which of the methods you used by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

ncG1vNJzZmivmaOxsMPSq5ypp6Kpe6S7zGiaqK2eqbKzedKtqaKjlWK7sMCMnKanppWYwaq6xmarqGWjmr%2B3sdFo

Chauncey Koziol

Update: 2024-07-09

NovaVibe