Connection was Forcibly Closed on Minecraft: 11 Easiest Fixes

If you’re an avid Minecraft player, you may have encountered the frustrating error message “An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host.” This error can prevent you from joining a Minecraft server or playing the game altogether. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various troubleshooting methods to help you resolve this issue and get back to enjoying your Minecraft adventures.

Understanding the “An Existing Connection was Forcibly Closed by the Remote Host” Error

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand why this error occurs in the first place. There are several potential causes for this issue, including:

1. Server issues: Sometimes, the server you’re trying to connect to may be experiencing problems that prevent you from joining.
2. Hardware resources: Minecraft can be demanding on your server’s resources, so ensuring you have enough RAM is crucial.
3. Network issues: Lag or high ping can lead to connection problems, so it’s important to have a fast and stable internet connection.
4. Firewall settings: Certain firewall features can block your connection to a Minecraft server, requiring adjustments to your firewall settings.

Now that we have a better understanding of the possible causes, let’s explore the solutions to fix the “An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host” error in Minecraft.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more specific solutions, it’s always a good idea to start with some basic troubleshooting steps. These steps can often resolve common issues and help narrow down the cause of the connection problem. Here are a few basic troubleshooting methods to try:

Method 1: Launch Minecraft as Administrator

Sometimes, launching Minecraft with administrator privileges can resolve connection issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the Minecraft shortcut or launcher icon.
2. Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
3. Launch the game and check if the error persists.

Method 2: End Incompatible Background Processes

Background processes running on your computer can conflict with Minecraft and cause connection problems. Ending these processes can help resolve the issue. Here’s how:

1. PressCtrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, look for any processes that may be incompatible with Minecraft.
3. Right-click on the process and select “End task.”
4. Close the Task Manager and relaunch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 3: Delete Windows Store Cache

Clearing the Windows Store cache can sometimes resolve connection issues in Minecraft. Follow these steps to clear the cache:

1. PressWin + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Typewsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.
4. Launch Minecraft and check if the error persists.

Method 4: Disable 3D Display Mode Feature (NVIDIA)

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card and have enabled the 3D display mode feature, it may cause compatibility issues with Minecraft. Disabling this feature can help resolve the error. Here’s how:

1. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel. You can usually find it in the system tray or by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “NVIDIA Control Panel.”
2. Navigate to the 3D settings menu.
3. Disable the 3D display mode feature.
4. Save the changes and relaunch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 5: Disable SLI Mode (NVIDIA)

If you have multiple NVIDIA graphics cards in SLI mode, it can sometimes cause connection issues in Minecraft. Disabling SLI mode may help resolve the error. Here’s how:

1. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
2. Navigate to the “Set SLI configuration” link under the 3D settings menu.
3. Disable SLI mode.
4. Save the changes and relaunch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 6: Disable Stereoscopic 3D (For NVIDIA Graphics)

If you have a graphics card that supports Stereoscopic 3D, disabling this feature can resolve compatibility issues with Minecraft. Here’s how:

1. Disable your antivirus program temporarily to avoid any conflicts.
2. Open the Control Panel.
3. Navigate to the “Uninstall a program” section.
4. Uninstall the Stereoscopic 3D program.
5. Reboot your computer and ensure that the program is completely removed.
6. Relaunch Minecraft and check if the error persists.

Method 7: Set Anti-aliasing Values to Default

Changing the anti-aliasing settings in Minecraft can sometimes cause connection problems. Resetting these values to their default settings can help resolve the error. Here’s how:

1. Exit Minecraft and navigate to the%LocalAppData%PackagesMicrosoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbweLocalStategamescom.mojangminecraftpe directory.
2. Open theoptions.txt file using a text editor.
3. Look for thegfx_msaa entry and set the value to4.
4. Save the changes and relaunch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 8: Change DNS Address

Switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS, can sometimes resolve connection issues in Minecraft. Here’s how you can change your DNS address:

1. PressWin + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Typecontrol and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Click on “Network and Internet” and then select “Network and Sharing Center.”
4. Click on your active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
5. Click on “Properties” and then select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
6. Click on “Properties” and select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
7. Enter8.8.8.8 for the preferred DNS server and8.8.4.4 for the alternate DNS server.
8. Check the box next to “Validate settings upon exit” and click OK.
9. Restart your computer and launch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 9: Remove Minecraft Entries from Hosts File

If your hosts file contains edited entries for Minecraft.net or Mojang domain, it can cause connection problems. Removing these entries can help resolve the error. Here’s how:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate toC:WindowsSystem32driversetc.
2. Right-click on thehosts file and select “Open with” and then choose a text editor like Notepad.
3. Search for any entries related to Minecraft or Mojang.
4. If you find any, delete those entries.
5. Save the file and relaunch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 10: Reset Microsoft Store

Resetting the Microsoft Store can help resolve any data or cache-related issues that may be causing connection problems in Minecraft. Here’s how you can reset the Microsoft Store:

1. PressWin + I to open the Windows Settings.
2. Click on “Apps” and then select “Microsoft Store” from the list of installed apps.
3. Click on “Advanced options.”
4. Scroll down and click on the “Reset” button.
5. Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete.
6. Restart your computer and launch Minecraft to see if the error is resolved.

Method 11: Reinstall Minecraft

If none of the previous methods have resolved the error, reinstalling Minecraft may be your best option. Here’s how you can reinstall Minecraft:

1. PressWin + I to open the Windows Settings.
2. Click on “Apps” and then search for “Minecraft Launcher” in the list of installed apps.
3. Select “Minecraft Launcher” and click on the “Uninstall” button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Minecraft.
5. After uninstalling, visit the official Minecraft Launcher website and download the latest version of the launcher.
6. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Minecraft.
7. Launch the game and check if the error persists.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Update Windows and GPU Drivers: Keeping your Windows operating system and graphics drivers up to date can help prevent compatibility issues that may cause connection problems in Minecraft. Make sure to regularly check for updates and install them as needed.
• Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Sometimes, antivirus programs can interfere with Minecraft’s connection. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help determine if it’s causing the error. Just remember to re-enable it once you’ve identified the cause.
• Check Server Status: Before troubleshooting on your end, it’s worth checking the server status of the Minecraft server you’re trying to connect to. Server maintenance or issues on the server-side can also cause connection problems.
• Contact Minecraft Support: If none of the above methods work, reaching out to Minecraft support can provide you with additional guidance and assistance in resolving the error.

Conclusion

Remember, these troubleshooting methods are designed to help you fix the “An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host” error in Minecraft. However, if you’re still experiencing issues, it’s always a good idea to consult with Minecraft support or seek help from the Minecraft community for further assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the connection problem, allowing you to get back to your Minecraft adventures without any disruptions. Happy gaming!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and suggestions for fixing the “An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host” error in Minecraft. Results may vary, and it’s always recommended to backup your data and seek professional assistance if needed.