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How to Fix Valheim Network Lag on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Valheim is a popular survival game that many enjoy playing with friends online. However, network lag can spoil the experience by causing delays and interruptions. Fixing lag issues on Windows 11 can improve gameplay and make your connection smoother.

Network lag usually happens due to slow internet, incorrect settings, or background programs using your bandwidth. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to reduce or eliminate lag.

This guide will walk you through easy and effective ways to fix Valheim network lag on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly for anyone, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

By following these solutions, you can enjoy a more stable and enjoyable Valheim gaming session.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your internet connection is stable and meets the minimum speed requirements for online gaming.
  • Check that your Windows 11 system and game are fully updated to the latest versions.
  • Close unnecessary programs running in the background that may use internet bandwidth.
  • Restart your PC and router before trying the troubleshooting steps to clear temporary network issues.

Step 1: Restart Your Network Devices

Sometimes, network lag is caused by temporary glitches in your router or modem. Restarting these devices can refresh your connection.

  1. Turn off your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source.
  2. Wait for about 60 seconds to allow them to fully power down.
  3. Plug the modem back in first, wait for the lights to stabilize, then plug in the router.
  4. Once your internet connection is restored, try launching Valheim again.

This simple step often resolves lag by resetting your connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Step 2: Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

Wi-Fi can be less stable compared to wired connections, leading to lag spikes. If possible, connect your PC directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.

  • Locate an Ethernet cable and plug one end into your PC’s Ethernet port.
  • Plug the other end into an available port on your router.
  • Disable Wi-Fi on your PC to ensure the wired connection is used.

Wired connections provide faster and more consistent speeds, which greatly improves online game performance.

Step 3: Close Background Applications Using Bandwidth

Some programs like streaming apps, downloads, or updates can use your internet bandwidth without you realizing it. Closing these can free up resources for Valheim.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Processes tab and check for apps using network resources.
  3. Select any unnecessary apps and click End Task.
  4. Also, pause or cancel any ongoing downloads or uploads.

This helps ensure Valheim gets the best possible network speed during gameplay.

Step 4: Adjust Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software may block or slow down Valheim’s network traffic.

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Firewall & network protection.
  3. Click on Allow an app through firewall.
  4. Find Valheim in the list. If it’s not there, click Change settings and Allow another app to add it.
  5. Make sure both Private and Public networks are checked for Valheim.

Also, check your third-party antivirus software and add Valheim as an exception if needed.

Step 5: Change Your DNS Server

Your DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names into IP addresses. Sometimes, the default DNS from your ISP can be slow or unreliable, causing lag.

Switching to a faster and more reliable DNS can improve connection speeds.

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
  2. Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
  5. Enter the following DNS addresses:
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

These are Google’s public DNS servers, known for speed and reliability.

  1. Click OK to save changes, then close all windows.
  2. Restart your PC and check if Valheim lag improves.

Step 6: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Updating them can fix lag problems.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your network adapter and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
  5. If no updates are found, visit your PC or network card manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers manually.

Keeping drivers up to date ensures your hardware communicates efficiently with Windows and the network.

Step 7: Optimize In-Game Network Settings

Valheim offers some network settings that can be adjusted to reduce lag.

  • Open Valheim and go to Settings.
  • Navigate to the Network or Multiplayer tab.
  • Lower the Send Rate or Update Rate if available.
  • Disable any unnecessary network options like voice chat if you don’t use them.

Reducing how often the game sends data can help if your connection struggles with high traffic.

FAQs

Why does Valheim lag even with good internet speed?

Lag can be caused by factors beyond internet speed, such as Wi-Fi interference, router issues, background apps, or server problems on Valheim’s side.

Is using a VPN helpful to reduce lag in Valheim?

VPNs can sometimes reduce lag if your ISP throttles traffic, but they often add extra delay. Try a VPN only if other methods fail.

How do I check if my firewall is blocking Valheim?

You can temporarily disable your firewall and test the game. If lag improves, add Valheim as an exception instead of leaving the firewall off.

Can Windows 11 updates cause network lag?

Occasionally, updates may introduce bugs affecting network performance. Keep your system updated, and if you notice lag after updates, check for patches or roll back drivers.

Should I prioritize Valheim in Windows network settings?

Windows does not have built-in network prioritization for games, but some routers offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still experience lag, consider the following options:

  • Contact your Internet Service Provider to check for network issues or upgrades.
  • Check Valheim’s official forums or support pages for known server issues.
  • Reset your network settings in Windows by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
  • Reinstall Valheim to ensure no corrupted files cause lag.
  • Visit the official Valheim support page: https://www.valheimgame.com/support

Conclusion

Fixing network lag in Valheim on Windows 11 is mostly about ensuring a stable and fast internet connection. Starting with simple steps like restarting your router and closing background apps can solve many issues.

Using a wired connection, updating drivers, and adjusting firewall settings further improve performance. If lag persists, changing DNS servers and tweaking in-game settings can help.

With patience and these step-by-step solutions, you can enjoy a smoother and more responsive Valheim multiplayer experience. Remember to check official resources if problems continue, as sometimes server-side issues may be the cause.

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