How to Fix Winsock Error 10061 on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If you are encountering Winsock Error 10061 on your Windows 11 device, it means that a connection attempt was refused by the target computer. This error often occurs when an application tries to connect to a server but the server is not accepting the connection.

Winsock errors are related to the network communication system in Windows. Fixing this error involves checking both your system settings and network configuration.

In this guide, you will find simple, step-by-step instructions to resolve Winsock Error 10061 effectively. No advanced knowledge is required, and each step is explained clearly.

Let’s start by understanding what to check before diving into troubleshooting.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before you start fixing Winsock Error 10061, make sure you have the following ready:

Administrator access: You will need admin rights to run some commands and change settings.
Internet connection: Ensure your internet is working correctly because some fixes require online access.
Check the server or service status: The error might be caused by the server you are trying to connect to being offline or blocking connections.
Close conflicting applications: Sometimes other apps or firewalls can block network connections.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Network Devices

Often, the simplest fix is to restart your PC and network equipment like your router or modem. This refreshes connections and clears temporary glitches that might cause the error.

Turn off your computer.
Unplug your router and modem from power for about 30 seconds.
Plug them back in and wait for all lights to stabilize.
Turn on your computer and try connecting again.

This step is important because it resets both your local device and network hardware, which can solve many basic connectivity problems.

Step 2: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, the Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software blocks the connection, causing Winsock Error 10061.

To check if this is the cause, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software:

Open Windows Security by searching in the Start menu.
Go to Firewall & network protection.
Click on your active network and toggle off the firewall.
If you have another antivirus, refer to its settings to disable it temporarily.

Try connecting again. If the error disappears, the firewall or antivirus was blocking the connection. Remember to turn them back on after the test.

Step 3: Reset Winsock Catalog

Winsock is a Windows API that handles network communication. Sometimes, its catalog can get corrupted, resulting in errors like 10061.

Resetting Winsock restores it to default settings and can fix this problem.

Follow these steps carefully:

Press Windows + S and type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:
```
netsh winsock reset
```
Wait for the confirmation message.
Restart your computer to apply changes.

This process refreshes the Winsock catalog and often resolves connection issues caused by corruption.

Step 4: Check and Restart the TCP/IP Stack

The TCP/IP stack is essential for internet communication. If it is damaged or misconfigured, you may see connection errors.

To reset the TCP/IP stack:

Open Command Prompt as administrator (same as Step 3).
Enter the following command and press Enter:
```
netsh int ip reset
```
Restart your computer afterwards.

This command rewrites important registry keys related to TCP/IP and can fix underlying network issues.

Step 5: Verify the Target Server and Port

Winsock Error 10061 happens when the target server refuses the connection. This often means the server might be down or the port is closed.

Check the following:

Make sure the server or service you are trying to connect to is running.
Verify the port number your application uses is correct and open.
You can use the telnet command to test the connection to the server and port:
```
telnet [server_address] [port]
```

If the connection is refused, the problem is likely on the server side or network firewall blocking the port.

Step 6: Check Proxy Settings and Disable if Needed

Sometimes, incorrect proxy settings can interfere with network connections.

To check and disable proxy on Windows 11:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Navigate to Network & internet > Proxy.
Under Manual proxy setup, toggle off Use a proxy server if it’s enabled.
Try connecting again after this change.

Disabling proxy can help if your system is incorrectly routing network traffic.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t work, you can try these advanced options:

Update Network Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause network issues. Go to Device Manager, find your network adapter, and update the driver.
Use System Restore: If the error started recently, restoring your computer to an earlier point can fix corrupted settings.
Check for Malware: Some malware can block network connections. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or trusted antivirus software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes Winsock Error 10061?

This error usually happens when the server you are trying to connect to is not accepting connections on the requested port. It can also be caused by firewall settings, corrupted Winsock, or network misconfigurations.

Is Winsock Error 10061 a serious problem?

While it can prevent applications from connecting to the internet or network services, it is usually fixable with simple troubleshooting steps.

Can antivirus software cause Winsock errors?

Yes, some antivirus programs may block certain ports or applications, causing connection refusals. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify this issue.

Do I need technical skills to fix this error?

No. Following the step-by-step guide will help almost anyone resolve the issue without advanced technical knowledge.

What if resetting Winsock doesn’t fix the error?

If resetting Winsock doesn’t work, try resetting the TCP/IP stack, checking your firewall settings, and confirming that the target server is online and accepting connections.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face Winsock Error 10061, consider these final options:

Contact the administrator or support team of the server or service you are trying to reach to check if the server is down or blocking connections.
Visit the official Microsoft support page on Winsock errors: Microsoft Winsock Error 10061 Support.
Consider reinstalling Windows network components or performing a clean Windows installation if the problem persists and affects multiple applications.

Conclusion

Winsock Error 10061 on Windows 11 is a common network connection issue usually caused by refusal from the target server or local system settings blocking the connection.

Starting with simple steps like restarting devices and disabling firewalls, then progressing to resetting Winsock and TCP/IP settings, will often resolve the problem.

Always verify the server status and network configurations to ensure the connection can be established.

By following this detailed guide, you should be able to fix the error and restore network connectivity with ease.