If you encounter the error message “Existing Connection Forcibly Closed by Remote Host” on Windows 11, it means that your connection to a remote server was unexpectedly terminated. This can happen during online gaming, using FTP, or when accessing certain web services.
This error can be frustrating because it interrupts your activities and might seem difficult to fix. However, there are several simple steps you can take to resolve it.
In this article, we will guide you through easy-to-understand solutions, starting with basic checks and moving to more advanced fixes.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your connection and prevent the error from appearing again.
Quick Note: Preliminary Checks
Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure you check the following:
- Ensure your internet connection is stable. Try browsing other websites or running a speed test.
- Check if the remote server or service you are connecting to is online and operational.
- Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy you might be using, as these can sometimes cause connection issues.
- Close and restart the application or service that triggered the error.
These quick checks help identify if the problem is on your end or with the remote server.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Network Devices
Sometimes, simple restarts can fix temporary glitches in your system or network.
- Turn off your Windows 11 PC completely and wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on.
- Restart your modem and router by unplugging them from power for about 1 minute, then plug them back in.
Restarting refreshes your network settings and clears any temporary issues that might be causing the connection to drop.
Step 2: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily
Your Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software might mistakenly block your connection.
To test this:
- Click on the Start button and type
Windows Security, then open it. - Go to Firewall & network protection.
- Click your active network (e.g., Private network).
- Toggle off the Microsoft Defender Firewall.
- If you are using third-party antivirus software, open its settings and temporarily disable its firewall protection.
After disabling, try connecting again. If the error disappears, your firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection. Remember to turn them back on after testing for your security.
Step 3: Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings can fix corrupted configurations causing connection issues.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click on Network & internet.
- Scroll down and select Advanced network settings.
- Click on Network reset at the bottom.
- Press the Reset now button and confirm.
Your PC will restart and restore network components to default. This often resolves connection problems caused by misconfigured network settings.
Step 4: Update Network Drivers
Outdated or faulty network drivers can cause your connection to drop unexpectedly.
To update your drivers:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click your network adapter (usually contains “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”) and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Keeping drivers up-to-date ensures compatibility and better connection stability.
Step 5: Adjust TCP/IP Settings
Sometimes, incorrect TCP/IP settings cause connection interruptions.
Reset TCP/IP stack using Command Prompt:
- Press Windows + S, type
cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. - Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
After these commands run successfully, restart your PC. This process refreshes your network protocols and often fixes stubborn connection issues.
Step 6: Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve network performance.
To update Windows 11:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
Keeping Windows updated ensures your system is secure and free from known issues.
Alternative Solutions and Advanced Options
If you are comfortable with advanced settings, consider the following:
- Change DNS servers: Sometimes, using public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) improves connection stability.
- Modify MTU size: Incorrect MTU can cause dropped connections. You can adjust it using Command Prompt but be cautious and research your network’s optimal value.
- Check router logs: Some routers provide logs that can indicate why connections are dropped, helping you identify specific issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “Existing Connection Forcibly Closed by Remote Host” mean?
This message means the remote server or device you are connected to has unexpectedly closed the connection. It is usually a network or server-related issue.
Is this error caused by my computer or the server?
It can be either. Sometimes your computer’s network settings or firewall block the connection, but often the remote server itself closes the connection due to overload or configuration.
Can a VPN cause this error?
Yes, VPNs change your network routing and can sometimes cause connection drops or incompatibility with certain servers.
Should I worry about security when disabling firewall or antivirus?
Yes. Only disable them temporarily for testing. If they cause the issue, consider adding exceptions or rules instead of keeping them off.
Will resetting network settings delete my Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes, network reset removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN connections, so be prepared to re-enter them.
Does this error occur only on Windows 11?
No, it can happen on any operating system but the troubleshooting steps may vary.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still face the error, consider these final options:
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if there are known network issues.
- Reach out to the support team of the remote service or server you are trying to connect to.
- Visit the official Microsoft support page for network troubleshooting: Microsoft Network Troubleshooting.
- Consider using a different network (such as mobile hotspot) to check if the problem is related to your home network.
Conclusion
The “Existing Connection Forcibly Closed by Remote Host” error on Windows 11 can be caused by multiple factors, from simple network hiccups to firewall settings or outdated drivers. Starting with basic steps like restarting devices and checking your firewall can often resolve the issue quickly.
More advanced fixes like resetting network settings, updating drivers, and adjusting TCP/IP configurations provide deeper troubleshooting options. Always ensure your system and software are up-to-date to minimize connection problems.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can systematically identify and fix the issue, restoring a stable connection and improving your overall network experience.