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How to Fix Disney Plus Error 401 on Windows 11: Complete Steps to Solve Streaming Issues

Encountering an error while streaming your favorite shows can be frustrating. One common issue Disney Plus users face on Windows 11 is the Error 401. This error usually indicates authentication problems or issues with your account.

Fortunately, fixing Error 401 is often straightforward. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these steps. This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to get your Disney Plus streaming back on track.

Each step is designed to be easy and clear, so you can try them one by one without confusion. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, this guide will help you resolve the issue quickly.

Let’s dive into the details and get your Disney Plus working perfectly on Windows 11 again.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Ensure your Windows 11 system is connected to the internet with a stable and fast connection.
  • Check that your Disney Plus subscription is active and not expired or suspended.
  • Make sure you are using the latest version of the Disney Plus app or the latest web browser if streaming online.
  • Have your Disney Plus login credentials handy for re-login steps.

Step 1: Sign Out and Sign Back In

Sometimes, the authentication token can expire or become invalid, causing Error 401. Signing out and signing back in refreshes your login details and can fix this problem.

  1. Open the Disney Plus app or website on your Windows 11 device.
  2. Click on your profile icon or account menu.
  3. Select “Sign Out” from the dropdown menu.
  4. After signing out, close the app or browser completely.
  5. Reopen Disney Plus and enter your login credentials to sign back in.

This step is important because it forces the app to request a new authentication token from Disney’s servers.

Step 2: Clear Browser Cache or App Data

If you are using a web browser, old cached data can interfere with logging in or streaming. Clearing cache helps remove outdated information and lets the app or browser load fresh data.

For Web Browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox):

  1. Open your browser settings.
  2. Find the section for “Privacy and Security” or similar.
  3. Select “Clear browsing data” or “Clear cache.”
  4. Make sure to clear cached images and files, and cookies related to Disney Plus.
  5. Restart the browser and try logging into Disney Plus again.

For Disney Plus App on Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Find Disney Plus in the list and click on it.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Click Reset to clear the app data.
  6. Open the app again and log in.

Clearing cache or app data removes corrupted or outdated files that may cause authentication errors.

Step 3: Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings on Windows 11 can cause authentication failures. Servers rely on accurate timestamps to validate tokens.

  1. Right-click the clock on the taskbar and select Adjust date and time.
  2. Ensure Set time automatically is enabled.
  3. Also, make sure the correct time zone is selected.
  4. If needed, click Sync now to update the time immediately.

Fixing the date and time ensures your device’s clock matches server expectations, preventing authentication errors.

Step 4: Update Windows and Disney Plus App

Running outdated software can cause compatibility issues, including Error 401. Updating your system and app ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements.

Update Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your PC if prompted.

Update Disney Plus App:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 device.
  2. Click the profile icon and select Downloads and updates.
  3. Click Get updates to update all apps, including Disney Plus.

Keeping software up to date helps prevent errors caused by bugs or incompatibility.

Step 5: Use a Different Browser or Device

If the issue persists, try accessing Disney Plus on another web browser or a different device. This helps determine if the problem is specific to your current setup.

  • Try browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.
  • Test streaming on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.

If Disney Plus works elsewhere, the problem may lie with your Windows 11 device or specific app installation.

Alternative Method: Disable VPN or Proxy

Using a VPN or proxy can sometimes trigger Error 401 because Disney Plus detects an unusual login location. Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy settings and try again.

  1. Open Windows Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Go to Network & internet > VPN.
  3. Disconnect any active VPN connections.
  4. Also check for proxy settings under Network > Proxy and disable manual proxy if enabled.
  5. Restart Disney Plus and attempt to log in.

This step ensures your connection appears normal to Disney Plus servers.

FAQs

What does Disney Plus Error 401 mean?

Error 401 usually means “Unauthorized” — your login credentials or authentication token are not accepted by the server.

Can I fix this error without reinstalling the app?

Yes. Most of the time, signing out and back in, clearing cache, or updating the app resolves the issue without reinstalling.

Why is my Disney Plus working on other devices but not on Windows 11?

This could be due to corrupted app data, outdated software, or specific network settings on your Windows 11 device.

Is Error 401 related to my Disney Plus subscription?

Not usually. However, if your subscription has expired or is suspended, you might face login errors.

Does using a VPN cause Error 401?

It can. Disney Plus may block connections from VPNs or proxies to enforce regional restrictions.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still see Error 401, consider these final options:

  • Contact Disney Plus Support: Visit the official Disney Plus Help Center for personalized assistance: https://help.disneyplus.com.
  • Reinstall the Disney Plus App: Uninstall the app completely, restart your PC, and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
  • Create a New User Profile: Sometimes, a corrupted Windows user profile can cause issues. Try creating a new Windows user account and logging into Disney Plus from there.

Conclusion

Disney Plus Error 401 on Windows 11 is often linked to authentication problems that are usually easy to fix. Starting with simple solutions like signing out, clearing cache, and checking your date/time settings can save a lot of time.

Keeping your system and app updated is essential for smooth streaming. If needed, disabling VPNs or switching browsers can help isolate the problem. And if all else fails, Disney Plus support and reinstalling the app are good final steps.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy uninterrupted Disney Plus streaming on your Windows 11 device.

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