Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is one of Windows’s most popular first-person shooter games. But as with so many online games, it is unfortunately hit by connection errors from time to time. One such error is when the game gets stuck on the “connecting to the CS:GO network” screen.
The error mainly results from a weak internet connection, but sometimes, an in-app issue can also be the culprit. In this article, we’ll examine what this error is and how you can overcome it.
Why Do I Get Stuck on “Connecting to the CS:GO Network”?
The “connecting to the CS:GO network” issue is one of the game’s most prevalent. This error mainly appears when there is an issue in your current network connection. However, you also might face the problem due to corrupt game files, misconfigured network settings, or a VPN service.
Whether it’s due to network issues, or in-app problems, we’re here to help. Here are six ways to troubleshoot the “connecting to the CS:GO network” hangup.
1. Try Performing Basic Repairs
Before diving into the technical fixes, make sure to restart the game at least once. There’s a possibility that the error can appear due to a temporary in-game glitch. To fix this, consider restarting the game.
Connection errors in any online game often result from a weak internet connection. You can confirm this by visiting an internet speed-checking website.
If the result shows that you are connected to an unstable or weak connection, consider restarting your network devices. You can also contact your ISP if restarting the network device doesn’t fix your slow speeds.
The next thing you should check is CS:GO’s server status. You can check it by visiting websites like Downdetector.
If the CS:GO servers are down, that means the issue lies with Valve’s servers, not your hardware. The only solution is to wait until the servers become operational again.
2. Enable Data Execution Prevention
Data Execution Prevention is a memory-protection feature that stops malicious code exploits. It keeps an eye on specific memory regions and prevents them from executing malicious codes.
You can resolve the “connecting to the CS:GO network” issue simply by enabling DEP on your computer. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings menu by pressing the Win + I hotkeys.
- Choose System from the left panel.
- Select About.
- Click Advanced system settings.
- In the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under the Performance section.
- Switch to the Data Execution Prevention tab.
- Select the Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.
- Click Apply > OK.
3. Temporarily Disable Any Security Programs
An overzealous security program can also be the reason behind this connection issue in CSGO. The security program can interfere with the game’s servers and cause problems.
The solution, in this case, is to temporarily disable abt security program. You can usually do it by right-clicking on the security application icon in the Taskbar and choosing “Disable” from the context menu. If you can’t figure out how to do it, refer to your security program company’s documentation.
If you are using Windows Defender as the default security application, here’s how to disable it:
- Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
- Type Windows Security and press Enter.
- Choose Virus & threat protection.
- Select Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
- Disable the toggle next to Real-time protection.
Relaunch the game and check for the issue.
4. Switch to Google Public DNS
The next solution on the list is to switch DNS. While there are numerous DNS service providers, we recommend switching to Google Public DNS, which is best for playing online games.
To switch to Google Public DNS, follow the below instructions:
- Open the Settings menu, and choose Network & internet from the left panel.
- Navigate to Advanced network settings > More network adapter options.
- Select your connection, right-click and choose Properties.
- Checkmark the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and select Properties.
- Select the Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Type 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 in the Alternate DNS server.
- Click OK.
Launch the game and check if you are still facing the problem.
5. Repair CS:GO’sFiles
The “connecting to the CS:GO network” issue can also stem from corrupted CS:GO files. The solution, in this case, is to repair the game’s files.
Here’s how to repair CS:GO files:
- Open Steam and switch to the Library tab.
- Right-click CS:GO in the games list and choose Properties from the context menu.
- Select Local File, and then, Verify integrity of game files.
Steam will now scan the game and replace the corrupt files with working ones.
6. Check Your Proxy Settings
You’re likely to encounter connection issues in CS:GO, if you are using irregular network settings. First, temporarily disable any VPN you have installed. If you don’t know how to disable it, consider checking its documentation page.
You can also uninstall the VPN from your computer if you don’t use it often. After that, turn off your proxy settings. Here’s how:
- Open Settings and head towards Network & internet > Proxy.
- Disable the Use a proxy server toggle.
7. Reset Windows’ Network Settings
If none of the above fixes were helpful, you can try resetting the network settings. But make sure you are following this step as the last resort as it will reinstall all your network adapters and set other networking components back to their original settings.
To reset the network settings:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet.
- Choose Advanced network settings and then Network reset.
- Click the Reset now button.
- Click Yes to the UAC that pops up to confirm your selection.
Reboot your system, and check for the problem.
Fixing CS:GO’s Connection Error
CS:GO is one of the best first-person shooter games to kill your free time. But sometimes, a weak internet connection, misconfigured network settings, or corrupt files can cause the “connecting to the CS:GO network” problem. Fortunately, you can quickly troubleshoot this problem by trying the above fixes.
Sometimes, the microphone can become unresponsive in CS:GO. In such situations, there are ways to fix this issue.