I've been using the same Windows 11 PC for about three years without problems, but since last week my games either fail to launch or take an unusually long time to update. Web browsing, YouTube, and search work normally, so I suspect something is wrong with game-related connectivity rather than my entire internet connection. Minecraft does launch, but playing online is extremely laggy even though the frame rate seems fine. Windows and my graphics drivers are up to date, and there wasn't a Windows update immediately before the problem started. I've also already restarted the modem and router. What should I check to figure out why games won't open or connect properly?
2 Answers
A full router restart is a reasonable first step, but simply rebooting may not fix a problem with the PC’s network configuration or the route to game servers. Try renewing the PC’s network connection, flushing its DNS cache, and testing a different DNS provider. Also compare the behavior over Ethernet versus Wi-Fi if possible. If another network works normally, the issue is likely with the current connection or its routing rather than Windows or the GPU.
Since normal browsing works but game updates and online play are affected, this sounds more like a connection or game-service issue than a graphics problem. It would help to distinguish between connection lag—such as delayed actions or disconnects—and low frame rates. You could also check whether the issue affects every game, temporarily test with another network or a wired connection, and look at firewall, antivirus, DNS, and launcher settings.
The Minecraft problem is definitely internet lag; the frame rate is fine. I’m using a desktop PC, and the issue affects games generally. There was no Windows update right before it began.
I’ve already unplugged the modem and router, waited briefly, and powered them back on, but it didn’t change anything.