My Windows 11 PC has worked normally for about three years, but since last week I've been unable to launch most games, and game updates are downloading extremely slowly. Web browsing, Google, and YouTube work normally, so I suspect the problem may be related to gaming connectivity rather than a complete internet outage. Minecraft does launch, but playing with friends is extremely laggy because of connection issues, not low FPS. Windows and my graphics drivers are up to date, there were no recent updates immediately before the problem started, and restarting the modem and router did not help. What troubleshooting steps should I try to determine whether this is a network, firewall, launcher, or PC issue?
3 Answers
It would also help to identify whether every game fails or only games using a particular launcher. Try restarting the affected launcher, signing out and back in, clearing its download cache, and verifying or repairing the game files. Check the launcher and game executables in Windows Firewall as well. If none of the games work even on another network, then resetting Windows network settings or reinstalling the affected launchers may be the next step.
Since your FPS is normal but multiplayer is lagging, this sounds more like latency, packet loss, or a problem reaching game servers than a graphics issue. Try running a continuous ping test while starting a game, such as pinging 8.8.8.8, and compare it with your normal browsing. Also test with an Ethernet cable if possible, temporarily disable any VPN, and check whether Windows Firewall or security software is blocking the game launchers. Slow updates can also point to packet loss or a DNS problem, so trying another DNS provider may be useful.
The fact that browsers and video streaming work does not completely rule out an internet problem. Games use different ports and are much more sensitive to packet loss and unstable latency. Check your router for connection errors, try a different network such as a phone hotspot for a quick comparison, and see whether the games launch normally there. If they do, the issue is likely with your router, ISP, NAT, or DNS rather than Windows or your graphics card.
I already power-cycled the modem and router, but I can try the hotspot test and compare the results. The lag is definitely network-related because the frame rate stays fine.