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[FIXED] "Connecting to the CS:GO network" Error on CS:GO

How to Fix CS:GO Stuck on “Connecting to the CS:GO network”

Many CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) players have reported that the game gets stuck on “Connecting to the CS:GO network” and won’t load even though they’re connected to the Internet. This article will discuss the causes of this issue and how to resolve it.

Connecting to CSGO Network

If your CS:GO gets stuck on “Connecting to the CS:GO Network,” you’re probably not alone because many people start experiencing this issue simultaneously. In most cases, CS:GO won’t connect to the network due to server-side issues, such as server instability. Therefore, in this case, all you can do is wait it out.

Nevertheless, the “Connecting to CS:GO network” message can occur if your Internet settings have been misconfigured or your third-party antivirus or firewall is blocking the connection. VPNs or proxy servers may also prevent the game from connecting.

In addition, you may experience this problem if Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is turned off or some CS:GO files have been corrupted or deleted.

Before trying any of our fixes, here are a few tips:

  • In some cases, you can wait it out. Try staying in the lobby for 5-15 minutes, and the game should eventually connect.
  • Power-cycle your Internet router. Unplug your router from the outlet, wait for a few minutes, then plug it back in.
  • Check if your antivirus or firewall program isn’t blocking CS:GO. try whitelisting the game or temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.
  • If you’re using a VPN, try turning it off. However, sometimes using a VPN may help you workaround the “Connecting to the CS:GO Network” problem.

We have compiled a list of methods known to fix this issue below.

Video Guide on How to Fix CS:GO Stuck on “Connecting to the CS:GO network”

Table of Contents:

Check the CS:GO Server Status

You should first go to the unofficial Steam Status website and check if the CS:GO servers are down. In many cases, the issue stems not from the client but the server side.

Check CSGO Network Status

1. Open your web browser and go to the Steam Status website.

2. Check the status of CS:GO services to see if they’re online.

If they are online, then then the issue is likely on the client side.

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Method 1. Turn on Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for All Programs and Services

1. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

Type in sysdm.cpl in Run and click OK

2. In the Run dialog box, type in sysdm.cpl and click OK.

Select the Advanced tab and click Settings

3. In the System Properties window, select the Advanced tab.

4. In the Performance section, click Settings.

Select the DAta Execution Prevention tab and tick Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select

5. Select the Data Execution Prevention tab in the Performance Options window.

6. Tick the Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select option and click Apply.

Click OK to confirm the change

7. Click OK to confirm the changes.

8. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

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Method 2. Verify CS:GO Game Files

Right-click CS:GO and click Properties

1. Open Steam. In the Library window, right-click CS:GO and select Properties.

Select Local Files and click Verify integrity of game files

2. In the left pane, select the Local Files tab.

3. Click Verify integrity of game files. Wait for the verification process to complete.

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Method 3. Change Your DNS Server Address

1. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

Type in ncpa.cpl in Run and click OK

2. In the Run dialog box, type in ncpa.cpl and click OK.

Right-click the network adapter and click Properties

3. Right-click your network adapter and click Properties.

Enter new Alternate and Preferred DNS server addreses and click OK

4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

5. Tick the Use the following DNS server addresses option.

6. In the Preferred DNS server, type in 1.1.1.1

7. In the Alternate DNS server, type in 1.0.0.1

8. Click OK to save settings.

9. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

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Method 4. Disable Proxy Server

1. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

Type in inetcpl.cpl in Run and click OK

2. In the Run dialog box, type in inetcpl.cpl and click OK.

Select the Connections tab and click LAN settings

3. In the Internet Properties window, select the Connections tab.

4. Click LAN settings.

Disable Use a proxy server for your LAN option

5. Unmark the Use a proxy server for your LAN option.

6. Mark the Automatically detect settings option.

7. Click OK.

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Method 5. Reset Network Settings

Right-click Start and click Settings

1. Right-click Start and select Settings.

Select Network & internet and click Advanced network settings

2. In the left pane, select Network & internet.

3. Select Advanced network settings.

Select Network reset

4. Then, select Network reset.

Click Reset now

5. In the Network reset window, click Reset now.

Click Yes

6. Click Yes to confirm the reset. Your PC will restart in 5 minutes, and Windows will reinstall all network adapters. However, you can restart your computer manually.

Did this article help? Let us know by commenting below.

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About the author:

Rimvydas Iliavicius

Rimvydas is a researcher with over four years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He attended Kaunas University of Technology and graduated with a Master's degree in Translation and Localization of Technical texts. His interests in computers and technology led him to become a versatile author in the IT industry. At PCrisk, he's responsible for writing in-depth how-to articles for Microsoft Windows. Contact Rimvydas Iliavicius.

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