Fix Minecraft LAN Not Working in Windows 10

LAN or local-area network is a computer network that spans a small area like a single room, building, or neighborhood. Many users are playing Minecraft on Windows using LAN network. But many players are facing the issue. They reported that Minecraft LAN Not Working.

This is one of the common problems related to Minecraft online. Here in this article, we are sharing some easy steps to fix the issue.

It means that the interconnections are empty, and your Minecraft application is not able to use the LAN connection. Are you having an issue with your Minecraft LAN connection? Keep reading this article until you find a solution!

How to solve Minecraft LAN Not Working Problem

If your Minecraft LAN is not working, it can be due to several issues including:

• LAN connection blocked by Windows Firewall
• The disabled Network discovery feature
• AP Isolation
• Outdated network drivers or server in any Minecraft version 
• Minecraft Mods
• Different versions of Minecraft

Method 1: Check Windows Firewall Settings

To fix Minecraft LAN server, here are a few things you can do:

If you are using Windows Firewall, make sure that Minecraft is allowed. 

• Go to Control Panel and select the Windows Defender Firewall.
• Click Allow an app for the feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

• Check all options for javaw.exe, private box, and public box

Furthermore, make sure to turn on Network Discovery

• Open Control Panel and choose Network and Internet.
• Select Network and Sharing Center.
• Select “Change advanced sharing settings” and check Turn on Network Discovery.

Ensure that all parties are connected to the same network. If there is any party with a laptop, make sure that it is not connected to any other nearby Wi-Fi connection. It is further suggested to utilize the same form of connection.

For example, if the host is using an Ethernet connection, you should connect the laptop with a cable instead of connecting it with Wi-Fi. 

If you are connected on the same network, then check for AP isolation by a simple ping test. 

• Open the command window on each computer and type “ipconfig” for Windows users. In the case of Mac or Linux users, type “ifconfig.”
• Note down the “IPv4” for each computer.
• Enter the command ping of one computer in the command prompt of the other computer and see how fast the connection is.

Method 2: Update your Drivers

It is essential to check for outdated drivers and update them. You can do it on your own or with the assistance of Driver Easy, which helps you find the correct drivers for your computer.

Step 1: Install Driver Easy and run it

Step 2: Scan your computer by selecting “Scan Now.”

Step 3: Click on Update All to install the exact versions of all drivers that are not available or updated.

Other than this, the chances are that the Mods of Minecraft are causing problems with LAN connection. So remove all mods from the game and check for LAN connection.

Method 3: Change Minecraft version

If the previous didn’t work for you, there are a few more things to check:

Step 1: Make sure that everyone is running the same version of Minecraft.

• Open Minecraft Launcher and go to Edit Profile.

• Select the desired version from the drop-down menu of Use Version.

Note: If you have antivirus software installed, disable it temporarily.

Step 2: Try a direct connection.

• Open the Run command by pressing Win+R.

• Type cmd in the dialogue box.

• Type ipconfig and click Enter.

• Find the IPv4 address for the computer.
• Find your game port number. When you start a game, you can see the port number on the right side.

• Click Direct Connect and enter the IP address and the game port number.

AP Isolation is a security feature on some of the routers. It typically prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from communicating directly with one another.

Disabling AP isolation will enable the devices to connect on a wireless network.

Finally, check for a LAN connection. Every computer/ user should have a single IP address.

Method 4: Uninstall Minecraft and reinstall it

If all the methods do not work for you, there is a chance that your game data is corrupted. In this case, uninstall Minecraft.

• Go to Control Panel and select Uninstall Program.
• Select Minecraft to uninstall it

Now reinstall the Minecraft application as you had previously done it. This will solve the Minecraft LAN Not Working issue surely on your windows 10.

Method 5: Use Minecraft Direct connection

To make a LAN server in Minecraft, follow the steps:

Step 1: Go to “Open to LAN”

Step 2: You will get a port number. For example, 6789

Step 3: By using ipconfig in the command prompt, find your IPv4 address. For example, 123.45.67.981

Step 4: Combine your IP address and LAN with a colon in between. For example, 123.45.67.981: 6789

Step 5: Share this number with another player

Step 6: Connect to the game using “Direct connection” from the multiplayer start menu.

Other solutions for Minecraft open to LAN not working issue

If you are getting an error message that says “failed to connect to the server, java.net.ConnectException: Connection refused: No further information,” it generally means that your open to LAN is not working.

To fix this, make sure the following options are turned on:

1. Network Discovery
2. File and printer sharing
3. Allow Windows to manage homegroup connections

It is concluded that LAN not working error is one of the most common and painful errors for Windows PC users.

However, it isn’t something that cannot be fixed. We have mentioned most of the problems that users face and their solutions.

So, with a little troubleshooting, you can effortlessly search for the problem and fix it! For any further issues, refer to the official website.