How To Fix Getsockopt Error in Minecraft

Dealing with that pesky “Connection timed out: getsockopt error” while trying to log into the Minecraft launcher can be a real headache. Basically, this is a network hiccup that’s super common with Java-based Minecraft — sometimes your firewall or network configs just decide to block things for no good reason. The good news is, there’s a handful of things to try that might help you get back into the game without too much frustration. These steps target the typical culprits, like firewall rules or DNS issues, and can save a ton of time fumbling around.

How to Fix the “Connection timed out” getsockopt error in Minecraft

Fix 1 – Add a firewall rule to unblock Java and Minecraft

This one’s a classic. If your firewall doesn’t have specific rules for Java or Minecraft, it might be blocking the connection. Adding exceptions for javaw.exe (the main Java process) and Minecraft programs often solves the problem. It seems simple, but Windows’ firewall is kinda weird about blocking stuff sometimes, especially after updates.

Why it works: It’s about telling Windows “Hey, I trust this app to connect, ” so the firewall stops blocking its traffic. When you’re seeing the error, chances are the firewall thought it was suspicious or just didn’t know it was safe.

When to try: Whenever that error pops up after launching the game or trying to connect to servers.

What to expect: Minecraft should be able to connect without getting blocked — at least, most of the time.

On some setups, this step might not work on the first try, but doing it again or rechecking the rules helps.

Steps:

Press Win + R and type firewall.cpl, then hit Enter. This opens the Windows Firewall settings directly.
Click on Add an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. It’s usually under “Allow apps to communicate through Windows Defender Firewall”.
Hit Change settings then scroll through the list to find javaw.exe. You might need to browse to its location if it’s not there (like in C:\Program Files\Java\jdk...\bin\javaw.exe).
Tick both the Public and Private boxes next to it. Repeat for any Minecraft folder entries like Minecraft Launcher or other related executables.
Click OK to save. Now, launch Minecraft again and see if that pesky error goes away.

Fix 2 – Check if the server you’re trying to connect to is actually up

Swapping a bunch of network settings won’t help if the server is totally offline. Sometimes servers go down for maintenance or just crash for no apparent reason. The easiest way to check is with a server status website like Minecraft Server Status.

Why it helps: If the server is offline, the problem isn’t on your end — just have to wait it out.

When to try: Every time you get the error, especially if you’re sure your internet is okay.

What to expect: If the server is down, you’ll see “Under Maintenance” or similar, and it’s just a matter of waiting for it to come back online.

Pro tip: Sometimes, copying the exact server address (like mc.example.com) and pasting it into the status checker gives a quick read on whether the issue’s local or on their side.

Fix 3 – Flush your network DNS and reset network settings

This is kind of a “try this before everything else” thing. Flushing DNS clears misbehaving DNS cache entries that can cause connection issues. Resetting Winsock resets the network stack, which sometimes gets corrupted and causes weird errors like getsockopt.

Why it works: Because Windows has to make DNS lookups every time, and if those get buggy, it blocks the connection. Resetting resets the system’s network handshake.

When to do it: After checking server status, or if your connection feels otherwise flaky.

What to expect: Usually, this fixes the error, or at least clears the way for other fixes to work.

Commands to run:

ipconfig /flushdns netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset

Run these in an Administrator Command Prompt (search cmd, right-click, “Run as administrator”).Then restart your PC, and try Minecraft again.

Fix 4 – Change your DNS to Google’s servers

If DNS is acting up, switching to Google’s public DNS can help. Sometimes your ISP’s DNS just messes with Minecraft’s connection attempts. Changing DNS settings is easy but can improve overall internet reliability.

Why it helps: It provides faster, more reliable DNS lookups, which might stifle the getsockopt error.

When to try: After DNS flush, or if you notice slow or flaky internet, or errors just won’t resolve.

What to expect: Better DNS resolution, making connection issues less likely.

Steps:

Press Win + R, then type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and pick Properties.
Scroll to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and double-click it.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
Set Preferred DNS Server to 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS Server to 8.8.4.4.
Click OK to save, then restart Minecraft and see if that helps.

Sometimes these fixes are enough to clear out the getsockopt error, but if not, there’s still a few more tricks up the sleeve.

Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Networking stuff can be finicky, but usually it’s just a matter of narrowing down what’s blocking the connection.

Summary

Added firewall exceptions for Java and Minecraft.
Checked if the server was online via server status websites.
Flushed DNS and reset network stack using Command Prompt commands.
Switched DNS to Google’s public DNS for more reliable lookups.

Wrap-up

Most of the time, the getsockopt error is just your system throwing a fit because of network or firewall settings. Fixing those rules, checking server status, or tweaking DNS usually sorts it out. If this doesn’t work, maybe it’s time to wipe and re-install Java or Minecraft, but those steps are usually last resorts. Hope this helps — fingers crossed it helps you get back into your world without too much hassle.