Game Error Fortnite

Cannot Connect to Match (PC) - Fortnite Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-06 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-06 👥 Reports: 0 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

Flush your DNS cache and verify game file integrity via the Epic Games Launcher to resolve post-update connection hangs.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

The "Cannot connect to match" error on PC is a network handshake failure where the Fortnite client cannot establish a stable connection with the Epic Games matchmaking service or game server. This error primarily affects the Windows platform. The problem manifests most frequently following a major game client or engine update, as changes to network protocols or asset validation can disrupt existing local configurations. This is a common occurrence with a high severity impact, as it prevents core gameplay functionality. The error is characterized by an indefinite hang on the "Connecting..." screen with no explicit error code, though underlying system or Epic Games Launcher logs may contain timeout or connection refused entries. The issue is game-breaking, as it completely blocks match entry.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The primary observable symptom is the application freezing indefinitely on the "Connecting..." screen after initiating matchmaking. The user interface becomes unresponsive, though the background lobby environment may remain animated. Network timeout occurs during the initial server handshake phase, prior to loading screen progression. The process does not terminate; it requires manual intervention via Task Manager (Alt+F4 may be ignored). No explicit error message displays. The Epic Games Launcher may concurrently indicate the user is "In Game" despite the stalled state. This behavior initiates immediately after selecting a game mode and confirming the "Ready" state.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Local DNS cache contains stale or incorrect records for Epic Games servers post-update. The client resolves outdated IP addresses, leading to connection timeouts. Why this causes the problem: The matchmaking service relies on dynamic server allocation. Incorrect DNS resolution prevents the client from reaching the correct endpoint. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: The Epic Games Launcher or Fortnite client retains corrupted or outdated configuration files from a previous version, causing a protocol mismatch with updated servers. Why this causes the problem: Version-specific settings in GameUserSettings.ini or launcher data conflict with new network requirements. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated, corrupted, or missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables or DirectX runtime components required by the updated game engine. Why this causes the problem: The game client fails initial checks or loads incompatible libraries, halting the network initialization sequence. Category: Network Problem Specific technical explanation: Windows Firewall or third-party security suite creates a rule blocking the newly updated Fortnite executable (FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe). Why this causes the problem: The application cannot open the required UDP ports (typically 5222, 5795, 7777-7787, 9000-9999) for outbound traffic. Category: Game Bug Specific technical explanation: The game update process via the Epic Games Launcher did not download or apply all necessary assets, resulting in incomplete or corrupted game files. Why this causes the problem: The client fails an integrity check during the matchmaking handshake, causing the server to reject the connection. Category: Hardware Issue Specific technical explanation: Faulty or overheating network interface controller (NIC) or router hardware introduces packet loss during the critical connection phase. Why this causes the problem: The TCP/UDP SYN-ACK handshake with the game server fails due to physical layer instability.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Flush DNS and Verify Game Files

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
Execute the command: ipconfig /flushdns. Confirm success with "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."
Execute the command: netsh winsock reset. Restart your PC when prompted.
Open the Epic Games Launcher. Navigate to your Library.
Click the three dots under Fortnite and select "Manage."
Click "Verify". Allow the process to complete, which downloads any missing or corrupted files.

Technical Explanation: This clears local DNS records that point to deprecated servers and replaces any faulty game files causing the post-update handshake failure. Verification: The "Connecting..." screen progresses to the loading screen within 15 seconds of matchmaking.

Solution 2: Configure Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Administrator access required Steps:

Press Windows Key, type "Windows Security," and open the app.
Navigate to "Firewall & network protection" > "Allow an app through firewall."
Click "Change settings." Locate and remove any existing entries for "Fortnite" or "Epic Games Launcher."
Click "Allow another app..." > "Browse." Navigate to C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\.
Select FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe and click "Add." Ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
Repeat steps 4-5 for FortniteLauncher.exe in the Epic Games Launcher directory.
If using a third-party antivirus, consult its documentation to add the same executables to its exclusion list.

Technical Explanation: This ensures the updated game executable is not blocked from establishing outbound socket connections on required ports. Verification: Check the Windows Security log for allowed connections. Attempt matchmaking; the connection should no longer hang indefinitely.

Solution 3: Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 15 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrator access, internet connection Steps:

Press Windows Key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
In the list, uninstall all instances of "Microsoft Visual C++ 20XX Redistributable" (both x86 and x64) from 2015 onward.
Restart your computer.
Download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable package from the official Microsoft website. Ensure you get both the x86 and x64 versions of the latest release (e.g., 2015-2022).
Install the x64 version first, then the x86 version. Restart your computer after installation.

Technical Explanation: Game updates often rely on specific runtime libraries. Corrupted or missing redistributables prevent the game from initializing network modules correctly. Verification: Launch Fortnite. The initial loading sequence completes without hitches prior to reaching the lobby.

Solution 4: Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Software Conflicts

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Navigate to the "Services" tab. Check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click "Disable all."
Navigate to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."
In Task Manager, disable every startup item. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
Restart your PC when prompted. Launch Fortnite and attempt matchmaking.
If the issue is resolved, re-enable services and startup items in groups via msconfig to identify the conflicting software.

Technical Explanation: This diagnostic step stops non-essential third-party services and applications that may be hooking into network sockets or interfering with the game's operation. Verification: Successful connection in a clean boot state confirms a software conflict. The specific conflict is identified through iterative re-enabling.

Solution 5: Reinstall BattleEye Anti-Cheat Service

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: None Steps:

Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\BattleEye. Delete the entire "BattleEye" folder.
Launch the Epic Games Launcher and start Fortnite. The game will detect the missing anti-cheat and reinstall it automatically.
Alternatively, manually download the BattleEye setup from the Fortnite installation directory. Run C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\BEService.exe with Administrator privileges.

Technical Explanation: The BattleEye service loads before matchmaking. A corrupted installation causes the service to hang, which blocks the network connection process. Verification: The BattleEye splash screen appears and closes normally during game launch before the anti-cheat handshake completes.

Solution 6: Adjust Network Adapter Settings

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 7 minutes Success Rate: Low Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

Press Windows Key + X and select "Device Manager."
Expand "Network adapters." Right-click your primary network adapter and select "Properties."
Navigate to the "Advanced" tab. Locate and disable the following settings if present: "Energy Efficient Ethernet," "Green Ethernet," "Interrupt Moderation."
Navigate to the "Power Management" tab. Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
Click OK and restart your computer.

Technical Explanation: Power-saving or packet-coalescing features on network adapters can introduce latency spikes or packet loss during the critical initial connection phase. Verification: Monitor connection stability. The "Connecting..." screen should not hang if the issue was caused by intermittent adapter power states.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Implement a regular maintenance schedule. Before applying major game updates, manually flush the DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns. Configure static firewall rules for the primary Fortnite executables to persist across updates. In the Epic Games Launcher settings, enable "Throttle downloads" to prevent file corruption during patch acquisition. Schedule a monthly verification of game file integrity. Monitor the C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Saved\Logs directory for connection-related warnings in FortniteGame.log to identify issues preemptively. Keep network adapter drivers and motherboard chipset drivers updated from the manufacturer's website.

SECTION 6: WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

Contact Epic Games Support if all solutions fail and the issue persists across multiple days and game updates. Escalation is required when the error is isolated to a specific ISP region, indicating a routing problem. Provide diagnostic information including the FortniteGame.log from C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Saved\Logs, a DXDiag report, and a traceroute to ping.epicgames.com. Official support channels are accessible via the Epic Games Help Center at epicgames.com/help. Include a detailed timeline of troubleshooting steps already performed.