“An error occurred while authenticating with Rockstar Games services.”
The most common cause of this problem is a server outage or maintenance. Other potential causes include local network misconfigurations, incorrect DNS settings, VPN conflicts, wrong login details, or tools like GoodbyeDPI interfering with the connection. Before applying the solutions below, restart your router several times and check Rockstar Games’ server status. If there is a server outage, these solutions will not work until Rockstar’s servers are back online. Once you have confirmed the servers are up, proceed with the following fixes.
1. Restart Your PC to Clear Temporary Glitches
Restarting your PC can quickly resolve temporary glitches in the Rockstar Games Launcher. A restart clears background processes, refreshes your system’s network components like TCP/IP, DNS, and cache, and closes any conflicting applications that might block the connection to Rockstar’s servers. To restart your PC immediately, press Windows + X > U > R. Once the PC restarts, open the Rockstar Games Launcher and attempt to log in again.
2. Use a VPN or Mobile Hotspot to Bypass Network Issues
If your ISP is blocking Rockstar servers or your current network has issues, using a VPN or switching to a mobile hotspot can help. These methods assign your system a new IP address and bypass potential ISP-level restrictions.
Using a VPN:
A VPN can help you bypass restrictions or blocks set by your ISP and provide a fresh connection route to Rockstar servers.
Using a Mobile Hotspot:
If the issue is tied to your current network’s IP address, switching to mobile data can provide a new IP and potentially fix the problem.
3. Change Your Password for a Fresh Login Session
Resetting your Rockstar Games password can fix issues caused by expired authentication sessions or temporary account freezes due to multiple failed login attempts or suspicious activity. This provides a fresh login session and resolves potential cached credential problems.
4. Reinstall the Launcher for a Fresh Start
Reinstalling the Rockstar Games Launcher can fix corrupted files, outdated configurations, and cached data that may be interfering with authentication. This ensures you’re using the latest version of the launcher with fresh settings.
5. Disable Real-Time Protection to Prevent Interference
Sometimes, Windows Defender can interfere with the launcher’s authentication process by flagging it as suspicious or blocking necessary file changes. Temporarily disabling real-time protection can help bypass these restrictions.
6. Change DNS Settings for a More Reliable Connection
If your DNS server is misconfigured or outdated, it can prevent the launcher from connecting to Rockstar’s servers. Switching to a reliable public DNS like Google or Cloudflare can improve connection stability and resolve this issue.
Changing IPv4 Settings:
Changing IPv6 Settings:
