Is Fortnite stuck on the connecting screen?
Like any start of a new season, Fortnite Chapter 3, Season 1 has some bugs and issues that need to be sorted out. This is simply inevitable to a platform like Fortnite with millions of users worldwide.
Fortunately, Epic Games is quick to act once a widespread problem occurs on the platform.
One issue users encounter in Chapter 3 is that the game gets stuck on the connecting screen at launch. When this problem occurs, you’ll be stuck on a loading screen and won’t be able to access the main menu or join any queues.
Based on what we know, faulty or offline servers are the common cause of this problem on Fortnite. However, it can also be due to slow network connections, corrupted game files, or third-party applications.
To help you out, we’ve decided to make a guide on what to do if Fortnite gets stuck on the connecting screen on your Windows PC.
Let’s begin!
1. Check Fortnite Servers.
As we’ve mentioned, the most common reason Fortnite gets stuck on the connecting screen is offline servers. Since Fortnite heavily relies on the servers, it won’t function properly if they are down.
To confirm this, visit Epic Games’ status page and see if there’s an ongoing issue with Fortnite.
Unfortunately, server-related issues can’t be resolved on your end. If the servers are down, the only option you have is to wait for Fortnite’s team to address the problem.
On the other hand, you can proceed to the following solutions below if Fortnite’s servers are operational.
2. Restart Your Computer.
Before tweaking your configurations, try restarting your system first if you can’t connect to Fortnite. There might be a bug or glitch on your system, which causes connectivity issues to your computer.
See the steps below to reboot your computer:
- First, press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start Menu.
- After that, go to the Power Options tab.
- Lastly, choose Restart to reboot your system.
Relaunch Fortnite afterward to check if the problem is solved.
3. Check Your Network Connection.
A slow or unstable network could also cause Fortnite to get stuck in the connecting screen. To confirm this, perform a speed test on your network using Fast.com to measure its current upload and download bandwidth.
If the test result shows that your network is the problem, reboot your modem or router to refresh the connection with your ISP’s servers.
Unplug your router from the outlet and wait for 5 to 10 seconds before reconnecting it.
Once done, re-run the test on your network to check if the problem is solved. If the issue persists, contact your provider and ask them to fix their service.
4. Turn Off VPN.
VPNs or virtual private networks are tools that protect your network and data from hackers and other entities. They work by masking your default IP address and filtering your activity to hide sensitive data such as passwords, bank accounts, and card numbers.
While they work great, VPNs can also cause interruptions and delays to your network.
If you keep getting stuck on the Fortnite connection screen, turn off your VPN before launching the game.
On the other hand, you can also consider switching to a reputable provider like PureVPN if you prefer using a VPN online. Unlike other services, PureVPN keeps your connection fast and reliable while protecting your data.
5. Check Your Network Drivers.
Outdated or corrupted network drivers could also cause connection issues on your system, which explains why Fortnite keeps getting stuck on the connecting screen. To fix this, update your network drivers to patch possible bugs and glitches.
Here’s how you can update your network drivers:
- First, open the Quick Menu on your PC by pressing the Windows + X keys.
- After that, click on Device Manager.
- Now, expand the Network Adapters tab and right-click on your network.
- Lastly, choose Update Driver and follow the prompts.
Once done, restart your system and go back to Fortnite to check if the problem is solved.
6. Run Fortnite As Admin.
Another thing you can try is to run Fortnite as an administrator. This should bypass any restrictions on your system that prevent the game from accessing your network connection.
See the steps below to guide you through the process:
- On your desktop, right-click on Fortnite and choose Properties.
- Next, go to the Compatibility tab.
- Finally, enable the ‘Run this Program as an Administrator’ option and save the changes.
Relaunch the game on your computer to check if Fortnite will still get stuck on the connection screen.
7. Allow Fortnite Through Your Firewall.
Windows Defender Firewall is a feature on Windows that controls the access of programs to your network. If you still can’t get past the connecting screen on Fortnite, check if the game is allowed through your firewall.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
- After that, look for ‘Allow an App Through Windows Firewall’ and click on Open.
- Now, find Fortnite from the list.
- Lastly, ensure that the game is allowed to access your Public and Private Networks.
Once done, restart your computer and check if the problem is solved.
8. Reinstall Fortnite.
If Fortnite still gets stuck on the connecting screen, try reinstalling the game on your system. Some of its game files may have gotten corrupted due to random bugs and glitches on the platform.
See the steps below to delete Fortnite on your PC:
- Go to the Epic Games launcher on your computer.
- Next, open the Library tab and right-click on Fortnite.
- Finally, choose Uninstall to delete the game.
Go to the Epic Games Store afterward and download Fortnite from there.
That ends our guide for fixing Fortnite if it gets stuck on the connecting screen. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂
