Minecraft, a game with voxel-based graphics, has grossed significantly in gaming history with having a userbase of millions. Minecraft allows its players to compete in multiplayer mode, and its multi-platform compatibility makes it an attraction for players who loves multiplayer games.
Sometimes, Minecraft players are seen complaining about LAN not working, which is a common issue among Minecraft players. In this Minecraft LAN issue, players may access the Internet but can’t join other friends to play the game. Although Minecraft is supported on various platforms like Windows, Linux, OSX(macOS), PlayStation, Android, Xbox, the LAN issue in Minecraft is pretty frequent in the Windows.
Probable Reasons for LAN not working in Minecraft
1. Minecraft’s incoming and outgoing connections are blocked by the Firewall.
2. Network Discovery is not enabled.
3. Computers or devices on which Minecraft is playing are not connected to the same network.
4. Interference of the Antivirus program in the LAN connection.
5. Connection blocking due to AP isolation.
Solutions for Minecraft LAN Not Working Issue
Before applying any of the Minecraft LAN issue solutions from below, make sure every device or computer is connected to the same network. Sometimes, the computers on which the Minecraft is being played are not connected to the same LAN network and cause problems in joining multiple players.
Solution 1: Disable your Antivirus software or Windows Defender
Sometimes, some antivirus applications, including Windows defender, blocks the Minecraft’s connection to LAN. In this LAN connectivity issue, you can try disabling your computer’s in-built windows defender or any third-party antivirus software installed on your PC by following the below steps.
1. Open your Windows settings through the Settings icon or by pressing the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
2. From the Update & Security section, choose the Windows Security option and click on the Virus & threat protection from the right pane.
3. Choose the option called Virus & threat protection settings and turn off the Real-time protection by toggling off the button under the Real-time Protection section.
4. After temporarily disabling windows defender or other antivirus programs, try opening Minecraft and check if LAN not working issue is resolved or not.
Solution 2: Make sure the Firewall is not blocking Minecraft and Java
Sometimes Minecraft executable file is blocked by Windows Firewall, which causes the LAN to stop working. It may be because of some ignorance during the prompt of UAC Java permission.
1. Open the control panel on your Windows machine either from the Cortona search box or from the Run Dialogue box.
2. Opt for Windows Defender Firewalls after setting the view of the window as large icons.
3. From the left pane, choose the option called Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall option.
4. Tap on Change settings, which has the administrative logo of Windows.
After scrolling through these allowed app lists, find the javaw.exe, Java (TM) Platform SE binary, Minecraft, and confirm the box next to it is checked.
5. To apply these windows defender firewall settings for the selected apps, click o the OK button.
Now try to open Minecraft and check if LAN sessions are working or not. If the Minecraft LAN problem still persists, try disabling the Windows Defender Firewall before opening the game, which according to some Minecraft players, has resolved their issue.
To perform that action, Open the Windows Defender Firewall section again from the Control Panel. Then opt for the option called Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane and check on the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option for both the public and private networks. Click OK to apply changes.
Try to play Minecraft now if you can; if the LAN issue persists, try the following solutions.
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Solution 3: Try enabling Network Discovery
Sometimes disabled network discovery can lead to LAN issues in Minecraft because it halts Minecraft from connecting to broadcasts. Follow on to successfully enable Network Discovery.
1. Open Control Panel either from the search box or from the Windows settings menu.
2. Opt for Network and Sharing Center under the Network and Internet section.
3. Choose the option called Change advanced sharing settings.
4. Under the Private tab, make sure Turn on network discovery option is checked on.
5. From the Public tab, also check on the Turn on network discovery option.
Now you may try to join the LAN sessions in Minecraft to see if the issue is resolved or not.
Solution 4: Try turning off AP(Access Point) Isolation
In some cases, the Wi-Fi router applies Access Point Isolation as a security feature. In AP Isolation or Acess Point isolation, network users can access the Internet from the same network, but they are prohibited by the AP isolation to connect to each other. So Access Point Isolation could be the main culprit in LAN connectivity issues in Minecraft.
Follow on to properly turn off the AP Isolation feature.
1. Find your modem or router’s IP address by executing the command called ipconfig in CMD or Command Prompt. Note down your IP address, which is the value of your Default Gateway.
2. Type the IP address of your modem or router in the address bar of your preferred browser and hit Enter.
3. Log in or Sign in to the configuration page of your router with correct user credentials.
4. Find the Access Point Isolation or AP Isolation feature and disable it. This option of AP Isolation might also be stated as Client isolation, User isolation, or Enable Wireless Access Point, depending on the system.
5. After successfully disabling the AP Isolation security feature, try restarting your router or modem and check if he Minecraft LAN connections and sessions are working correctly or not.
Solution 5: Try Updating Your Network Drivers
Sometimes Minecraft LAN issues are caused by outdated network drivers. Follow on for updating Network drivers for LAN and wireless connectivities.
1. Open Device Manager of your windows either from the Start menu or by typing in the keywords called devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box.
2. Expand the Network adapters by double-clicking on it. Choose the Update Driver option after right-clicking on your network driver.
3. Opt for an option called Search automatically for updated driver software to let your windows system search the Internet and your PC for the latest drivers for your computer.
4. Follow the driver updating wizard step by step to successfully install updated network drivers
5. Reboot your PC or device and check if the LAN sessions in Minecraft are running or not.
Conclusion
We hope you like our guide to fix Minecraft LAN not Working issue in Windows PC and Laptops. If you need more help then comment below.
