When it’s down, though, you can’t install new games, update your games, or access the ones you want to play. For Blizzard fans, fixing the Blizzard launcher not working issue fast is essential.
What Causes Problems with the Blizzard Launcher
Problems with the Blizzard launcher are often due to issues with your network connections, damaged or missing files, or interactions with other programs that need to be resolved. Most of the work necessary to fix it is basic computer troubleshooting. In general, if you keep your computer updated, you’ll avoid many problems with Battle.net in the first place. If you haven’t updated your computer in a while, check for Windows updates and drivers updates before you do anything else. Once you’ve brought the computer up to date, check to see whether Battle.net works. If not, start troubleshooting.
Hidden Processes
Sometimes Battle.net appears to be closed but is still open as a process in the Task Manager. This process keeps a new instance of Battle.net from being launched. Check for ghost processes, and then close anything you find to see if that lets you start the Blizzard launcher. Once it disappears from the list of processes, try starting Battle.net again. Make sure there isn’t more than one process running before closing the Task Manager.
Connection Issues
There are two kinds of connections issues you might face when dealing with Battle.net problems. One is a connection problem on your end, and the other is a problem with Blizzard’s servers. To check for a problem with Blizzard, log onto Down Detector and see whether users report issues. People report problems very quickly en masse, so if none are registered, check five minutes later to see whether a spike in reports appears. If Blizzard is having issues, you won’t be able to access Battle.net until they work out the errors on their end. On the other hand, a problem on your end means you’re the one who has to fix it. If your Internet speed is low, log onto your ISP’s website and check for issues there. You can usually troubleshoot your connection, reset your modem, or talk to customer service about internet problems that you’re having. Make sure that you don’t have a VPN running, either, since a VPN can interfere with Battle.net. You can also reset your connection and your DNS to try to fix problems with Battle.net. Remember to make sure Battle.net isn’t running before you start — recheck the processes too. After you’ve reset your modem and router, try flushing the DNS. Completing these steps should eliminate any errors in connections that prevent you from successfully launching Battle.net. If the issue persists, try another method to fix the launcher.
Cache Problems
One issue some Blizzard fans have experienced when launching Battle.net is that the cache is corrupted or too large. Deleting it gives the program a chance to create new files. If the cache was the reason it wasn’t launching, doing this will fix the issue.
Show Hidden Files
If you don’t have hidden files displayed, turn them visible before you try to delete the cache.
Delete the Cache
Once hidden files are exposed, the ProgramData folder should be listed under the C drive. It’s the location where Battle.net stores its cache. Now try to rerun Battle.net.
Administrator Permissions
Simply going to the Battle.net executable file, right-clicking it, and then changing the privileges to run the program as an administrator and using Windows 8 in Compatibility mode might make it work. Save the changes and try to relaunch Battle.net. If it doesn’t work, remove the Compatibility mode change but continue to run the program as an administrator while troubleshooting.
Secondary Logon Service
Some players have been able to access Battle.net after enabling the secondary login service. It is usually disabled to ensure there aren’t multiple accounts signing into Battle.net in the same instance. If enabling it fixes the problem, you can leave it enabled. If not, disable it again after you make changes and check whether it works. When you log back in, check to see whether you can access Battle.net.
Antivirus Issues
One way Blizzard recommends fixing issues with Battle.net is to temporarily turn off your antivirus to test whether that is the issue. If you’re using a third-party antivirus, look at the program dashboard to see whether it can be disabled there. If you use Windows built-in antivirus, follow these steps. If it worked with the antivirus off, it might be helpful to add an exception for the folder where your Battle.net launcher is located. The folder with the Battle.net launcher will be excluded from Windows virus protection scans until you remove it from exceptions.
Change Firewall Settings
Your firewall may also be preventing Battle.net from working correctly. Try disabling it to determine whether it’s the cause of the errors you’re experiencing. Test Battle.net to see whether it works. You should turn the firewall back on as soon as you know whether it worked or not. If it did work, add an exception for Battle.net in your firewall settings.
Change Proxy Settings
Sometimes incorrect proxy settings can stop Battle.net from working. Try changing yours before rerunning the launcher. Try to start Battle.net again.
Uninstall Battle.net
If Battle.net still isn’t working, do a complete uninstall. To ensure everything is removed, you’ll have to go into a few folders and delete anything related to Blizzard or Battle.net. You may want to back up these files in case you need anything from them in the future. To back up the files, give them a name that denotes what they are. Move them into a separate folder for backups. Once you’ve gotten Battle.net up and running, you can delete them. Just make sure you’re pleased with the installation and the state of your games first. Now you can download a new version of Battle.net and install it on your computer. Try it out once the process is complete to see whether the new version works.
