Grand Theft Auto Online is the multiplayer component of GTA V some players can’t play because of the “Files required to play GTA Online” error. This is what one GTA player’s Reddit post said about that error: “I just purchased GTAV through the Epic Games Launcher today. When I tried to load into online an error message pops up reading ‘Files required to play GTA Online could not be downloaded.’” This is how you can fix the “Files required to play GTA Online” error on a Windows desktop or laptop.
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Restart Your Router
Some players have said they fixed the “Files required to play GTA Online” error by restarting their internet routers, which can sometimes resolve connection issues. To apply this possible fix, simply unplug the power cord for the router and wait one minute. Then, plug the router’s power cord back in and wait about five minutes.
Delete the Cache Folder
Deleting the Cache data folder for Rockstar Games is another potential solution some players confirm can fix the “Files required to play GTA Online” error. Applying this possible fix might eradicate corrupted cache data. These are the steps for deleting the Cache folder.
- Activate File Explorer by clicking the library folder icon within the Windows 11/10 taskbar.
- Go to the Documents > Rockstar Games > Social Club folder path.
- Right-click the Cache data folder to select Delete.
- Click Yes to confirm erasure.
The Cache folder
Select Allow Connection for GTA Online
It could be the case that the Windows Defender Firewall is causing the “Files required to play GTA Online” error by blocking GTA Online’s connection. Selecting the Allow Connection setting for GTA Online will address this possible cause. This is how you can select Allow Connection for GTA Online.
- Press the Windows logo + S hotkey to access the search tool to find apps and files.
- Enter Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security into the search box and click the matching result.
- Select Inbound Rules within the firewall window.
- Right-click Grand Theft Auto Online within the inbound rules to select Properties.
The Delete option
- Select the Allow the connection radio button if Grand Theft Auto Online is blocked.
The Allow the connection radio button
- Press Apply and OK to save the changed firewall settings.
Restore Default Settings for Windows Defender Firewall
A misconfigured Windows Defender Firewall is a possible cause of the “Files required to play GTA Online” error on PCs. Some players have confirmed restoring that firewall to its default settings has fixed this GTA Online gaming issue on their PCs. You can restore Windows Defender Firewall to default like this.
- Open the file search tool on your Windows PC.
- Enter Windows Defender Firewall and click the Control Panel applet found.
- Click Restore defaults on the left of the firewall Control Panel applet.
- Press Restore defaults to reset the firewall settings.
The Restore defaults button
Change Your DNS Server to Google
The Rockstar support service confirms changing DNS servers can fix the “Files required to play GTA Online” on some players’ PCs. Rockstar advises players to set up a Google DNS server. These are the steps for setting up a Google DNS server.
- Start Run (press the Windows key + R hotkey), and input ncpa.cpl inside the Open text box.
- Click OK to bring up a Network Connections window.
- Right-click the network adapter icon for the internet to select Properties.
- Click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 text label and press Properties.
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses to activate the input boxes for that setting.
- Type the value 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS input box.
- Enter an 8.8.4.4 value inside the input box with the Alternative DNS label.
The Use the following DNS server addresses option
- Click on Validate settings upon exit to select the box for that option.
- Press OK to apply your Google DNS server settings.
I hope one of those potential resolutions fixes the “Files required to play GTA Online” gaming issue on your Windows PC. There’s a pretty good chance one will work on your PC because they’re among the most widely confirmed fixes for this gaming issue. You can also contact GTA Online’s help service about this error by clicking Contact Us on this R support page.
