Many Minecraft players have reported that a GETSOCKOPT error occurs when they try to join servers or LAN worlds. For example, a player said this on the Minecraft forum: “I cannot go into my friend’s world through LAN. I can see his world and try to connect to it, but it’ll give me the error message getsockopt.” That error throws up a “Connection timed out: GETSOCKOPT” message. This is how you can fix the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT error on Windows PCs.
Disable Internet Protocol Version 6
A few players say they’ve fixed the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT error by disabling Internet Protocol Version 6. This might resolve that issue if your network configuration has issues with handling IPv6. So, try disabling Internet Protocol Version 6 like this:
- Press the Windows logo + R keyboard key combination.
- Enter ncpa.cpl (for Network Connections) inside the Run dialog and select OK.
- Right-click on your internet network connection to select the Properties context menu option.
- Unselect the Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox.
The Internet Protocol Version 6 checkbox
- Click OK to exit the window.
Allow Minecraft Through Windows Defender Firewall
Players have confirmed that allowing the game and Java through Windows Defender Firewall can fix the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT error. Applying this possible fix will ensure the firewall doesn’t block the game from establishing server connections. This is how you can allow Minecraft through the firewall:
- To open the file finder tool, click on the Search box or button on the taskbar.
- Enter the firewall and select the Windows Defender Firewall search result.
- Click Change settings to activate firewall options.
- Next, select the Public and Private checkboxes for the Minecraft for Windows, Minecraft Launcher, and javaw.exe entries.
The Allowed apps list
- Click OK in the Allowed app Control Panel applet.
Temporarily Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall
Alternatively, you can try temporarily turning off Windows Defender Firewall before playing Minecraft. However, make sure you turn that firewall back on after playing. To do that, open the Windows Defender Firewall applet as covered in steps one and two of the previous resolution. Then click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off within the firewall’s Control Panel applet and select the Turn off radio buttons.
The Customize Settings in Windows Defender Firewall
Set a Google DNS
Your PC has a default DNS server set by default. Setting a Google DNS is a potential fix for the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT because that DNS server might provide a more stable IP address connection. These are the steps for setting a Google DNS on your PC:
- Go through steps one to three in resolution one to open the Networking tab.
- Next, select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click Properties.
- Activate DNS address settings by clicking Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter the 8888 address value in the Preferred box.
- Then, input the 8844 Google in the Alternative DNS address box.
The DNS server settings
- Click OK to confirm settings.
- Restart Windows and try playing Minecraft.
Flush DNS Cache
Outdated or corrupted IP address data is a potential cause for the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT. Flushing (clearing) the DNS cache is the best way to remedy that cause. You can flush the DNS by executing a command like this:
- Open the Windows search box.
- Enter CMD (for Command Prompt) inside the search utility.
- Click the Command Prompt app found with the right mouse button to select Run as administrator.
- Input ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to execute.
The ipconfig /flushdns command
Other Possible Ways to Fix the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT Error on Windows PCs
There might be more ways to resolve the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT error, but try applying the troubleshooting methods above first. These are some additional potential fixes for the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT error:
- Set the Minecraft Launcher to run with admin rights.
- Try utilizing a VPN connection for playing Minecraft.
- Select the Network reset in Windows.
- Temporarily turn off antivirus shields before playing Minecraft.
Those are the best ways players can fix the Minecraft GETSOCKOPT error on Windows PCs. Minecraft also has a help service where you can ask for more potential fixes. Fill out the contact form on this page and click Submit to send a support ticket.
