How to fix the “RPC server is unavailable” error on your device

What does the “RPC server is unavailable” error mean? 

The “RPC server is unavailable” error means your computer can’t communicate with the target system, even though it's trying to connect. 

RPC stands for remote procedure call, and it’s the technology responsible for allowing clients and servers to connect to one another over the network. Some users who have upgraded to a newer version of Windows 10 and 11 have experienced RPC failures, preventing them from executing tasks.

You might encounter an RPC error when accessing services through WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) or the remote desktop protocol (RDP). Think of it as trying to call someone only to find out their number’s been disconnected. The call doesn’t go through.

What causes the “RPC server is unavailable” error?

Several common issues can trigger the RPC error, some with easy fixes.

• Network configuration problems: Incorrect DNS settings, IP conflicts, or disabled file and printer sharing can break the connection.
• RPC service not running: If the RPC services on the system are not active, communication will not work.
• Firewall blocking traffic: Overly strict firewall rules can block RPC ports and prevent connections from going through.
• Antivirus interference: Security software may block needed connections if it perceives them as threats or doesn't recognize them.
• Corrupted registry or system files: Essential configurations could be missing or damaged, preventing RPC from connecting.
• Authentication issues: Permissions not set up correctly on the target machine can prevent you from accessing it.

How to fix the “RPC server is unavailable” error

Troubleshooting the RPC error starts with identifying the root cause. Below, you’ll find straightforward steps that work across Windows 11, 10, and even 7.

Restart the RPC service

Make sure the RPC-related services are running:

1. 1.Press “Windows” key + “R,” type "services.msc" and press “Enter.”
   
2. 2.Look for these services: "Remote procedure call (RPC)," "DCOM server process launcher," and "RPC endpoint mapper."
3. 3.Check if the statuses are "Running" and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
4. 4.If not, right-click each one, select "Properties," and adjust the settings.
   

Check firewall settings

Your firewall might be blocking RPC traffic. Follow these steps to check and allow connections to push through:

1. 1.Go to the “Control panel,” click “System and security.”
   
2. 2.Under “Windows Defender firewall,” select "Allow an app through Windows firewall."
   
3. 3.Make sure "Remote assistance" and "File and printer sharing" are allowed.
4. 4.To open RPC ports manually:
   • Open the “Start” menu and type “wf.msc.” Click it to open the "Windows Defender firewall with advanced security” window.
   • Create new inbound rules to open ports 135 and dynamic ports (49152–65535 for Windows 10/11).
     
     

Perform a clean boot

Background services may interfere with RPC. Reset them by doing the following steps:

1. 1.Press “Windows” key + “R,” type "msconfig," and hit “Enter.”
   
2. 2.In the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services."
   
3. 3.Click "Disable."
   
4. 4.Head to the "Startup" tab and click “Open task manager.”
5. 5.Disable all the items in the “Startup” tab.
6. 6.Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Check network connectivity settings

Make sure your computer is properly connected to the network. 

1. 1.Open the “Start” menu and type “View network connections.” 
   
2. 2.Once a window pops up, right-click your active connection and select "Properties." 
   
3. 3.Check that both "File and printer sharing for Microsoft networks" and "Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" are checked. If either is unchecked, enable them and restart your computer.

Enable file and printer sharing and IPv6

Make sure your network is fully compatible with the devices you want to connect to. 

1. 1.First, open "Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi" and click your active network. 
   
2. 2.Select "Change advanced sharing options" under "Related settings” and enable "Turn on file and printer sharing." 
3. 3.Also, confirm that IPv6 is enabled in your adapter settings.

Change registry settings

This step can help solve RPC issues, but editing the registry can cause serious problems if done incorrectly. To protect your files and data, create a backup before proceeding.

1. 1.Press “Windows” key + “R,” type "regedit," and hit “Enter.”
   
2. 2.Navigate to: “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs.”
   
3. 3.Make sure the value "Start" is set to “2.”
4. 4.Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DcomLaunch.”
5. 5.Check if "Start” is set to “2.”
   

After making changes, restart your PC.

Clear your DNS cache or change your DNS settings

DNS issues can also break RPC communication. Consider clearing your DNS cache or changing your DNS server for Windows. 

Follow these steps to clear the DNS cache:

1. 1.Open “Command prompt” as an administrator.
2. 2.Type: “ipconfig/flushdns” and press “Enter.”
   

To verify your DNS server addresses: 

1. 1.From the “Start” menu, type “View network connections.” 
2. 2.Right-click your active connection and choose "Properties."
3. 3.Double-click "Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)."
4. 4.Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and confirm the addresses. For example, if you’re using Google DNS, it should be “8.8.8.8” under the “Preferred DNS server.” 
5. 5.After verifying or changing the DNS addresses, click “OK” and restart your PC. 

Reset your PC

If none of the above steps work or the issue persists, resetting your PC to its default settings may help:

1. 1.Open "Settings” > “Update & security” > “Recovery."
2. 2.Click “Get started” under "Reset this PC" and choose "Keep my files."
3. 3.Follow on-screen instructions.

This step will restore system files and fix misconfigurations. It will also restore proper RPC functionality, allowing connections to push through.

How to avoid the “RPC server is unavailable” error

Maintaining a healthy system setup can prevent this error message from popping up. Keep your network drivers updated and ensure your Windows firewall settings don’t block RPC-related traffic. Regularly scan for malware, enable file and printer sharing, and avoid manual registry changes unless necessary.