World of Warcraft Technical Troubleshooting

Updated: 3 months ago
Article ID: 358715
Product:

Common Problems

  • Installation problems
  • Patching problems
  • Connection problems
  • Performance problems
  • Crashing problems
  • User interface problems
  • Sound problems

Before proceeding with the below troubleshooting categories, search with your specific error message (if available) or problem description to see if your issue has a separate troubleshooting article.

Otherwise, select the category below that best describes your technical issue:

 

Installation

  1. Restart your computer before doing any other troubleshooting. This can resolve many program conflicts and other temporary issues
  2. Optimize your internet connection. Your current setup may not be viable for our game
  3. Configure your security software to allow our game to be played
  4. Uninstall and reinstall your Battle.net App
  5. If all of the above fails, try updating or creating a new Windows account to resolve permission issues with your operating system (Windows 10 and 11 only)

Patching

  1. Restart your computer before doing any other troubleshooting. This can resolve many program conflicts and other temporary issues
  2. Optimize your internet connection. Your current setup may be preventing patching
  3. Run the repair tool to repair any damaged game files
  4. Configure your security software to allow our game to be patched
  5. Uninstall and reinstall your Battle.net App
  6. If all of the above fails, try updating or creating a new Windows account to resolve permission issues with your operating system (Windows 10 and 11 only)

Connection

This includes disconnections, lag, and "rubber banding."

Note: If you are disconnecting with a specific error message, search for an article or news regarding that error code before proceeding.

  1. Restart your computer before doing any other troubleshooting. This can resolve many program conflicts and other temporary issues
  2. Optimize your internet connection. Your current setup may have issues impacting gameplay
  3. Lag and disconnections are often caused by outdated or broken addons. If you use any addons, do the following:
    1. Update any addons that you use
    2. Try disabling all of your addons. Navigate in-game to Main Menu > Addons > Disable All
    3. If all else fails, fully reset your user interface (UI)

Performance

This includes unexpectedly poor graphics or FPS (Frames Per Second).

  1. Ensure your computer well exceeds the system requirements. The closer you are to the minimum requirements, the worse your game will perform
  2. Shut down all other programs (including Internet browsers) to see if they are interfering with your game's performance
  3. Ensure your graphics driver is not outdated. This is especially important after a major game update
  4. Turn off Vertical Sync in the game settings. Turn it back on if performance does not improve or worse issues develop. Navigate in-game to Main Menu > System > Graphics > Vertical Sync to toggle the setting
  5. If all else fails, default your graphics settings by navigating in-game to Main Menu > System > Graphics > Defaults > These Settings

Crashing

If you are crashing with a specific error message, search for an article or news regarding that error code before proceeding (Example: BLZ0000ABC123).

  1. If your computer shuts down or restarts during gameplay, go here
  2. If you receive a "Blue Screen" with your crash, go here
  3. Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Playing below the minimum often causes instability
  4. Run the repair tool to repair any damaged game files
  5. Update your drivers and operating system to resolve any compatibility issues
  6. If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall your game

User Interface

This includes issues with ability buttons, chat, maps, and other elements of the HUD (Heads Up Display)

  1. Update any addons that you use
  2. Try disabling all of your addons
  3. If all else fails, fully reset your user interface (UI)

Sound

Sound issues are almost always caused by incorrect settings or issues with sound peripherals.

  1. Before doing any other troubleshooting, restart your computer. This can resolve numerous temporary issues
  2. Check your Windows sound settings to ensure the right device is set as your sound output, and that the volume level is not at zero. There are several ways to reach the sound settings, including navigating Start > Settings > System > Sound
  3. If your Windows settings are correct, check your in-game settings next. Ensure the right device is set to your output, that the volume levels are not at zero, and that the sound is not muted
  4. If both Windows and Game settings are accurate, try another app with sound to see if the issue is with your headphones or speaker. If so, fully unplug your device and then plug it back in. Afterward, check its physical settings like volume knobs or mute buttons

If the previous troubleshooting steps didn't resolve the problem, you can ask the Blizzard player community for help on the tech support forums (if available) or other community gaming sites. Local computer or network technicians may also be able to help if you've exhausted all other resources.

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