Connection Troubleshooting - Technical Support - The Elder Scrolls Online

If you are experiencing connection issues while playing The Elder Scrolls Online, first make sure to check our Service Alerts and Bethesda Support Twitter to ensure our servers are active. If the servers are up and you are still having issues proceed to the troubleshooting steps below.

Troubleshooting for all Platforms

  • Make sure your ESO Launcher or Application has downloaded and installed all available updates.
  • Power Cycle Your Home Network and PC/Console
    1. Turn off the router by unplugging it. If you have a modem and router in one device, turn it off and proceed to step 3.
    2. Turn off the DSL or cable modem for three minutes.
      • Note: Some modems are equipped with a backup battery. If your modem has one, please remove the backup battery to completely turn off your modem.
    3. Turn off all computers attached to your network.
    4. Turn on the DSL or cable modem first and let it boot. Let it complete its connection to your ISP before proceeding to the next step. If you have a modem and router in one device, proceed to step 6 after it connects to your ISP.
    5. Once the modem completes the connection to your ISP, plug in the router. Let it complete its power on test before proceeding to the next step
    6. Restart your computer or console. Make sure to fully power off your device, do not use quick restart or sleep mode.
  • Open Outbound Ports in your Router Settings
    • To best access The Elder Scrolls Online, configure your router to open the following outbound ports:
      • TCP / UDP Ports 24100 through 24131
      • TCP / UDP Ports 24300 through 24331
      • TCP / UDP Ports 24500 through 24507
      • TCP Port 80
      • TCP Port 433
    • While accessing your router, make sure to update the firmware as this may resolve connection issues. For more information on how to do this, see your router's instruction manual or manufacturer's website.

Additional PC Troubleshooting

  • Disconnect from VPN services if you are using them.
  • Disable all Add-ons and check to see if you are still experiencing issues. If this resolves the problem, enable them 1-by-1 to determine which Add-ons are causing issues.
  • Add ESO as an exception to your antivirus software
    • Each antivirus program is different, and we recommend you view your antivirus developer's website for full instructions on how to add exceptions.
    • The default application files for ESO that may require exceptions are:
      • ESO launcher: C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\Launcher\Bethesda.net_Launcher.exe
      • ESO64.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\ZenimaxOnline\The Elder Scrolls Online\game\client\eso64.exe (by default)
    • If you are playing ESO through Steam, make sure to add the following exceptions
      • Bethesda.net_launcher: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Zenimax Online\Launcher\Bethesda.net_Launcher.exe
      • ESO64.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Zenimax Online\game\client\eso64.exe
      • Steam.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam.exe
    • If you are playing ESO through Epic make sure to add the following exceptions:
      • Epic Games Launcher: C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64epicgameslauncher.exe
      • ESO launcher: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\TheElderScrollsOnline\Launcher\Bethesda.net_Launcher.exe
      • ESO64.exe: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\TheElderScrollsOnline\The Elder Scrolls Online\game\eso64.exe
    • Some antivirus programs require entire folders to be selected instead of a single file. When this is the case, the file paths below are what players should use. If required by the antivirus program, include all subfolders since every file is critical to run the game.
      • C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\The Elder Scrolls Online\
  • Reset the ProgramData Folder
    • Close both ESO and the ESO Launcher.
    • Open the game's installation directory.
    • Open the folder named Launcher.
    • Inside the "Launcher" folder, there is a folder named "ProgramData".
    • Rename the "ProgramData" folder to "ProgramDataBackup".
    • Open the launcher and download update.
    • Click Play.
  • Give ESO and Steam access to Mac
    • If playing ESO on Mac, you should ensure that both Steam and ESO have access to your machine by navigating to the Security & Privacy menu, selecting Privacy, then clicking on Accessibility and adding them to the list.