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RPC Server Unavailable Error – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
An RPC Server Unavailable Error occurs when a remote procedure call (RPC) fails because the server is not responding. To fix it, restart your computer and network, check that RPC services are running, disable firewall temporarily, verify DNS resolution, update network drivers, reset TCP/IP, enable remote services, and run SFC and DISM scans. If the error persists, perform advanced troubleshooting like checking the Windows Registry or using the Windows Network Troubleshooter. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why RPC Server Unavailable Error Happens

An RPC Server Unavailable Error is a network error that occurs when a remote procedure call (RPC) cannot connect to the target server. RPC is a protocol that allows programs to request services from other programs on a network. When the server does not respond, this error appears, often in Windows environments. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft RPC Error Codes documentation.

The RPC Server Unavailable Error is similar to other network errors like DNS Server Not Responding and Windows Error 0x80072ee7, but it specifically points to RPC communication failure. Common triggers include RPC services not running, firewall blocking RPC ports, DNS resolution issues, network adapter problems, and corrupted system files.

Before diving into fixes, ensure the remote server is powered on and accessible. If you are on a corporate network, contact your IT administrator. For a broader overview of network errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: An RPC Server Unavailable Error can indicate a security issue if it occurs unexpectedly. Ensure your firewall and antivirus are properly configured.

1. Restart Your Computer and Network

The simplest fix for an RPC Server Unavailable Error is restarting your computer and network devices. This clears temporary glitches and refreshes network connections.

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Power off your modem and router. Unplug them from power.
  3. Wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
  4. Wait for all lights to stabilize, then restart your PC.
  5. Try the RPC operation again.

✅ Expected Result: A restart often resolves the RPC Server Unavailable Error immediately. If not, proceed to the next method.

2. Check and Start RPC Services

If the RPC services are stopped, the RPC Server Unavailable Error will occur. Ensure the required services are running.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
  3. Ensure the service is Running and set to Automatic.
  4. Also check Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator and DCOM Server Process Launcher.
  5. If any service is stopped, right-click and select Start.
  6. Restart your PC and test.

✅ Expected Result: Starting the RPC services often resolves the RPC Server Unavailable Error immediately.

3. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewalls can block RPC traffic, causing the RPC Server Unavailable Error. Temporarily disabling the firewall can help identify the cause.

  1. Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
  2. Temporarily turn off the firewall for your active network profile.
  3. If using third-party antivirus, disable its firewall or real-time protection temporarily.
  4. Test the RPC operation.
  5. If the error resolves, add an exception for RPC traffic (port 135, 445, and dynamic ports 49152-65535).
  6. Re-enable your security software immediately after testing.

🔁 Alternative Solution: If you cannot disable your firewall, try adding an inbound rule for RPC ports in Windows Firewall.

4. Verify DNS Resolution

DNS issues can cause the RPC Server Unavailable Error by preventing the server name from resolving to an IP address. Verify DNS resolution.

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Ping the server using its hostname: ping server-name.
  3. If the ping fails, try pinging the IP address directly.
  4. If the IP works but the name fails, check DNS settings.
  5. Change DNS servers to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).

💡 Quick Tip: You can also use nslookup server-name to troubleshoot DNS resolution.

5. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause the RPC Server Unavailable Error. Updating them can resolve the issue.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Select “Search automatically for drivers”.
  5. If Windows doesn’t find updates, visit your manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver.
  6. Restart your PC.

🔁 Alternative Solution: For more detailed driver update guidance, see How to Update Drivers Windows 11.

6. Reset TCP/IP Stack

A corrupted TCP/IP stack can cause the RPC Server Unavailable Error. Resetting it restores default network settings.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands in sequence:
    netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Test the RPC operation.

✅ Expected Result: Resetting the TCP/IP stack often resolves persistent RPC Server Unavailable Error issues.

7. Enable Remote Services

Remote services like Remote Registry and Remote Desktop must be enabled for RPC to work. Check these services.

  1. Open Services.msc.
  2. Locate Remote Registry.
  3. Ensure the service is Running and set to Automatic.
  4. Also check Remote Desktop Services and Remote Access Connection Manager.
  5. Start any stopped services and restart your PC.

💡 Quick Tip: If the Remote Registry service is disabled, RPC calls may fail. Enable it to fix the RPC Server Unavailable Error.

8. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can cause the RPC Server Unavailable Error. Running SFC and DISM repairs system files. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and test.

✅ Expected Result: SFC and DISM will repair corrupted files, which may resolve the RPC Server Unavailable Error.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Check the Windows Registry

Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Rpc and ensure the Service entry is correct. If missing, create it.

Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Run the built-in network troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections > Run.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot eliminates software conflicts. Press Win + R, type msconfig, go to Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” click Disable all, disable startup items in Task Manager, restart, and test.

Check for Malware

Malware can interfere with RPC. Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

For more networking troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

An RPC Server Unavailable Error is a common network error that can be fixed by restarting your network, ensuring RPC services are running, checking firewall settings, verifying DNS resolution, updating network drivers, resetting TCP/IP, enabling remote services, and running SFC and DISM scans. If the error persists, perform advanced troubleshooting like checking the registry or running the network troubleshooter. By following these steps, you can resolve the error and restore RPC functionality.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping network drivers updated and periodically running system file checks, can prevent the RPC Server Unavailable Error from recurring. For more Windows and networking troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on DNS Server Not Responding, Error 0x80072ee7, and Default Gateway Is Not Available.

Related Guides

FAQ

What does “RPC Server Unavailable Error” mean?

An RPC Server Unavailable Error means a remote procedure call could not connect to the target server, often due to network or service issues.

How do I fix RPC Server Unavailable Error?

Restart your network, check RPC services are running, disable firewall temporarily, verify DNS resolution, update network drivers, reset TCP/IP, enable remote services, and run SFC and DISM scans.

Can firewall cause RPC Server Unavailable Error?

Yes, firewalls can block RPC ports. Temporarily disabling the firewall can help identify if it is the cause.

Is RPC Server Unavailable a virus?

No, it is a network error, not a virus. However, malware can cause RPC issues.

How do I check RPC services in Windows 11?

Open Services.msc, locate Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and ensure it is Running and set to Automatic.

Can DNS cause RPC Server Unavailable Error?

Yes, DNS issues can prevent the server name from resolving. Verify DNS settings and try pinging the server.

How do I reset TCP/IP stack for RPC error?

Run netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset in Command Prompt as Administrator.

What ports does RPC use?

RPC uses port 135 for endpoint mapping, and dynamic ports 49152-65535 for RPC traffic. Port 445 is also used for certain RPC services.

Can outdated network drivers cause this error?

Yes, outdated drivers can cause RPC errors. Update them via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website.

What should I do if the error persists after all fixes?

If the error persists, run a malware scan, perform a clean boot, use System Restore, or contact your IT administrator.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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