Fix “The RPC Server Is Unavailable” Error on Windows

If you’re a Windows user, encountering the dreaded error message “The RPC Server is Unavailable” can be frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, this common error usually stems from problems with your system’s networking or service configurations—and it’s often fixable with a few simple tweaks.

RPC, or Remote Procedure Call, is a protocol used by Windows to allow programs and services to communicate with one another across systems and networks. When this error pops up, it typically means that communication between processes has been halted or disrupted. This guide will walk you through several proven methods to resolve this issue quickly and efficiently.

What Causes the RPC Server Error?

Understanding the root of the problem helps in fixing it. Common causes include:

  • Disabled or malfunctioning RPC-related services
  • Incorrect network settings or DNS issues
  • Firewall or antivirus software blocking communication
  • Corrupted system files

How to Fix “The RPC Server Is Unavailable” on Windows

1. Ensure RPC Services Are Running

For RPC to work, certain services must be running properly. Here’s how to check them:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Services window, locate and ensure the following are running and set to Automatic:
    • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
    • RPC Endpoint Mapper
    • DCOM Server Process Launcher
  3. If any are not running, right-click the service, choose Properties, and set the Startup type to Automatic. Then, click Start.

2. Check Your Network Connection

Since RPC relies on network communication, any disruption can cause this error. To verify your network connection:

  • Make sure you’re connected to a stable internet or LAN connection.
  • Open Command Prompt and run ping IPAddress to check connectivity to another machine, if applicable.
  • Ensure your system has the correct IP configuration by typing ipconfig /all.

3. Verify Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software may block RPC communication. Temporarily disable them to see if the error resolves:

  1. Open Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane.
  3. Temporarily disable the firewall and see if the error persists.
  4. If the issue resolves, create rule exceptions instead of leaving the firewall off permanently.

4. Check Registry Settings

Incorrect registry settings can also prevent RPC from working properly. Proceed with caution:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\RpcSs.
  3. Ensure the Start value is set to 2 (Automatic).

Note: Making incorrect changes to the registry can harm your system. Back up the registry before modifying anything.

5. Enable Remote Assistance and COM+ Services

Ensuring these additional services are enabled helps RPC function smoothly:

  1. Go back to services.msc.
  2. Locate and ensure the following services are running:
    • Remote Access Connection Manager
    • COM+ Event System

6. Restart Your Computer

It may sound simple, but a full restart can refresh hung services or incomplete configurations causing the RPC error. Always restart after applying major fixes.

7. Update Your System

Outdated or corrupted system files can trigger communication errors like this. Make sure your Windows operating system is updated:

  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available ones.

Final Thoughts

Fixing the “The RPC Server Is Unavailable” error might seem intimidating at first, but most causes stem from common system misconfigurations. By following these structured steps, you should be able to restore RPC communication and get your system running smoothly again.

In case the problem persists even after trying all the above solutions, it may be worth seeking professional tech support to delve deeper into system-level issues.