OSRS Not Connecting to Update Server: How to Fix it

Your antivirus can affect games, browsers & your internet connection

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Key notes

  • An active firewall on your PC is a major cause of the Old School RuneScape (OSRS) not connecting to the update server issue.
  • Another known cause is possible server downtime from RuneScape's end.
  • This issue can be easily fixed by deactivating your firewall or third-party antivirus app.
runescape not connecting to update server
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Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is an excellent game that you can play on browsers and the client. Jagex updates this game frequently to make sure it keeps running smoothly. But some users complained that OSRS is not connecting to the update server and is stuck.

This failed connection can be frustrating, as it stops users from playing the game. Fortunately, as we did with the RuneScape not loading issue, we have provided effective solutions to this error.

Why is RuneScape not connecting to the update server?

The major reason RuneScape fails to connect to the update server is an antivirus or firewall blocking the connection. Another possible cause is server downtime from RuneScape.

These two issues are easy to fix with just a few steps, as we will show in the subsequent sections of this article.

Why do I keep getting disconnected from RuneScape?

If you keep getting disconnected after connecting to RuneScape, it is mostly down to insufficient system resources. You can fix this by closing other apps that might use your PC’s resources.

Also, it can be due to an unstable internet connection. A change of network should solve the problem in this case.

How do I fix RuneScape not connecting to the update server?

1. Check RuneScape server status 

  1. Launch your browser and type RuneScape server state.
    type runescape not connecting to update server
  2. Select one of the top options like Downdetector.
    google page
  3. It will show a live server status for you.
    detector

RuneScape errors like unable to connect: login server offline and OSRS error connecting to the server, please try a different world are usually down to server downtime.

If you’re getting Runescape unable to connect: login server offline error, it’s rather likely that there’s an issue with the server.

2. Disable the firewall temporarily

As mentioned earlier, antivirus software or firewall on your PC is the major cause of RuneScape server errors like error_game_js5connect – unable to connect to update server.

If OSRS client is stuck on connecting to the update server, temporarily disable the antivirus or firewall and connect it back after starting your game.

3. Check your network hardware

If the RuneScape web server is not reachable, be sure to check your network hardware. A few users reported that their router caused the issue.

To fix the problem, you might have to reset your router or, in some instances, replace it with a new one. This also works when OSRS is unable to connect to the update server on mobile.

How long is server maintenance RuneScape?

Server maintenance is necessary in order to ensure that the game runs properly. During the maintenance, you won’t be able to log in at all.

As for the length of the maintenance, it takes a couple of hours, and according to the developers, it can last around 6 hours.

RuneScape server errors can quickly dent your gaming spirit. Thankfully, it is not an issue that is difficult to fix, as we have shown.

If you want to know how to fix the RuneScape packet loss, check our article for effective solutions to apply.

Feel free to let us know if you were able to connect your game with the fixes in this guide in the comments below.

More about the topics: Game issues