Troubleshooting the Forza Horizon 4 IPSEC 0x00000000 Error on Windows 10
As avid gamers ourselves, we know how frustrating technical issues can be when all you want to do is play your favorite game. Recently, there have been reports from Windows 10 users unable to join online sessions in Forza Horizon 4 due to the IPSEC 0x00000000 error.
After diving into popular Windows and gaming forums, we’ve gathered some of the most helpful troubleshooting solutions proposed by fellow players and experts. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top fixes to hopefully get you back on the racetrack.
Disable Conflicting Services
One of the most common culprits seems to be other programs running services that conflict with those Forza Horizon 4 needs. Specifically, National Instruments software is called out for causing connectivity problems.
To check if you have any NI services active:
- Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.
- Type "msconfig" and press Enter to open System Configuration.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Click the Manufacturer column header to sort alphabetically.
- Look for any services created by National Instruments and uncheck them.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
With those out of the way, try launching Forza Horizon 4 again and see if you can now get online.
Update Windows and Drivers
Keeping your Windows version and drivers fully updated is key for proper performance and compatibility.
Follow these steps to update Windows 10 to the latest build:
- Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates. Windows will scan for the latest patches.
- Once available, choose Download and install.
- Restart your PC to finish updating.
You’ll also want to check for new drivers for your network adapter, graphics card, and other hardware through your manufacturer’s websites or utilities like Device Manager.
Updating these components ensures Forza Horizon 4 has the best environment for a smooth online experience.
Reset Connectivity and Accounts
If you’re still seeing the IPSEC error after updating, some connectivity and account resets may do the trick:
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Log out then back into the Microsoft Store and Xbox accounts associated with Forza Horizon 4. This syncs everything cleanly.
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Try playing on another network or VPN connection if possible. This determines if the issue is isolated to your existing network.
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Go offline and back online in the game’s network settings. Simply toggle your connection and give it a few seconds to reconnect.
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Completely reinstall Forza Horizon 4 if you’ve exhausted the above options. This wipes out any corrupted files.
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Double check the Forza Horizon 4 server status. While rare, connectivity problems on their end can prevent logins.
Resetting your network setup and credentials essentially gives them a fresh start, potentially resolving any conflicts.
Contact Support
If all else fails, your best bet is to engage the developer’s support team. Contact Turn 10 Studios/Microsoft directly via their Forza Horizon 4 help page.
Provide detailed information on your PC setup, all troubleshooting steps attempted, and game logs if possible. Their experts should be able to dig deeper and identify any software or account issues that standard players can’t access.
Don’t hesitate to call their support line for faster 1-on-1 assistance. You’ve paid for a working product, so take advantage of their included customer service!
Tune Up for Smooth PC Gaming
While we hope these fixes get Forza Horizon back up and running quickly, take the opportunity to optimize your system for the best gaming experience.
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Close unnecessary background apps and processes before playing to maximize CPU and RAM availability.
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Adjust in-game graphics settings for ideal performance vs quality on your hardware.
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Ensure proper cooling and airflow prevent throttling and shutdowns during long sessions.
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Run utilities to check for malware, disk errors, and other issues that gradually degrade PC health.
By fine-tuning performance and eliminating technical gremlins, you can avoid gameplay disruption and access all of Forza Horizon 4’s online community features.
Leave a comment below if you’re still encountering the IPSEC 0x00000000 error after trying these troubleshooting tips. We’ll do our best to provide additional guidance. Let’s get your game back on track!