First check whether Blizzard has reported a service interruption. If the service is available, stop downloads and streaming, test a wired connection if possible, and restart the modem or router. Then update Windows and the network driver. Flush the DNS cache only if the simpler checks do not help.
High pingActions reach the server late; reduce other network traffic and test wired.
Packet lossSome data never arrives; restart the network and compare connections.
Low FPSThe picture is slow on the PC; use a performance guide instead.
High ping means your actions take longer to reach the game server. Packet loss means some network data does not arrive. Low FPS means the PC is drawing too few frames. Use this page when movement jumps, actions arrive late, or the game shows high latency or loss while the picture itself can still render smoothly.
2
Check for a Blizzard interruption
Check Blizzard's customer-support service updates before changing the PC or router. If Blizzard reports an Overwatch problem for your region, wait for that service issue to be resolved and avoid reinstalling the game.
3
Stop competing network activity
Pause game downloads, cloud backups, video streaming, and large transfers on this PC and other devices for one repeatable match or Practice Range test. Close unnecessary apps so you can compare the connection under the same conditions.
4
Compare wired and wireless
If possible, connect the PC to the router with an Ethernet cable for one test. If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, move closer to the router and reduce interference rather than changing Overwatch graphics settings.
5
Restart the network equipment
Shut down the PC. Unplug the modem and router, wait about a minute, reconnect the modem first, then the router, and wait for their normal lights before starting the PC. This clears a stalled home-network connection; it does not fix a Blizzard outage.
6
Update, then refresh the Windows connection
Install current Windows and network-adapter driver updates. If the problem remains, use Blizzard's documented Windows IP release, renewal, and DNS-cache steps. DNS is the service that translates a site or game-service name into a network address.
If only Wi-Fi has loss or high ping, troubleshoot the distance, interference, or router; reinstalling Overwatch will not improve the wireless signal.
If both wired and wireless connections fail while Blizzard reports no interruption, note the region, time, internet provider, latency or loss reading, and whether other online games are affected before contacting Blizzard or the provider.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows PC.
The steps below follow current publisher or platform documentation and explain technical terms where they first appear.
