[Fixed] Valheim Server Not Showing Up

One amazing feature of Vaheim is that the game allows players to deploy their own server. While this open mechanism is surely admirable, many run into a server not showing up issue when trying to deploy or joining servers. If you happen to be one of them, here’re some fixes you can try.

Try these fixes:

You might not need to try all of them. Simply work your way down until you bump into the one that does the trick.

1. Restart Steam
2. Reboot your network
3. Update your network driver
4. Turn on network discovery
5. Temporary disable firewall and antivirus
6. Make sure the network is configured correctly

Fix 1: Restart Steam

Restarting Steam would purge cache and recover the client from glitches. This is especially helpful when the server has just been set up. So before you further into anything more complicated down below, try restarting Steam or your PC. Sometimes you’d be surprised how a simple turning-it-on-and-off can do.

If this trick doesn’t give you luck, take a look at the next one below.

Fix 2: Reboot your network

The server not showing up issue is, obviously, network-related. But as it’s not clear whether the problem is on the server side or on the client side, you can first try to reboot your network equipment to make sure they’re all functioning.

Here’s a quick guide for that:

1. At the back of your modem and router, unplug the power cords.
   
2. Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug the cords back in. Make sure the indicators are back to their normal state.
3. Open your browser and check the connection.

Once you’re back online, launch Valheim and check if you can find the target server.

If this fix doesn’t help you, simply check out the next one.

Fix 3: Update your network driver

Another possible cause of not being able to find the server is that you’re using a faulty or outdated network driver. You should always make sure your network driver is up to date so as to avoid performance and connection issues, especially when you’re geared with a high-end gaming motherboard.

Generally there’re 2 ways you can update your network driver: manually or automatically.

Option 1: Update your network driver manually

If you’re familiar with computer hardware, you can try to update your network driver manually. To do so, first visit the official website of your motherboard manufacturer and search for your model. Drivers can usually be found in the support page. Be sure to download the latest and correct driver installer that’s compatible with your operating system.

Option 2: Update your network driver automatically (Recommended)

If you’re not comfortable playing with device drivers, we recommend using Driver Easy. It’s a tool that detects, downloads and installs any driver updates your computer needs.

1. Download and install Driver Easy.
2. Launch Driver Easy, then click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
   
3. Click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system.(This requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. If you don’t want to pay for the Pro version, you can still download and install all the drivers you need with the free version; you just have to download them one at a time, and manually install them, the normal Windows way.) 
   

Once you’ve updated your network driver, restart your computer and check if you can locate the Valheim server now.

If the latest network driver doesn’t give you luck, simply continue to the next fix.

Fix 4: Turn on network discovery

Network discovery allows Windows 10 to show up and find other devices in a network. You should make sure this feature is on in order to avoid connection problems.

If you don’t know how, simply use these steps:

1. At the bottom right corner of your screen, click the computer icon on the task bar and select Network & Internet settings.
   
2. Under the Advanced network settings section, click Network and Sharing Center.
   
3. In the left menu, select Change advanced sharing settings.
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4. Expand the Private section and make sure you check the box next to Turn on network discovery. Apply the same settings in the Guest or Public section below.
5. Now restart your PC and test the connection.

If this solution doesn’t work for you, simply move on to the next one below.

Fix 5: Temporary disable firewall and antivirus

Next you need to make sure your connection isn’t blocked by the firewall. To resolve any possible misconfigurations, you can temporarily disable it and check if the issue persists.

Here’s how to disable your firewall:

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to invoke the Run box. Then Type or paste control firewall.cpl and click OK.
   
2. From the left menu, select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
   
3. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for Domain network, Private Network and Public network. Then click OK.
   

After turning off your firewall, restart Valheim and see if you can find the server now.

If you still can’t find the server, re-enable your firewall and take a look at the next solution.

Fix 6: Make sure the network is configured correctly

If you’re the host who tries to share the server on the Internet, make sure the port forwarding is configured properly. That means if you’re using your PC as a server, be sure to allow the ports through the PC & router firewalls. Some ISPs might have certain sensitive port ranges blocked by default, that’s why we recommend changing the port to a higher value to avoid possible issues.

Hopefully, this post helps you fix the server not showing up issue in Valheim. If you have any ideas or questions, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll get back as soon as we can.