Are you experiencing frequent lag spikes and packet losses when playing Overwatch? This is an issue that has been annoying a lot of the Overwatch players. If you’re unfortunately one of them, don’t worry! There has been some effective ways to help you reduce lag. In this article, we will show you a list of fixes for the frequent Overwatch lag spikes or latency issue. Take a look at them below and see if they are able to help you.
Try a different network connection method
Perhaps the network connection you’re currently using is not working properly so you see the Overwatch lag spikes issue. Here are two things you can do:
Step 1: If you’re using a wired connection, try connecting to your network wirelessly, or vice versa. Then test your issue.
Step 2: Or try turning on the mobile hotspot feature on your smart phone, and connect your computer to that network.
These will set up a new connection approach to the Internet for you, and you can try if any of them helped you fix your issue.
Reset your Windows network settings
Usually the Overwatch lags can be fixed by resetting the network settings on the Windows system. Here is how:
Step 1: Press and the Win and R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run box.
Step 2: Type “cmd” and press Ctrl, Shift and Enter on your keyboard. This will run Command Prompt as Adminstrator.
Step 3: In Command Prompt, enter the following commands:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /registerdns
Step 4: Close the window and restart your computer. Then test if your Overwatch game is able to run smoothly.
Check your DNS settings
Your Overwatch lag spikes can occur because your DNS settings are not properly configured. To check them:
Step 1: Press the Win and R keys on your keyboard at the same time to launch the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type “ncpa.cpl” and press Enter on your keyboard.
Step 3: Right click your network connection (“Ethernet” for wired connection, and “Wi-Fi” for wireless), and select Properties.
Step 4: Double click Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4).
Step 5: Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected, then click OK. (If they already are then skip this step and go to step 7.)
Step 6: Check if this fixes your error. If not move on to the step below.
Step 7: Select Use the following DNS server addresses, then set the server addresses to the Google public DNS server addresses (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4).
Step 8: Click OK.
Now check to see if this is able to reduce Overwatch latency.
Use a VPN
Your latency problem may also result from interruptions to your Overwatch connection. And connecting through a VPN can help you get around them.
In fact, using a VPN can not only bypass Internet blockage, it can also help you maintain a good connection to your Overwatch servers, so you may experience less connection issues.
Setting up a VPN usually requires some time and computer skills. If you want an easier option, you should try a VPN service. And we recommend using NordVPN.
NordVPN is an easy-to-use and fast VPN service. You’ll be able to set up a VPN connection with just a few mouse-clicks. And its fast speed servers at multiple locations offers you a comfortable and reliable experience.
To use NordVPN on your computer:
Step 1: Download and install NordVPN on your computer.
Step 2: Run NordVPN and sign in your account.
Step 3: Click the Connect switch. This will automatically connect you to the VPN server recommended for your device.
Now test your Overwatch and see if NordVPN has helped you fix your Overwatch lag spikes problem.
Has any of the fixes above worked for you? Or do you have any other effective ways to fix the Overwatch lag spikes issue? Tell us by leaving a comment below!