Reinstalling is the last step, not the first. Work through how to fix connection timed out in the order given and the reinstall almost never becomes necessary.
Driver updates fix this often enough to be worth trying, and break it often enough to be worth noting first. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem.
The short answer
Verify the files, restart fully, and only then start changing settings — reversing that order is what turns ten minutes into an evening.
Check these first
The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem.
Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.
If it is still broken
Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.
- Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
- Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
- Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
- Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
Fixes that require more patience
If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.
Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Driver updates fix this often enough to be worth trying, and break it often enough to be worth noting first.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
- Trusting a video thumbnail over the actual patch notes.
- Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
Frequently asked questions
Will reinstalling fix it?
Sometimes, but it is slow and it hides the cause. Work through the checks above first; reinstalling is worth trying only after they fail.
What if it does not work for me?
Go back to the first step and confirm each assumption instead of retrying the last one. The failure is almost always earlier than it appears.
Could a mod be causing this?
Very likely, if you have any installed. Disable all of them, confirm the problem is gone, then re-enable in batches.
Bookmark this if you expect to look up how to fix connection timed out again after the next update.