Most Current Fix: Switch to the New NVIDIA App

Last updated: November 7, 2025

NVIDIA is replacing the legacy GeForce Experience with a new, unified NVIDIA App. If you are still using the older application, you may encounter connection issues because it is no longer actively supported.

1. Uninstall your current GeForce Experience application from Windows Settings or Control Panel.
2. Go to the official NVIDIA website and download the new NVIDIA App.
3. Install the new application. This new app combines features of GeForce Experience and the NVIDIA Control Panel into a single interface, which should resolve the connection error.

See also: How to Check Your Graphics Card (GPU) on Windows 10 & 11 in 2025 — 4 Fastest Methods

Classic Troubleshooting for GeForce Experience

If you are still using GeForce Experience or the new NVIDIA App is also having issues, here are the detailed fixes that historically solve the “Unable to connect” error:

1. Upgrade or Reinstall the Application and Drivers

The simplest fix is ensuring you have the latest, non-corrupted version of the software and drivers.

• Clean Reinstall: Uninstall the GeForce Experience (or the new NVIDIA App). For a truly clean install, consider using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to remove all remnants of NVIDIA drivers and software, and then download and install the latest drivers/application package directly from the NVIDIA website.
• Driver Update: If the app opens, go to the Drivers tab and ensure your display driver is the most recent Game Ready Driver.

2. Manually Fix Stuck NVIDIA Services

Connection problems can arise if the necessary NVIDIA services are stuck in a Starting state.

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows Key + R. Type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Look for NVIDIA Network Service in the list. If its status shows Starting, continue with the following steps.
3. Navigate to the following path in File Explorer and find and delete the file NSManagedTasks.xml:
   • C:\ProgramData\NVIDIA Corporation\NetService\
   • (Note: You may need to enable “Show Hidden items” in the View tab of File Explorer to see the ProgramData folder).
4. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete or Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
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5. Go to the Details tab and find NVNetworkService.exe. Right-click it and select End task.
6. Return to the Services window, right-click on the NVIDIA Network Service, and select Start.

See also: How To Turn Off NVIDIA Overlay | Explained With Pictures

3. Check and Configure WiFi Connectivity Settings

Incorrect IPv4 settings can sometimes cause this error, particularly with the Automatic Metric feature.

1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
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2. Click on your active internet connection (e.g., your WiFi name) to open the Status dialog box, then click Properties.
3. In the Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. In the IPv4 Properties window, click the Advanced… button.
5. Under the IP Settings tab, uncheck the box next to Automatic metric.
6. In the Interface Metric box, enter the value 1 and click OK to close all windows.

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General Troubleshooting & FAQs

Antivirus/Firewall Interference: Your security software may be blocking the connection to NVIDIA’s servers. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if the error is resolved. If it is, you’ll need to add an exception for the GeForce Experience (or NVIDIA App) in your security settings.

VPN/Proxy Issues: A VPN or proxy server can interfere with the connection. Try disconnecting your VPN or ensuring your proxy settings are configured correctly or temporarily disabled.

Missing Drivers: You should check your Device Manager for any missing or unidentified hardware drivers, as this can sometimes be a secondary cause.

NVIDIA App Migration: This video explains why the legacy GeForce Experience app may stop working and directs you to the new app for a fix:

See also: 7 Best Games for Nvidia Shield to Play