Alex Ruben
How To Fix FitGirl Download Failed Due To Server Not Resolved
If this error pops up when trying to install FitGirl Repack games, it’s beyond frustrating. Usually, it’s a stuff-with-DNS, firewall, or antivirus that’s blocking the installer from reaching the server. This guide aims to walk through some tweaks that actually worked for folks, especially messing around with DNS settings, managing antivirus exceptions, and ensuring your firewall isn’t being overprotective. The goal: make that game install happen with less head-scratching and more gaming.
How to Fix ‘Download Failed – Server Name Could Not Be Resolved’ in Windows 11 / 10
Adjusting Your DNS Settings to Bypass Server Resolution Issues
This is a common fix because Windows sometimes struggles with DNS servers, especially if your network’s default isn’t playing nice. Switching to Google’s DNS (or Cloudflare, if you prefer) can often resolve the server name resolution errors. Why? Because plain English: it’s a different way of translating website addresses, which might get around your current DNS hiccup. Expect to see a smoother connection, and possibly faster downloads.
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) under Connections.
- Select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and hit Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter
8.8.8.8for Preferred DNS server and8.8.4.4for Alternate DNS — that’s Google’s DNS, and it tends to be pretty reliable. - Click OK, then Close out of everything.
This tweak isn’t guaranteed, but on some setups, it’s like flipping a switch. If your DNS was the issue, the installer should be able to resolve the server name now.
Temporarily Disabling Antivirus & Firewall to Check Interference
Firewall or antivirus sometimes sees the installer or download links as threats — even if they’re totally safe. Disabling these temporarily can tell if that’s the cause. On a hunch, first turn off real-time protection in Windows Security.
- Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Manage settings.
- Toggle off Real-time protection.
Don’t forget to allow the installer through your firewall, too. Head to Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through firewall and check if the setup exe is on the list. If not, add it manually. Sometimes, on one setup it works, then on another, Windows suddenly blocks everything — classic Windows magic.
Once the download or installation is done, re-enable real-time protection — because of course, your PC should stay protected. But, honestly, some builds are weird and block stuff without clear reasons.
Adding the Game Folder to Antivirus Exclusions
If the installer or game files get flagged later, adding the folder to exclusions can save a lot of hassle. Especially if you’re running active antivirus like Windows Security or third-party ones. Locate your game installation folder, right-click it, and add it to exclusions.
- In Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection > Add or remove exclusions.
- Click on Add an exclusion > select Folder.
- Navigate to your game folder (something like
C:\Games\YourGameFolder) and add it.
On some setups, this step is the secret sauce because the antivirus isn’t second-guessing itself on every read or write request.
Double-Check Proxy and VPN Settings
Sometimes, hidden proxies or VPNs (even free ones or browser extensions) mess with DNS resolution. Turning these off temporarily can help. Just disable your VPN or proxy from Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, right? But trust me, this often clears up weird DNS errors.
Extra Tip: Reset Network Settings if Nothing Else Works
If things are still flaky, a network reset can fix underlying misconfigurations. Open PowerShell as admin and run:
netsh int ip reset; netsh winsock reset; ipconfig /flushdnsAfter that, restart the PC, and try again. It’s a bit of a sledgehammer approach, but sometimes needed if the network stack is borked.
Summary
- Change DNS to Google’s or Cloudflare’s
- Temporarily disable antivirus/Firewall to test
- Add game folder to exclusions
- Check for VPN or proxy conflicts
- If all else fails, reset network settings
Wrap-up
Most of the time, it’s just a DNS or security bubble that’s messing things up. Changing DNS is often the simplest fix that feels kinda hacky but works. Turning off antivirus briefly or adding exclusions staves off false alarms that block your installation. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because honestly, nothing’s more annoying than a “server name could not be resolved” error on a fresh game install.