TeamViewer Not Ready? Fix the Connection Error on Windows

The TeamViewer “Not ready. Please check your connection” message usually means the Windows app cannot reach TeamViewer’s servers, even when your internet works in a browser. Work through these checks in order, starting with the connection and app status before changing firewall or network settings; you’ll need access to the affected PC and, for some steps, a Windows administrator account.

What You’ll Need

• The Windows computer showing the error, with access to its network settings.
• An internet connection and, if possible, another device or network for comparison.
• A Windows administrator account for restarting services or changing firewall settings.

Step-by-Step

1. Check whether the internet connection works. Open a browser and load a few unrelated websites. If they do not load, restart the router or reconnect to Wi-Fi, then check again. If you use Ethernet, make sure the cable is firmly connected. Fix the general connection first; TeamViewer cannot connect if Windows is offline.
2. Check TeamViewer’s service status. A temporary service outage can cause the message even when your PC is online. Visit TeamViewer’s official status page in a browser and look for an incident affecting connections. If there is an outage, wait for it to be resolved rather than repeatedly reinstalling the app.
3. Quit and reopen TeamViewer. Right-click the TeamViewer icon in the notification area near the clock and choose Exit, if available. Open TeamViewer again from the Start menu. If the icon is hidden, select the up-arrow in the taskbar notification area. Also check that Windows is not in Airplane mode and that any VPN or proxy connection is working as expected.
4. Restart Windows and check the date and time. A restart can clear a stalled network session or app process. Then open Settings > Time & language > Date & time. Turn on automatic time and time-zone settings if appropriate, and select Sync now if shown. Incorrect system time can interfere with secure connections.
5. Confirm the TeamViewer service is running. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find TeamViewer in the list. If its status is stopped, right-click it and choose Start. If it is running, right-click and choose Restart, if that option is available. If Windows asks for administrator credentials, use an authorized administrator account. Do not change unrelated services or their startup settings.
6. Update TeamViewer from its official source. Open the app and look for an update option in its menu, or download the current installer from TeamViewer’s official website. Close the app before running the installer and follow its prompts. Avoid third-party download sites. If this is a managed work computer, check with IT before updating because your organization may control the installed version.
7. Check Windows Firewall and other security software. Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, select the active network, and choose Allow an app through firewall. Check whether TeamViewer is allowed on the network type you actually use. If it is missing, add the legitimate installed app through the allowed-app controls; do not turn the firewall off as a workaround. Third-party security software may have its own application rules, so check its settings or ask the administrator.
8. Test another network or review proxy settings. If permitted, connect the PC briefly to a trusted alternative network, such as a phone hotspot. If TeamViewer works there, the original router, network firewall, VPN, or proxy may be blocking its connection. On a work or school network, ask the network administrator to review TeamViewer connectivity rather than trying to bypass restrictions. For a personal PC, check Settings > Network & internet > Proxy and make sure any configured proxy is intentional and available.
9. Reset the Windows network stack only if simpler checks fail. Save work first. Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, review the warning, and proceed only if you understand that Windows will remove and reinstall network adapters and may require you to reconnect to networks. Restart Windows afterward. This is a broad fix, so do not use it as the first step.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming a working browser proves TeamViewer is allowed. A network can permit web browsing but restrict other app connections.
• Disabling the firewall or antivirus completely. This can expose the PC and may not identify the cause. Use a specific permitted-app rule instead, and restore any temporary test settings immediately.
• Changing router or company firewall rules without approval. Managed networks may have deliberate policies. Ask the administrator to investigate.
• Reinstalling before checking service status or connectivity. Reinstallation will not fix an outage or a network block, and can remove local settings.
• Using an installer from an unofficial site. Get the software only from TeamViewer’s official website or an approved organizational source.

Tips

• Note when the error began and whether it affects other devices or networks. This helps distinguish a PC issue from a network or service problem.
• After each change, reopen TeamViewer and wait briefly for its status to update before moving on.
• If you manage several PCs, compare their TeamViewer versions and network conditions, but do not assume that different results mean one device is misconfigured.
• Keep a record of firewall or proxy changes so you can reverse them if they do not help.

Troubleshooting

The websites also fail to load: troubleshoot Wi-Fi, Ethernet, router, or internet service first. Contact your internet provider or network administrator if other devices are also offline.

TeamViewer works on a hotspot but not the usual network: the usual network is the likely source. Ask its administrator to check firewall, proxy, VPN, and filtering rules. Do not try to evade organization controls.

The service will not start or is missing: restart Windows, then run the official TeamViewer installer and choose its repair or installation option if offered. If Windows reports a permissions problem, contact the PC administrator. Avoid deleting program folders or registry entries manually.

The error remains on every network: verify that Windows is up to date, check for a TeamViewer service incident again, and reinstall using the official installer if necessary. If the issue persists, contact TeamViewer support or your organization’s IT team with the app version, Windows edition, approximate time the problem started, and steps already tried. Do not send passwords or unattended-access credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this error always mean my internet is down?
No. Websites can work while a firewall, proxy, VPN, security tool, or temporary TeamViewer outage prevents the app from connecting.

Should I disable Windows Firewall to test TeamViewer?
No. Keep the firewall enabled. Check that the legitimate TeamViewer app is allowed on the active network, or ask an administrator to review the rule.

Can a VPN cause the “Not ready” message?
Yes. A VPN may interrupt or restrict the app’s connection. If it is your personal VPN, disconnect briefly for a comparison when safe and permitted. On a managed device, ask IT first.

Will reinstalling TeamViewer delete my account?
Reinstalling the app does not itself delete your TeamViewer account, but local configuration may change. Make sure you know your sign-in details and follow any organization guidance before reinstalling.

Why does TeamViewer work on another computer?
The other PC may be on a different network, have a different firewall or proxy rule, or be using a different app installation. Compare those conditions and check the affected PC’s service status.

When should I contact support?
Contact TeamViewer support or your organization’s IT team if the error continues after these checks, especially if the service will not start or the PC is managed.