Fix error 0x80041004 - how it works

This practical tip shows you how to fix the error 0x80041004 in Microsoft Internet games.

Error 0x80041004: Firewall as the cause

If you have installed new PC security software, it may be that it blocks the internet connection to the game servers of the Microsoft games. These usually offer firewall protection that may not recognize the Microsoft games.

• Open your PC security software and look for a setting for the firewall.
• Make sure that the game you want is allowed by the firewall.
• Microsoft games can also be deactivated in the Windows Firewall. Go to Control Panel and then click on "System and Security"> "Windows Firewall".
• Then click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall" and tick the desired game.

Error 0x80041004: Incorrect system time

A system time that is significantly further than the server time can also be responsible for the error.

• Get a radio clock or visit atomzeit.org to get the current time and date.
• Right click on the time display in the Windows task bar and click on "Change date / time".
• In Windows 10, the time is automatically obtained from a server. If you have an older version of Windows, go to the next step. Check whether this is correct. If not, the wrong time zone is probably set. You can also enter the time manually by deactivating the "Set time automatically" function.
• Click "Change date and time" and choose the correct date and time. Then confirm by clicking "Ok".

Error 0x80041004: Microsoft Server cannot be reached

Microsoft game servers were only recently to blame for this error. Since the switch to Windows 8 also involved new game servers with the tile design, the old server was quickly switched off. The consequence was that all users with a Windows version downwards from Windows 7 could no longer play Microsoft Internet games. Windows has since fixed the problem: the servers are running again or the server software has been moved to the new servers.

We will show you how to start older games and programs under Windows 10 in our next practical tip.