Why the “RPC Server Unavailable” Error Is a Big Deal

When Windows throws the dreaded RPC server unavailable error, it’s like a brick wall that stops every network service in its tracks. Whether you’re a system admin, a Veeam backup operator, or just a power user trying to print a document, this glitch can bring productivity to a halt and leave you scrambling for a fix.

The RPC Service: The Backbone of Windows Networking

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is the engine that powers many Windows services. It lets applications ask other processes—often on remote machines—for services without needing to know how the underlying communication works. Services such as Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), Distributed File System (DFS), and Print Spooler rely on RPC. When RPC is down, those services fail, and you see the “RPC server unavailable” message.

What Usually Triggers the Error

1. Disabled or Stopped Services – The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and RPC Endpoint Mapper services are critical. If either is stopped or set to Manual/Disabled, RPC calls will fail.
2. Firewall or Security Software Blocks – Outbound or inbound rules that block TCP port 135 (RPC Endpoint Mapper) or ports 1024‑65535 (RPC dynamic ports) can prevent RPC communication.
3. DNS or Network Connectivity Issues – RPC requires proper name resolution. Incorrect DNS settings, missing host entries, or network outages can trigger the error.
4. Corrupted System Files – Damaged or missing system files related to RPC can also cause failures.

Step‑by‑Step Fixes

1. Enable and Start RPC Services

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Find Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator.
3. Right‑click each, choose Properties.
4. Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start.
5. Do the same for RPC Endpoint Mapper.

2. Configure Firewall Rules

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Create a new Inbound Rule:

• Port: TCP, Specific local ports: 135.
• Allow the connection.

3. Repeat for an Outbound Rule on port 135.
4. Add an Outbound Rule for TCP ports 1024‑65535 (Dynamic RPC ports).
5. Apply the rules to all profiles (Domain, Private, Public).

3. Verify DNS and Network Connectivity

1. Open a command prompt and run ping <hostname> to confirm the target machine resolves.
2. Run nslookup <hostname> to double‑check DNS resolution.
3. If DNS fails, check /etc/hosts (Linux) or C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (Windows) for incorrect entries.
4. Make sure the network adapter is connected and has a valid IP address.

4. Repair Corrupted System Files

1. Open a command prompt as Administrator.
2. Run sfc /scannow to scan and repair system files.
3. If issues persist, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

Quick Checklist to Confirm the Issue Is Resolved

• RPC and RPC Endpoint Mapper services are running.
  
• Firewall rules allow TCP ports 135 and 1024‑65535.
  
• DNS resolves the target hostname correctly.
  
• No network connectivity issues (ping, traceroute succeed).
  
• System file integrity checks (SFC, DISM) pass without errors.
  
• The application or service that previously failed now operates normally.
  

Meta Description

Fast, step‑by‑step fixes for the “RPC server unavailable” error on Windows – from enabling RPC services to configuring firewalls and troubleshooting DNS.

Further Reading

• Windows Networking Guide
• Microsoft Support: RPC Server Unavailable

FAQ

Q: Why does my printer show “RPC server unavailable” when I try to print? A: The print spooler service depends on RPC. Ensure the RPC services are running and that the firewall allows port 135.

Q: Does disabling the firewall resolve the RPC error? A: Disabling the firewall is not recommended. Instead, add the necessary inbound and outbound rules to allow RPC traffic.

Q: I’m using Veeam Backup; how does RPC affect it? A: Veeam relies on RPC for remote backup operations. If RPC is unavailable, backup jobs will fail. Follow the steps above to restore RPC functionality.

Q: What if the RPC services are running but I still get the error? A: Check for DNS resolution issues, network segmentation, or conflicting security software blocking RPC ports.

Q: Are there any logs I can review for more details? A: Yes, open Event Viewer, navigate to Windows Logs → System, and look for events with source RPC or RPCSS.

Troubleshooting RPC Server Unavailable Errors

What is the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) Service?

The RPC service is a core component of Windows that lets processes on different computers talk to each other. It powers remote administration, Windows Update, and network discovery.

Common Causes of the RPC Server Unavailable Error

• RPC service disabled – The service is set to Manual or Disabled.
• Firewall blocks RPC ports – TCP ports 135, 139, 445, and dynamic RPC ports are blocked.
• DNS resolution failure – The computer cannot resolve the host name of the RPC server.
• Network connectivity issues – Unreliable or intermittent network links.
• Windows Update or patch – Recent updates may reset service settings.

Step‑by‑Step Fixes

1. Enable the RPC Service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Find Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
3. Double‑click, set Startup type to Automatic, then click Start.

2. Configure Firewall Rules

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Advanced settings → Inbound Rules.
3. Make sure the rules for RPC and RPC Endpoint Mapper are Enabled.
4. If you have custom rules, add TCP ports 135, 139, 445, and the dynamic range (usually 49152–65535).

3. Verify Network Connectivity

• Open a command prompt and run ping <server> to confirm reachability.
• Use nslookup <server> to check DNS resolution.
• If you’re on a VPN or behind a proxy, temporarily turn it off and try again.

Checklist to Confirm the Issue Is Resolved

• The RPC service is running.
• Firewall rules allow ports 135, 139, 445, and dynamic RPC.
• DNS resolves the RPC server name.
• Network connectivity is stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the RPC server error appear after a Windows update? A: Updates can change service startup types or firewall rules, causing RPC to be disabled or blocked.

Q: How can I check if the RPC service is running? A: Open Services.msc and look for Remote Procedure Call (RPC); it should be Automatic and Running.

Q: Is it safe to change the RPC service startup type? A: Yes, but set it back to Automatic after troubleshooting.

For more information, see the Windows Networking Guide or the official Microsoft support article on RPC errors: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/rpc-errors-troubleshooting.

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RPC Server Unavailable: What It Is and How to Fix It

What is the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) Service?

RPC is a core Windows service that lets applications talk to each other across processes and machines. It powers a lot of Windows networking features, from remote management and printer sharing to the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service.

Common Causes of the “RPC Server Unavailable” Error

• RPC Service Disabled – The service is stopped or set to Manual.
• Firewall or Antivirus Blocking – Outbound or inbound RPC traffic is blocked.
• DNS Issues – The machine can’t resolve the hostname of the target server.
• Network Connectivity Problems – Lost or unstable network connection.
• Registry or System File Corruption – Corrupted RPC configuration.

Step‑by‑Step Fixes for Each Scenario

1. Enable the RPC Service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Find Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
3. Right‑click → Properties → set Startup type to Automatic and click Start.
4. Click OK and restart the computer.

2. Configure Windows Firewall

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Go to Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules.
3. Locate Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and make sure it is Enabled.
4. Do the same for Outbound Rules if needed.

3. Verify DNS Resolution

1. Open a command prompt.
2. Run nslookup <hostname> to confirm the server name resolves.
3. If it fails, edit C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts to add a static entry or fix your DNS server settings.

4. Check Network Connectivity

• Ping the target server: ping <server_ip>.
• If the ping fails, inspect cables, Wi‑Fi, or VPN settings that might block traffic.

5. Repair System Files

1. Open an elevated command prompt.
2. Run sfc /scannow to scan and repair corrupted system files.
3. If issues persist, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

FAQ

Q: Why does the RPC service start automatically after a reboot? A: The service is set to Automatic, so Windows restarts it on boot.

Q: Can a third‑party VPN block RPC traffic? A: Yes, some VPNs block outbound RPC ports (135, 139, 445). Disable the VPN or add an exception.

Q: What if the error appears on a domain controller? A: Verify that the domain controller’s RPC service is running and that the DNS suffix is correctly configured.

Quick Checklist

• RPC service is set to Automatic and running.
  
• Firewall rules allow RPC traffic.
  
• DNS resolves the target hostname.
  
• Network connection is stable.
  
• System files are intact (sfc /scannow passed).
  

Follow this checklist to confirm the “RPC server unavailable” issue is resolved.

For more detailed guidance, see our Windows networking guide or the official Microsoft support article on RPC errors: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/user-profiles-and-logon/not-log-on-error-rpc-server-unavailable.