Fix: Can't Connect to Slack on Windows 10

Slack is a reliable collaboration platform that allows you to communicate with your colleagues and work on common tasks and projects. Unfortunately, the service is sometimes affected by various issues, and users cannot connect to Slack’s servers.

More specifically, connection and login issues are some of the most common glitches affecting Slack. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can quickly troubleshoot them and regain access to your workspaces.

Fix: Cannot Connect to Slack on PC

⇒ Quick Notes:

Go to www.status.slack.com and check if there are any known issues or notes about scheduled maintenance tasks.
Additionally, run the Slack connection test and contact your network admin if you get any errors.
Equally important, update your app and OS. To update Windows 10, go to Settings, select Update and Security, go to Windows Update and check for updates. Then click on your Slack desktop app menu, select Help, and Check for updates.

Check Your Connection

Make sure your connection is stable, and you’re not experiencing any bandwidth issues. Here’s what you can do to improve your network connection:

First, restart your router or unplug the device if you haven’t done that in a long time.
Wireless connections are more convenient, but they’re less stable compared to cable connections. If possible, switch to a cable connection or use a mobile hotspot and check the results.
Additionally, disconnect other devices using the connection to free up more bandwidth for Slack.

Disable Security Settings and Programs

Your antivirus and firewall might be interfering with Slack blocking your connection request. The same is valid for your proxy settings and VPN. Disable your antivirus, firewall, and VPN (if you’re using one).

On a side note, the company confirmed the following programs can interfere with Slack connections: Avira Browser Safety, Browser Guard, Pokki, Smart Panel, spyware and adware, Visual Discovery by Superfish, Avast, McAfee, Norton, AVG, and AdBlock Plus. If you’re using any of these programs, whitelist Slack or temporarily disable them.

Then reset your network proxy settings:

Type internet options in the Windows Search bar and double-click the first result.
Click on the Connections tab and select LAN Settings.
Enable Automatically detect settings.
Disable Use a proxy server.
Check the results. If the Slack connection issues persist, go back to Internet options, click on the Advanced tab, and hit the Reset option.

Check Your Browser

If the connection problems occur when you try to connect to Slask via your web browser, check your browser settings. Here’s what you need to do:

Enable Incognito Mode. Launch a new browser tab in Incognito Mode and check if you can connect to Slack.
Clear the cache. Your browser cache might be interfering with Slack’s scripts slowing down the connection, or even blocking it completely.
Disable your extensions. The same is valid for your extensions, particularly adblockers and privacy extensions. Turn off all your extensions, refresh your browser and check the results.
Update your browser. Makes sure you’re running the latest browser version on your computer. Outdated browser versions may sometimes cause connection issues.
Use a different browser. Maybe your current browser is affected by unexpected temporary glitches preventing it from properly connecting to Slack and other web pages. Switch to a different browser and check if the issue is gone.

Keep in mind that Slack supports the latest versions of the following browsers: Chrome (the only browser that supports Slack calls), Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

Run the Slack Troubleshooter

Slack has a built-in troubleshooter that you can use to quickly optimize the app settings and automatically fix general issues.

Launch the Slack desktop app and click on the menu (the three lines in the upper left-hand corner).
Then navigate to Help and select Troubleshooting.
Select Clear Cache and restart. Check the results.
If the problem persists, reset app data.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you can’t connect to Slack, check the service status and make sure everything is up and running. Update the app, clear the cache, and disable your antivirus and firewall. If you’re using a VPN, disable it and check the results. Do you often experience Slack connection issues on your computer? If you found other solutions to fix this problem, share your ideas in the comments below.