A Windrose server not showing up or refusing connections can be frustrating, especially when you just want to get your group online and start playing. Most connection issues come from a few common causes: invite code problems, version mismatch, NAT restrictions, firewall rules, UPnP issues, VPN conflicts, or incorrect server settings.
The good news is that these problems can usually be narrowed down step by step. Whether you are self-hosting from your own PC or using Windrose server hosting, this guide will help you troubleshoot the most common reasons a Windrose server may not appear or may fail to connect.
Make Sure The Server Is Running
Start by checking that the Windrose server is actually online. If you are self-hosting, look at the server console and make sure it has finished starting. If it is crashing, restarting, or showing errors, players will not be able to connect.
If you are using Windrose hosting, open your control panel and check that the server is online. If you recently changed settings, restart the server before testing again. Many server settings only apply after a full restart.
Check For Version Mismatch
If the server and player are on different versions of Windrose, the server may not appear or the connection may fail. Make sure every player updates the game fully before joining.
If you are self-hosting, also make sure the dedicated server files are updated. Updating your own game client does not always update the server itself.
For hosted servers, use the update option in your panel if available, then restart the server and test again.
Double-Check The Invite Code
Invite code problems are one of the easiest mistakes to make. The code must be copied exactly. Extra spaces, old codes, or typing mistakes can stop players from joining.
If the invite code does not work, generate or set a new one, restart the server, and copy it again. Send it as plain text so it does not get changed by formatting.
If one player cannot join, the issue may be on their side. If nobody can join, the issue is more likely the server settings or connection method.
Check Server Visibility And Filters
If your Windrose server is running but not showing in the server list, check your filters. Region, password, version, player count, or friends-only filters can hide a working server.
Also check the server name. Very long names, special characters, or symbols may make it harder to find. While testing, use something simple like:
My Windrose Server
Restart the server after changing the name or visibility settings.
Check NAT And Port Forwarding For Self-Hosting
If you are self-hosting from home, NAT and port forwarding are often the biggest problems. Your router needs to send incoming player traffic to the PC running the Windrose server.
On Windows, open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig
Find your IPv4 address. It may look like:
192.168.1.50
Then log in to your router and create a port forwarding rule for the Windrose server port. A basic rule may look like this:
Service Name: Windrose
External Port: YourServerPort
Internal Port: YourServerPort
Protocol: TCP/UDP
Internal IP: YourHostingPCLocalIP
If Windrose uses UDP and you only forward TCP, players may still fail to connect. If you are unsure, use both TCP and UDP.
Watch For Double NAT Or CGNAT
Sometimes port forwarding looks correct but still does not work. This can happen because of double NAT or carrier-grade NAT.
Double NAT means there is more than one router between your server and the internet, such as:
Internet → ISP Router → Personal Router → Hosting PC
In that case, forwarding ports on only one router may not be enough.
CGNAT means your internet provider has not given you a proper public IPv4 address. If your ISP uses CGNAT, outside players may not be able to reach your home-hosted Windrose server at all. You may need to ask your ISP for a public IPv4 address or use Windrose server hosting instead.
Check Firewall And Antivirus Rules
Your firewall can block players even when the server is running correctly. On Windows, open Windows Defender Firewall and allow the Windrose server executable through the firewall.
Make sure it is allowed on the correct network type. If your antivirus has network protection features, it may also block server traffic. You can temporarily disable extra protection to test, but do not leave your firewall off permanently.
Disable VPNs While Testing
VPNs can cause connection problems for both hosts and players. If the host is using a VPN, the server may advertise the wrong IP or bind to the wrong network adapter. If a player is using a VPN, their connection may be unstable or blocked.
Turn off VPNs while testing. Restart the game and server after disabling them. If the server works without the VPN, the VPN was likely causing the issue.
Test Local Connection First
If you are self-hosting, test the server locally before asking friends to join. Try connecting from the same PC or another device on the same network.
If local connection fails, the issue is probably the server setup, firewall, or config. If local connection works but outside players cannot join, the issue is probably port forwarding, NAT, CGNAT, or public IP access.
Common Windrose Server Problems And Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Server not showing | Filters, visibility, or version mismatch | Clear filters, update the game, restart the server |
| Invite code does not work | Wrong code or old settings | Set a new invite code and restart the server |
| Direct IP does not work | Invite code and direct IP both enabled | Remove invite code and enable direct IP connection |
| Players time out | Firewall, VPN, or unstable network | Disable VPN, check firewall, use wired connection |
Why Windrose Hosting Is Easier
Self-hosting can work, but it depends on your home network, router, ISP, firewall, and PC staying online. If you run into CGNAT, double NAT, VPN issues, or confusing port forwarding, troubleshooting can take longer than simply setting up the server.
Windrose server hosting avoids many of these problems. You do not need to expose your home network, keep your PC running all day, or fight with router settings. Your server is hosted in an environment designed for multiplayer access.
How To Join Your Windrose Server With Pine Hosting
If you are using Pine Hosting, joining your dedicated Windrose server is simple once the startup settings are configured correctly.
Go to your Pine Hosting game panel, open your Windrose server, and go to the Startup tab. From there, set your server invite code and password. After changing these settings, restart the server so the changes apply.
Once the server is back online, copy the invite code and password, open Windrose, and paste them in-game when joining the server.
If you want to use direct IP connection instead, you need to change the setup slightly. Invite code joining and direct IP joining do not work while both are enabled at the same time. To use direct IP, remove the invite code from the Startup tab and enable the direct IP connection slider.
After restarting the server, go to the Console tab in the Pine Hosting panel. Under Server Info, copy the server IP and port. Then open Windrose, choose the direct IP connection option, and enter the IP and port to connect.
In short, use either invite code joining or direct IP joining, not both at the same time.
Host Your Windrose Server With Pine Hosting
If your Windrose server is not showing, not connecting, or becoming annoying to manage from home, Pine Hosting gives you a simpler option. With Pine Hosting, you can set your invite code, password, or direct IP connection from the panel, restart your server easily, and give players a more reliable way to join.
Start your Windrose server hosting journey with Pine Hosting and make it easier for your group to connect, explore, sail, and survive together.
