FFXIV Unable to Download Patch Files: Common Reasons and Effective Fixes
Final Fantasy 14 Unable to Download Patch Files: How to Fix It
If you are a fan of Final Fantasy 14, you might have encountered the "unable to download patch files" error while trying to update or install the game. This error prevents you from downloading all the patch files for the game and can be very frustrating, especially if you want to enjoy the latest expansion, Endwalker, which will be released in November 2021.
So, what causes this error and how can you fix it? In this article, we will explain the possible reasons behind this error and provide you with four methods that have worked for many players. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each method and answer some frequently asked questions about this issue.
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Method 1: Use a VPN
One of the most common and effective solutions to this error is to use a VPN (virtual private network) for the patch file download. A VPN changes the route of the download by creating a secure connection between your PC and a server in another location. This can bypass any network restrictions or geo-blocks that might be interfering with the download process.
To use a VPN, you need to download and install a VPN application on your PC. There are many VPNs available in the market, some of which offer free versions or trials. Once you have installed the VPN, run it and select a server in a different region than yours. Then, start the FFXIV launcher and try downloading the update again.
The pros of using a VPN are:
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It can solve the "unable to download patch files" error for most users.
It can also protect your online privacy and security by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.
It can allow you to access other geo-restricted content or services online.
The cons of using a VPN are:
It can slow down your download speed, even if you have a fast internet connection.
It can cost money if you want to use a premium VPN service with more features and servers.
It can cause compatibility issues with some games or applications that detect VPN usage.
Method 2: Change DNS server
Another possible solution to this error is to change your DNS (domain name system) server to level3 DNS or Google DNS. A DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, which are used by your PC to communicate with other devices on the internet. Sometimes, your default DNS server might be slow, unreliable, or blocked by your ISP (internet service provider), which can affect your download speed and cause errors.
To change your DNS server, follow these steps:
Hold Windows key and press R.
Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
Locate and right-click your network connection.
Select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
Type 4.2.2.1 in Preferred DNS server and 4.2.2.2 in Alternate DNS server if you want to use level3 DNS. Or type 8.8. 8 in Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 in Alternate DNS server if you want to use Google DNS.
Click OK and close the window.
Restart your PC and try downloading the update again.
The pros of changing your DNS server are:
It can improve your download speed and stability by using a faster and more reliable DNS server.
It can also enhance your online security and privacy by preventing DNS hijacking or spoofing attacks.
It can allow you to access some websites or services that might be blocked by your ISP or government.
The cons of changing your DNS server are:
It might not work for everyone, depending on your network configuration and location.
It might cause some compatibility issues with some games or applications that rely on your default DNS server.
It might expose you to some risks if you use an untrusted or malicious DNS server.
Method 3: Firewall settings
A third possible solution to this error is to adjust your firewall settings on your PC. A firewall is a software or hardware device that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic on your PC. It can block or allow certain programs or ports based on a set of rules. Sometimes, your firewall might block FFXIV from downloading the patch files, either because it is not allowed or because it is detected as a threat.
To adjust your firewall settings, follow these steps:
Hold Windows key and press R.
Type control panel and press Enter.
Select System and Security.
Select Windows Defender Firewall.
Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the left pane.
Click Change settings and enter your administrator password if prompted.
Locate Final Fantasy XIV from the list of apps and features and check both Private and Public boxes next to it. If you don't see it, click Allow another app and browse for the FFXIV launcher executable file (usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn\boot\ffxivboot.exe).
Click OK and close the window.
Restart your PC and try downloading the update again.
The pros of adjusting your firewall settings are:
It can solve the "unable to download patch files" error by allowing FFXIV to download the patch files without any interference from the firewall.
It can also prevent any future errors or issues related to the firewall blocking FFXIV.
The cons of adjusting your firewall settings are:
It might compromise your PC's security by allowing FFXIV to access both private and public networks, which might expose it to some threats or attacks.
It might cause some conflicts with other programs or features that use the same ports or protocols as FFXIV.
Method 4: Delete folder from documents
A fourth possible solution to this error is to delete a folder from your documents folder that contains some corrupted or incomplete patch files. This folder is named 4e9a232b and is located in C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn\downloads\ffxivpatch. Sometimes, this folder might contain some patch files that are not fully downloaded or are damaged, which can prevent FFXIV from downloading the rest of the patch files.
To delete this folder, follow these steps:
Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn\downloads\ffxivpatch.
Locate and right-click the 4e9a232b folder and select Delete.
Confirm the deletion and empty the recycle bin if necessary.
Restart your PC and try downloading the update again.
The pros of deleting this folder are:
It can solve the "unable to download patch files" error by removing any corrupted or incomplete patch files that might be causing the error.
It can also free up some disk space on your PC by deleting unnecessary files.
The cons of deleting this folder are:
It might take longer to download the u