How to Fix “Matchmaking Failed: VAC was Unable to Verify Your Game Session”

If you’ve encountered the vexing error message in CS:GO that says “Matchmaking Failed: VAC was Unable to Verify Your Game Session,” don’t worry. Many players have faced this issue, and there are various solutions to resolve it. We’ll walk you through each step to help you get back into the game.

Common Quick Fixes

1. Restart CS:GO: Sometimes, a simple restart of the game can fix the problem. Close CS:GO and reopen it to see if the error persists.
2. Restart Steam: If restarting the game doesn’t work, try restarting Steam. Make sure to fully close Steam and then open it again.
3. Reboot Your Computer: A full system reboot can often resolve this issue. After restarting your computer, try launching CS:GO once more.
4. Log Out and Log Back In: Logging out of your Steam account and then logging back in might help resolve any account-related issues causing the error.
5. Workshop Map Method: Launch a workshop map in CS:GO and then exit it before trying to join matchmaking again. Sometimes, this method can clear the error.

Advanced Solutions

If the common quick fixes don’t work, you can try more advanced solutions:

6. Run Steam as an Administrator:
   • Close Steam completely.
   • Right-click on the Steam icon and select “Run as Administrator.”
   • Launch CS:GO and check if the error persists.
7. Verify Game File Integrity:
   • Right-click on CS:GO in your Steam library.
   • Select “Properties.”
   • Go to the “Local Files” tab.
   • Click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
   • Steam will check and repair any missing or corrupted files.
8. Check for Background Programs: Some background programs, even FPS boosters or color/contrast adjustment tools, can trigger the error. Ensure you close any such programs before launching CS:GO.
9. Run CS:GO as an Administrator:
   • Find the CS:GO executable file in your game’s installation folder (usually located in C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonCounter-Strike Global Offensive).
   • Right-click on the executable file (csgo.exe) and select “Run as Administrator.”
10. System File Checker (SFC) Scan:
    • Type “CMD” in your Windows search bar.
    • Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator.”
    • In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete, as it may take some time.
11. Reinstall CS:GO:
    • Right-click on CS:GO in your Steam library.
    • Select “Manage” and then “Uninstall.”
    • After uninstalling, reinstall CS:GO by clicking “Install” in your Steam library.

Conclusion

These are the various methods to fix the “Matchmaking Failed: VAC was Unable to Verify Your Game Session” error in CS:GO. Start with the common quick fixes, and if they don’t work, proceed to the advanced solutions. If you’ve tried all these steps and the error still persists, consider reaching out to CS:GO support or the Steam community for further assistance. Good luck, and happy gaming!