Troubleshooting GoToMyPC not connecting issue

Running into GoToMyPC not connecting problems can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you urgently need to access your remote desktop. Whether you see messages like “Waiting for the host computer to connect” or “Unable to Connect”, these GoToMyPC connection problems typically stem from the host computer, network configurations, or software conflicts.

This guide walks you through complete troubleshooting steps to help you restore your connection quickly and reliably, even when GoToMyPC connection issues appear unexpectedly. It also introduces the best GoToMyPC alternative if you want to fix the connection issues permanently.

How to fix GoToMyPC not connecting

GoToMyPC requires smooth communication between your client computer (the device you are using) and your host computer (the remote computer you want to access). If either side experiences GoToMyPC connection problems, the entire session can fail. Follow the steps below in order.

Solution 1. Reboot your host computer

Rebooting the host computer is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to fix GoToMyPC not connecting issues. When your system runs for long periods, background processes, memory leaks, or stuck services can interfere with GoToMyPC’s communication.

What to do:

• Restart the host computer: This clears temporary glitches, reinitializes GoToMyPC services, and refreshes network adapters.
• Restart your client computer: It ensures your own system isn’t causing a communication block.
• Reboot your network equipment: Power off your router and modem for 10–15 seconds to flush cached routing information, DHCP assignments, and temporary errors.
• If you’re not physically present: Contact someone at the host location and ask them to perform the restart for you. Rebooting must be done physically at the host machine.

A clean reboot eliminates many underlying problems that may cause GoToMyPC to stop responding or fail to initialize a session.

Solution 2. Update GoToMyPC software and system drivers

Outdated software or drivers often lead to incompatibility with GoToMyPC’s current communication protocols.

Steps:

Step 1. On both host and client computers, click the GoToMyPC icon in the system tray.

Step 2. Select Check for updates…

Step 3. Update your operating system (Windows, macOS).

Step 4. Update your browser, antivirus, firewall, and other network-related applications.

Keeping everything current greatly reduces GoToMyPC connection issues caused by outdated components.

Solution 3. Check firewall or security software settings

Firewalls, antivirus programs, and security suites frequently block remote access applications by default, mistakenly treating them as untrusted network traffic, one of the most common causes of GoToMyPC not connecting.

What to Do:

Step 1. Allow g2comm.exe. Ensure the primary GoToMyPC executable has unrestricted outbound access. This file is critical for connecting to GoToMyPC servers.

Step 2. Add GoToMyPC to the “Allowed Apps” list to whitelist GoToMyPC in Windows Firewall/macOS Firewall.

Step 3. Check third-party security tools. Programs like Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, Avast, Bitdefender, or company-level firewalls may:

• Block unknown ports
• Interfere with outgoing TCP connections
• Flag remote-access traffic as suspicious

Step 4. If you’re on a company network, IT administrators may have strict rules. You may need:

• A dedicated port
• Special whitelisting
• Permission to use remote access tools

If GoToMyPC can’t communicate through your firewall, it will always show Waiting for the host computer to connect or Unable to connect.

Solution 4. Make sure your host computer meets the internet requirements

A weak or unstable internet connection is a major source of GoToMyPC connection issues.

Recommended:

• DSL, cable, or fiber internet.

Not recommended (may cause disconnections):

• Satellite internet
• Dial-up
• Mobile hotspot in low-signal areas

If the host’s internet is unstable, the client will fail to connect, no matter what you do.

Solution 5. Try connecting from another client computer or location

This step helps you determine whether the issue occurs on the host or client computer.

What to test:

• Try connecting from your home instead of the office.
• Try using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
• Test on a different device (laptop, phone, tablet).

Results interpretation:

• Works somewhere else: The issue is on the client side (security, firewall, or network restrictions).
• Fails everywhere: The issue is on the host computer.

Solution 6. Fix “Lost Internet Connection” errors

If your GoToMyPC session drops or freezes, the host computer may have temporarily lost internet access. The solution is to restart the host’s modem/router:

Step 1. Power off for 10 seconds.

Step 2. Turn it back on and wait for a full reboot.

Step 3. If you are not near the host, ask someone at the location to do this.

Bonus tip: Best free GoToMyPC alternative

If you continue experiencing GoToMyPC not connecting issues, or if you’re simply looking for a faster, easier, and more flexible remote access tool, AnyViewer stands out as the best free GoToMyPC alternative available today. Designed for both personal and business use, AnyViewer delivers a seamless remote desktop experience without the complicated setup or costly subscription fees associated with GoToMyPC.

Why AnyViewer Is a Better Choice

1. Completely Free for Personal Use

Unlike GoToMyPC, which requires a monthly subscription, AnyViewer offers a fully functional free version that supports:

• Remote control
• File transfer
• Multi-device login
• Unattended remote access
• Mobile-to-PC and PC-to-mobile remote control

You get essential remote access features with zero cost.

2. Faster and More Stable Connections

AnyViewer uses advanced transmission protocols and intelligent routing to reduce latency and improve frame rates. This means you can:

• Control your remote computer smoothly
• View screens in high quality
• Avoid lag and connection drops

This is especially beneficial for long-distance remote sessions or weak networks.

3. No Firewall or Port Configuration Needed

GoToMyPC sometimes struggles under restrictive networks or corporate firewalls. AnyViewer bypasses these limitations:

• Works instantly without port forwarding
• Requires no router configuration
• Automatically negotiates the most stable communication channel

This makes it ideal for users who travel, work remotely, or frequently switch networks.

4. Strong Security for Remote Work

AnyViewer includes enterprise-grade security, such as:

• End-to-end encryption
• Device verification
• Two-factor authentication
• Account-based authorization

Your remote sessions remain protected, even when accessing sensitive company data.

5. Multi-platform Compatibility

AnyViewer supports:

• Windows
• macOS
• iOS
• Android

This gives you more flexibility compared to GoToMyPC, allowing remote control from laptops, tablets, or smartphones anytime.

6. Easy for Beginners, Powerful for Professionals

The interface is clean and intuitive, ideal for non-technical users. Meanwhile, IT professionals can take advantage of:

• Multi-session management
• Organization-level device groups
• Remote reboot and wake functions
• High-performance remote control for technical support

Whether you're a home user or part of an IT team, the software adapts to your needs.

Conclusion

GoToMyPC not connecting errors can occur for many reasons, faulty firewalls, outdated software, poor internet, or misconfigured networks. By following the solutions above step-by-step, you can quickly isolate the problem and restore your remote access session. And if GoToMyPC still refuses to connect, a reliable alternative like AnyViewer can provide a smoother and more stable experience for remote work.