If you encounter the error “Cannot reach the Nexus login server. Either your firewall blocking NMM or the login server is down” whenever you try to log-into NMM, the cause is what the message says and you need to set an exception for the NMM client on Windows firewall and Defender. If you are using a third-party antivirus, you need to turn that off as well. It’s pretty simple and takes just about a few minutes so let’s clear the error and get you playing your game.
Fix 1: Check If you are Blocked
The first step is to check if you are blocked from the server. To check, you can follow the link https://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/. It would tell you if NMM is down for just you or everybody. If it’s down just for you. Try using a VPN connection to circumvent the ban. You can choose one from our list of best free VPNs. If this fix does not work, try our other solutions.
Fix 2: Turn of the Antivirus
Depending on the antivirus you use, you can easily turn it off. Open the antivirus and locate the turn off button. It’s usually on the first interface of the software. Once you have done that, try launching NMM and see if the error still appears. If it does, allow NMM through Windows Firewall.
Fix 3: Allow NMM on Windows Firewall
Sometimes that Firewall might be blocking the program due to lack of permissions or it detects the client as a suspicious software. So, to set the exception follow the below steps:
- Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings
- Click on Update & Security
- Select Windows Security from the left panel
- Locate and click on Firewall& network protection
- Click on Allow an app through firewall
- Click on Change Settings
- Click on Allow another app… (to find the exact location of the NMM .exe file, right-click on the desktop or startup icon and select open file location, copy the path)
- Select the NMM application and click Add
- Ensure both Public and Private are ticked and click Ok to save the changes.
Fix 4: Set Exception for NMM on Windows Defender
If the firewall blocking NMM message still appears even after allowing the app through Firewall, you may want to turn of the Windows Firewall, but that’s risky, so let’s try the next best alternative setting an exception for Nexus Mods Manager. Follow the below steps to set an exception for the app.
- Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings
- Click on Update & Security
- Select Windows Security from the left panel
- Click on Virus & threat protection
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage settings
- Scroll down and locate Exclusions, click on Add or remove exclusions
- Click on Add an exclusion and select Folder
- Browse and select the NMM folder and click Select Folder
Now try opening Nexus Mods Manager. If it works, great. If not, the best thing is to post a thread on the Nexus Mods website.
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