Error 14004 - Parsec

  • Capture network handshake (5s around failure):
  • TLS check:

    • Corrupted local config files can misreport your network capabilities.

    On the problematic machine (client or host):

  • Reopen Parsec and log in again. You will be prompted to reconfigure your microphone and network settings.

    • Run Command Prompt as Administrator and enter: parsec error 14004

    ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

    Restart your PC afterward.

    In 90% of cases, the Windows Defender Firewall is the culprit. Even if you haven't changed any settings recently, a Windows Update can sometimes reset firewall rules or deem Parsec a "new" app requiring permission. Capture network handshake (5s around failure):

  • If Parsec is not on the list, click "Allow another app...", browse to where Parsec is installed (usually C:\Program Files\Parsec\parsecd.exe), and add it.
  • Click OK and try connecting again.

    • Parsec allows you to choose between hardware decoding (using your GPU) and software decoding (using your CPU). If you have hardware decoding forced on, but your GPU does not support the codec the host is sending (e.g., H.265/HEVC on an older GPU), you will get Error 14004.

    | Step | Action | Expected Outcome | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Disable VPNs on both devices. | Removes routing conflicts. | | 2 | Whitelist Parsec in Antivirus. | Allows WebSocket handshake. | | 3 | Disable Virtual Display Adapter. | Fixes video stream initialization errors. | | 4 | Enable UPnP on Router. | Allows automatic port mapping. | | 5 | Restart Parsec Service. | Resets the background connection manager. | TLS check:

    Follow these solutions in order. Start with the simplest and move to the more technical.