While ChatGPT works fine most of the time, sometimes you'll come across an error. The most common one you might see is the "ChatGPT is at capacity right now" error.

Encountering this error can be frustrating, especially if you see it every time you try to log in to the platform. So, let's check out what causes the "ChatGPT is at capacity right now" error and how to fix it on Windows

What Causes the "ChatGPT Is at Capacity Right Now" Error?

The capacity error is a real pain, and it can stop your conversation with the chatbot. Oftentimes, the error appears when ChatGPT servers are overloaded. But corrupt browser data, malicious extensions, active proxy servers, and outdated network drivers can also be the culprits behind the issue.

Fortunately, you can quickly troubleshoot this ChatGPT error by applying the below fixes.

1. Take a Break From ChatGPT

As aforementioned, there's a good chance that ChatGPT's servers are overloaded. This happens when the traffic is more than the servers can handle, and ChatGPT doesn't have any room to accept any more people right now.

The best thing to do in this situation is to try ChatGPT after some time. If the problem persists, it might be a sign of something wrong on your end.

2. Check the ChatGPT Server Status

The capacity error can also appear if the ChatGPT servers are under maintenance. To confirm this, open DownDetector on your browser, type "OpenAI" in the search bar, and click the Search icon.

OpenAI Status page on DownDetector

If there's a major increase in reported issues, it's likely a server problem. You can't do much in this case other than wait for OpenAI to resolve it.

However, if DownDetector reports indicate that ChatGPT servers are stable, then there's likely corruption in your browser's cache data that's causing the issue.

3. Clear Your Browser's Cache Data

Another effective way to fix the "ChatGPT is at capacity right now" error is to clear your browser's cache data. If you use Google Chrome, here's how to clear its cache data:

  1. Launch Google Chrome, click the three-vertical dots at the top-right corner, and choose Settings from the context menu.
  2. Choose Privacy and security from the left sidebar.
  3. Select Clear browsing data.
  4. Check Cookies and other site data, and Cache images and files box, and then click the Clear data option.
    Clear Data of Google Chrome

After clearing the cache, restart Google Chrome and check for the issue.

If you use a different browser, check out how to clear the cache on Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox.

4. Disable All Browser Extensions and Remove Any Problematic Ones

Browsers offer a plethora of extensions to improve your productivity. But some extensions can interfere with the browser and cause various issues, including one at hand.

You'll have to detect and remove such problematic extensions from your browser. Here's how to do that on Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome > click the three-vertical dots > More tools > Extensions.
  2. Disable all the extensions.

Now, start enabling each extension one by one until the error appears again. After recognizing the problematic extension, click the Remove button on its tablet.

Remove Option for removing extensions on Chrome

If you use a different browser, check out how to easily disable or remove your browser extensions to detect and remove the problematic extension from Firefox, Edge, and other browsers.

5. Turn Off Any Active VPN Connections

Using VPN can help you access websites that are banned in your area. But, on the negative side, a VPN can slow down your connection and make it unstable.

So, if you are using a VPN, consider turning it off. After that, access ChatGPT and see if you still face the error.

6. Try Incognito Mode

Incognito mode of Chrome

Another quick method to fix the error is to switch to incognito mode. In this mode, your browser makes a temporary session that is isolated from its main session and your data.

To switch to incognito mode on Chrome and Edge, press the Ctrl + SHIFT + N hotkeys after launching the browser. And to access incognito mode on Firefox, open it and press the Ctrl + SHIFT + P hotkeys.

7. Update Your Network Driver

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause various network issues, including this capacity error. So, download any available network driver update and check if it makes any difference. Here's how:

  1. Press the Win + X hotkeys to open the Power User Menu.
  2. Choose Device Manager from the list.
  3. Double-click on the Network adapters node to expand it.
  4. Right-click on the installed network adapter and choose Update driver.
    Network update driver option of Device Manager
  5. Choose Search automatically for drivers option.

Windows will search for and download any available network driver update on your computer.

If Windows fails to find anything, try looking online for a driver instead. Take note of the name of your network adapter, then search for it on a search engine alongside the word "driver." Try to download the driver from the official manufacturer's website, if you can.

8. Reset Your Network Settings

If updating the network driver wasn't helpful, try resetting your network settings. This fix will be especially helpful to users for whom the problem is caused due to misconfigured network settings. Resetting the network will restore all the network settings to their default values.

Here's how to reset the network settings on Windows 11:

  1. Press the Win + I hotkeys to open the Settings app.
  2. Choose Network & internet from the left sidebar.
  3. Select the Advanced network settings option in the right pane.
  4. Under the More settings section, choose the Network reset option.
  5. Click the Reset now button next to Network reset.
    Reset now button in the Settings app
  6. If UAC crops up, click Yes to confirm your selection.

9. Try a Different Browser

Sometimes, your browser itself might be the culprit behind the "ChatGPT is at capacity right now" error. If you've tried all the above solutions but nothing worked, consider switching to a different browser.

We've explored the best web browsers for Windows 11 if you need some inspiration.

10. Report the Issue to OpenAI

Help center of ChatGPT

If none of the fixes were helpful, report the issue to OpenAI. To do that, head toward OpenAI's help center and click the chat icon in the bottom-right corner. Choose Messages from the window that crops up. After that, click the Send us a message button, and select your issue.

ChatGPT support team will suggest some fixes. Apply them to resolve the problem.

The "ChatGPT Is At Capacity Right Now" Error, Fixed

ChapGPT is enjoying rapid and massive adoption online. From teachers, lawyers, and programmers to content creators, everyone is enjoying this latest technology. However, a sudden increase in ChatGPT's traffic in your area can cause the "ChatGPT is at capacity right now" error.

However, if the error appears every time you access ChatGPT, then try the above fixes to get rid of it.