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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe message “You have been kicked by PunkBuster” does not, by itself, tell you whether you have a software or connection problem or a ban. EA says the generic text can appear when PunkBuster is not running correctly, and an EA Community Manager has said it can also point to a ban. The detailed kick reason or code is what separates the two cases, so read that first, then follow the branch that matches it.
What PunkBuster is and why it kicks you
EA’s PunkBuster troubleshooting article, published on EA Help, describes the software this way: “PunkBuster is a cheat detection software that’s used in some classic EA games.” Battlefield 4 uses it on multiplayer servers. PunkBuster is not operated by EA, which matters later when you need to appeal a ban.
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The kick text comes in several variants. Some versions only show the generic line. Others add a reason or a numeric code. EA’s guidance is that the generic line may appear when PunkBuster is not running correctly, so it cannot be treated as proof either way.
An EA Community Manager, EA_Lanna, wrote in a forum reply from around 2023 that the message “Usually it points to a ban by PunkBuster but could be a technical issue either.” That reply is not part of EA’s current help article, but it reflects the same ambiguity: the wording alone is not enough to know the cause.
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Step one: find the detailed kick reason
If the kick screen or server message shows a reason or code after the generic text, write it down before you change anything. The exact reason determines which of the three paths below applies:
- A technical or connection reason, such as “Losing Key Packets” or a code in the 101, 102, 131, 132 or 141 range. Start with the software and firewall steps.
- An Integrity Violation code, in the 10000 to 29999 range. EA associates this range with suspected modification of game or PunkBuster files, so it is not an ordinary connection failure.
- An explicit ban or suspension, where the reason names a PunkBuster ban or suspension. This goes to Even Balance support.
If you only see the generic line, begin with the technical steps, since EA lists them as its first-line checks.
Technical kicks: check PunkBuster and reinstall
For the generic message or a technical reason, EA’s stated order is software first:
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- Make sure PunkBuster is running and fully updated, then try joining the server again.
- If the error continues, reinstall PunkBuster using the support instructions linked from EA’s PunkBuster troubleshooting article.
- If the kick reason is “Losing Key Packets,” check the firewall and antivirus exceptions described below.
Some players in community threads report that running PunkBuster Setup to add Battlefield 4 and update it resolved the problem for them. That is an individual account, not a documented fix, so treat it as something to try rather than a guaranteed result.
Losing Key Packets
EA links the “Losing Key Packets” message to communication errors and to PunkBuster updates. Its recommended step is to add three PunkBuster files to your firewall and antivirus exception lists:
- PnkBstrA.exe
- PnkBstrB.exe
- PnkBstrK.sys
Add exceptions for these specific files rather than turning the firewall or antivirus off. Turning protection off broadly is not one of EA’s stated steps.
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Integrity Violation codes
Codes from 10000 to 29999 are reported by EA as Integrity Violations. EA says these relate to suspected modification of game or PunkBuster files, and its guidance is to remove cheat software or hacks from the system. If you have modified game files, third-party tools that touch the game, or cheat software installed, that is the relevant issue to address. If you have none of these, the code still points to files that PunkBuster considers altered, so reinstalling the game or PunkBuster through the official route is the way to restore clean files.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Numeric technical codes
EA identifies several specific codes with specific actions. The table below summarises them.
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| 101, 102, 131, 132 | Technical issues | Reinstall PunkBuster |
| 141 | Inability to connect to PunkBuster servers or to install an update | Check firewall settings, then confirm PunkBuster is updated and working |
These codes are identifiers, not measures of how common a problem is. EA’s article does not publish frequency figures, and no independent statistics on how often these kicks occur were found.
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Explicit bans and suspensions
If the kick reason names a PunkBuster ban or suspension, the technical steps will not reverse it. EA states in its help article: “We can’t overturn any bans or suspensions issued by PunkBuster.” Direct the appeal to Even Balance support, and keep the exact kick text and any code, since they will help the support team locate your case.
What not to do
- Do not disable your firewall or antivirus entirely. EA’s steps ask for specific file exceptions only.
- Do not download third-party “fixer” tools. They are not part of EA’s current first-line guidance.
- Do not reinstall the game repeatedly expecting a different result. Reinstalling PunkBuster is EA’s stated fix for specific technical codes, not a general remedy.
- Do not read the generic kick as proof that you were cheating or that a ban was wrongly issued. The message does not establish either.
This article is based on EA’s published help guidance and a forum reply from EA staff. It does not describe tests run by the author, and no step is guaranteed to resolve a given kick.
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