- What Is “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET”?
- Why Does the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error Happen?
- Before You Start Troubleshooting: Check What the Error Affects
- How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” on Windows 10/11
- Fix 1: Restart your router and check your internet connection stability
- Fix 2: Reset your network settings
- Fix 3: Disable VPN or proxy temporarily
- Fix 4: Run a malware scan
- Fix 5: Reset your TCP/IP stack and flush DNS
- Fix 6: Update your network drivers
- Fix 7: Run the Windows Network and Internet troubleshooter
- Fix 8: Change your DNS server
- Fix 9: Disable IPv6
- Fix 10: Adjust SSL/TLS settings
- Fix 11: Try a different network or device
- Fix 12: Contact your internet service provider
- How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” in Browsers
- The “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error in Browsers and PCs: Fixed
- FAQ
If you’ve ever tried to open a website and instead got slapped with an “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” message, you’re not alone. It’s more common than you think. Whether you’re using a browser like Chrome or Edge or just trying to connect online on your Windows PC, this error means your connection was unexpectedly interrupted.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, no-stress fixes to get you browsing again on your Windows PC or favorite browser.
Let’s begin.
What Is “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET”?
“ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” is a common error that pops up when your computer tries to connect to a website or server, but the connection is suddenly cut off. It typically appears in Google Chrome, but other browsers show similar messages with slightly different wording. For instance, Firefox might say, “The connection was reset.”
But they all have the same meaning: the browser was unable to maintain a stable connection with the website, and the connection was forcibly closed before any data could be fully transferred.
📌 What “This site can’t be reached” actually means
When you try to visit a website and your Chrome says, “ This site can’t be reached. The connection was reset, ” it means what I just explained above—something is preventing the browser from establishing a stable connection with websites.
As you might have realized, this message is specific to the stable connection/network interruption problem. Other error messages, such as “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED,” “ ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT,” or “ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR,” point to different issues.
Even though the connection reset is a browser error, the root cause could be something happening at the system level on Windows, like an overprotective firewall or antivirus or VPN interference.
However, you generally won’t see the exact “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” or similar error messages in other Windows apps. But they might still fail to connect, time out, or behave unusually when your internet connection is disrupted.
Why Does the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error Happen?
Here are the major reasons why you’re experiencing the “Net::ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error:
Windows-related causes
These are issues happening in your system or network settings that can break the connection before it even reaches the browser:
- Problems with the network connection: If your internet keeps cutting out or is unstable, the browser can’t stay connected. You’ll have to restart your router and check your internet connection using the ping command in the Command Prompt.
- Your antivirus or firewall may be blocking the sites: Sometimes, security tools wrongly prevent services or websites they think are unsafe. You have to temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to test if it’s the cause.
- VPN or proxy settings are conflicting with the browsers: Using a VPN or proxy can sometimes mess with your browser or block sites if the connection isn’t stable or set up correctly. You can disconnect from the VPN or disable any proxy settings in your network settings.
- Corrupt network drivers or buggy Windows updates: If your network drivers are broken or you’ve installed a recent update with bugs, the system might not handle your internet connection properly. Reinstalling or updating your network drivers or rolling back any recent updates may fix the problem.
- The connection reset error can occur because of a malware infection: Some malware changes your DNS settings or blocks internet access to certain servers. Run a full malware scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus app.
Browser-specific causes If your system is fine, the issue might be inside the browser. Here are the possible causes:
- Browser cache and cookies causing conflicts: Old or broken data in your browser might confuse how it loads websites and trigger a reset. Clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and saved data.
- Extensions or misconfigured settings: Privacy or security extensions, like ad blockers or VPN add-ons, can silently block connections. You can disable your extensions one by one to see which one is causing the problem. Also, check your privacy settings to be sure.
- Problems with the SSL/TLS protocol: These security settings protect your connection. But if they’re disabled or don’t match the website’s settings, your browser might kill the connection. Make sure SSL and TLS settings are enabled in your browser settings.
- Website or server issues: Sometimes, the website you’re trying to visit is the actual problem. It may be down or not accepting your connection. You can try opening the site from a different device or network or check on a site like Downdetector.
Before You Start Troubleshooting: Check What the Error Affects
Checking whether the problem affects your entire PC, only your browser, or a specific website helps you determine what to fix first. The best way is to look at when and where the error shows up.
Here’s a quick table to help you match your situation with the most likely cause and where to start fixing it:
Affected area | Most likely cause | Where to start troubleshooting |
---|---|---|
In only one browser | Corrupted cache, extensions, or browser settings |
|
In all browsers | Network settings, firewall, antivirus, VPN/proxy issues |
|
On certain websites only | Website server is down, SSL/TLS mismatch |
|
In browsers and other apps, like messaging apps and email clients | System-wide network issue, driver problems, malware |
|
On public or Wi-Fi networks | Network restrictions or DNS conflicts |
|
In the next section, we’ll walk you through how to resolve the “This site can’t be reached. The connection was reset” error.
How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” on Windows 10/11
Now it’s time to get your internet back on track. Here’s a complete list of proven fixes to apply if your connection was reset, starting from the simplest. You don’t need to try all of them. Start from the top and move down. One of these is bound to work.
Fix 1: Restart your router and check your internet connection stability
Sometimes, the simplest solution is all you need. A temporary glitch in your network connection or DNS routing can trigger the reset.
➡️ Restart your router and modem:
- Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug them back in and wait for all the lights to come back on, especially the one indicating the internet connection.
Once your devices have reconnected, try loading the website again. If it still fails, proceed to test your internet connection stability.
➡️ Test your internet connection using the ping command:
- Open the Windows search field and type cmd and press Enter.

- When the Command Prompt opens, type ping 8.8.8.8 -t
- Let it run for 10–15 seconds. You should see something like this: Reply from 8.8.8.8: bytes=32 time=157ms TTL=116

- Request timed out: If you see frequent Request timed out messages during the ping test, it means your connection is dropping packets. In other words, the data sent between your PC and the server isn’t successfully reaching its destination.
- High latency spikes: Normally, ping times should remain relatively consistent. For example, if your average ping is around 20–50 ms, spikes to 200 ms or higher are considered high. Frequent spikes can disrupt your browsing experience.
- Lost packets or inconsistent replies: These indicate interruptions or fluctuations in your network connection, even if you’re technically still online.

- Press
Ctrl + C
on your keyboard to stop the ping test. You’ll also get a summary of the test, including the packet loss.
📌 Observations from my own test

- Variations in the latency: The response times range from 140 ms to 1,121 ms, which indicates high fluctuations. This suggests occasional spikes in latency, which may indicate an unstable connection.
- High ping spikes: Some replies have unusually high values, such as 443 ms. This is well above typical stable values (usually below 50 ms for fast connections), signaling potential delays or congestion in the network.
- Consistency in responses: Although there are spikes, most replies are successful (no timeouts are visible). This means packets are reaching the server, but the quality of the connection varies.
This test result suggests that while the connection isn’t completely broken, the fluctuations in latency could lead to interruptions like the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. In situations like this, I can restart the router, contact my internet service provider (ISP) to help resolve these network instability issues, or switch to a wired connection, which may also improve stability.
Fix 2: Reset your network settings
Sometimes, your system stores old or broken settings that affect your ability to access the Internet. These include IP addresses, DNS entries, and even misbehaving network adapters. They can:
- Remove saved networks
- Reset adapters
- Flush broken configurations
- Start you with a clean slate
Here’s how to reset your network settings on Windows 11:
- Go to the Settings app (
Windows + I
) and select Network & internet. - Scroll down to Advanced network settings.

- Click Network reset.

- Hit Reset now and confirm.

This will remove all your Wi-Fi passwords and network adapters. Be ready to reconnect to your Wi-Fi afterward.
Fix 3: Disable VPN or proxy temporarily
Since VPNs reroute your traffic through another server, you may experience instability or resets if your VPN’s servers are problematic. Certain VPN security features, like NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro, can also get in the way.
Additionally, proxy servers can lead to the connection reset error for the same reason.
If you’re using a proxy server, here’s how to turn it off:
- Open Settings, go to Network & internet, and select Proxy.

- Under Manual proxy setup , click Set up.

- Toggle Use a proxy server to Off.

Fix 4: Run a malware scan
If you’re facing network issues or suspicious errors, malware might be at play. Running a malware scan can help detect and remove any harmful software that might be lurking on your system. Here’s what to do to scan for threats and fix the “E RR_CONNECTION_RES ET” error:
- Press
Windows + I
to open Settings. - Go to Privacy & security and select Windows Security.

- Then, hit Virus & threat protection.

- Click Quick scan.

- You can select Scan options and choose Full scan for deeper results.
Fix 5: Reset your TCP/IP stack and flush DNS
Your TCP/IP stack handles all internet traffic on your PC. If it gets corrupted, your browser can’t communicate properly with websites. What this solution does is:
- It rebuilds the core part of your internet communication tools.
- It clears the DNS cache , which is helpful if you’re getting site-specific errors.
Here’s how to reset your TCP/IP stack. You can use the Command Prompt for this, but you can also use the Terminal. I’ll go with the former:
- Type command prompt in the search bar and select Run as administrator.

- Run these commands one at a time:
netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your computer after the final command.
Fix 6: Update your network drivers
Network adapters rely on drivers to work properly. If the driver is outdated or corrupted, you might experience errors like connection resets. Here’s how to update these drivers using Device Manager:
- Go to your Device Manager.

- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your adapter and select Update driver.

- Finally, choose Search automatically for drivers.

Device Manager is no longer as helpful as it used to be. If this method doesn’t work, go to your PC manufacturer’s website, like Dell or ASUS, and search for your model’s latest network drivers.
If you’re using an Intel network adapter, download the Intel Driver & Support Assistant , which auto-detects and installs updated drivers.
This reliable tool scans your whole system, identifies every outdated driver, including those you might not even realize are affecting your network, and updates them all in one go.
This means fewer glitches, smoother performance, and fewer hidden errors popping up later. It’s a smarter and quicker way to ensure all your drivers are up to date, saving you time and headaches in the long run.
Fix 7: Run the Windows Network and Internet troubleshooter
Running the Windows Network and Internet troubleshooter is a simple way to tackle internet connection problems. It’s a built-in tool designed to save time and frustration by automatically scanning for common network issues.
Let’s go through how you can use it to fix the “ ERR_CONNECTION_RESE T” error:
- Press
Windows + I
to open Settings. - Go to System and click Troubleshoot.

- Next, select Other troubleshooters.

- Search for Network and Internet and hit Run.

This will take you to the Get Help page and automatically scan your system for any issues. If there’s nothing wrong with your network, you’ll get the message “Good news—you’re connected.” In that case, move to the next solution.

Fix 8: Change your DNS server
If you’re still seeing the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error, especially on specific websites, switching to a more reliable DNS service can help. Your ISP’s default DNS may be slow or misconfigured, which could be causing your browser to give up too early.
Changing the DNS server:
- Sends your website lookup requests through a faster, more reliable DNS server.
- Helps bypass possible restrictions or routing problems from your ISP.
Here are the steps to change the DNS on Windows:
- Press
Windows + R
, type ncpa.cpl , and hit Enter.

- Right-click your active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

- Scroll down, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) , then click Properties.
- Click Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter a public DNS. Here are good options:
Google DNS:
Preferred: 8.8.8.8
Alternate: 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS:
Preferred: 1.1.1.1
Alternate: 1.0.0.1

- Click OK to save the changes.
- Restart your browser and try visiting the site again.
Fix 9: Disable IPv6
If you’re still facing the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error, try turning off IPv6. Some users confirmed that disabling IPv6 fixed the problem for them, especially on specific sites. While not a guaranteed fix, it’s quick to try and easy to undo.
- Press
Windows + R
, type ncpa.cpl , and press Enter. - Right-click your active internet connection and select Properties.
- Look for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) in the list and uncheck the box next to it. Click OK, then restart your PC.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can re-enable IPv6 by following the same steps and checking the box again.
Fix 10: Adjust SSL/TLS settings
Some secure websites require specific SSL or TLS protocols to connect properly. If your browser (or Windows) is using outdated security settings, that can break the connection and cause a reset.
Adjusting the settings could help because websites today rely on TLS 1.2 or 1.3, so older versions may not work. And you could get the error in the connection reset if the SSL settings are misconfigured.
Here’s how to use Control Panel to adjust the browser and SSL/TLS settings:
- Open Control Panel.

- Set the View by to Large icons and select Internet Options.

- Go to the Advanced tab and scroll down to Security.
- Make sure the following are checked:
Use TLS 1.2
Use TLS 1.3
- Uncheck SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 because they are outdated and insecure.

- Click Apply and select OK , and then restart your browser.
Fix 11: Try a different network or device
At this point, it’s worth testing whether the issue is really tied to your browser or even your PC. If it works on a different device (same network), your browser or system is the problem. If it doesn’t work even on a different device, it’s likely your ISP, router, or the website itself.
Here’s what to try:
- Use your phone with Wi-Fi turned off (mobile data only).
- Use another browser—for example, Firefox instead of Chrome.
- Try opening the same website on another device.
- Use a different computer on the same Wi-Fi.
Based on these tests, you’ll know whether the problem is on your device or network. If the issue isn’t on your end, contacting your ISP is the next best step.
Fix 12: Contact your internet service provider
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still facing the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error across multiple websites or devices, the issue might be bigger than just your computer.
- There could be a service outage.
- Your IP address might be blocked by a site or region.
- Or your line might have interference.
When contacting your ISP, let them know you’ve already done the basic troubleshooting steps, such as rebooting your router, resetting settings, and running a connection test.
This shows you’ve ruled out simpler issues on your end and helps them get straight to diagnosing the root cause. Be ready to share specific details, like whether you’re experiencing high latency or dropped packets, as this can make it easier for them to assist you.
How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” in Browsers
Sometimes the problem isn’t with your computer or network at all. Instead, the browser you’re using might be misbehaving, whether it’s overloaded with extensions, stuck with bad cache, or using the wrong settings.
In this section, we’ll tackle browser-specific solutions to fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. We’ll walk through them one by one, from the simplest to deeper settings resets.
Fix 1: Refresh the current page
It sounds basic, but sometimes the error happens just once due to a momentary glitch, like a packet loss or a timeout.
Click the refresh button on your browser or press Ctrl + R
or F5 on your keyboard. If it loads on the second or third try, you’re probably good. But if it still won’t load, keep going.
Fix 2: Check if the website is actually working
Sometimes, it’s not you or your browser—it’s the website. The site could be temporarily down, or you may be blocked from the site based on your region or IP. Here’s what you can do:
- Go to a site like Down for Everyone or Just Me or Is It Down Right Now.

- Enter the website address that’s giving you the error.
- See if it’s down for everyone or just you. If it’s just you, you’ll see, “It’s just you. [website.com] is up.”

If the site is down for others too, you can’t fix it; try again later. If it’s only down for you, it could be due to geographic restrictions or your IP being blocked . In that case, try accessing the site using a different network, check from another device, or disable your VPN.
Fix 3: Disable browser extensions and add-ons
Some browser extensions, especially security, ad blockers, or VPN-type extensions, can interfere with your internet connection or block scripts from running correctly. Here’s why this solution might work:
- A misbehaving extension might be altering your request headers or redirecting traffic.
- Extensions can conflict with secure sites or inject bad code into the browser.
Microsoft Edge
Here’s how to disable the extension in Edge:
- Click the three-dot menu and click Extensions.

- Then, go to Manage extensions.

- Disable all extensions by toggling them off.

- Refresh the page that gave you the error and see if it’s resolved.
Here’s a handy table detailing the steps to disable extensions in other popular browsers:
Browser | Steps to disable extensions |
---|---|
Chrome | Same as Edge. Click the three-dot menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions . Toggle all extensions off and refresh the page. |
Firefox | Go to the menu > Add-ons and themes > Extensions. Toggle extensions off individually. |
Safari | Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable it. |
Opera | Click the Opera menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions. Toggle extensions off individually. |
Fix 4: Clear cache, cookies, and browser data
Old or corrupted browser data can sometimes interfere with how websites load, especially if the site’s design or certificates have recently changed. Clearing the data might work because:
- Cached data may be outdated and cause connection mismatches.
- Cookies may hold broken session info, especially if you’ve been logged into the site before.
Here’s how it works on Chrome:
- Open Chrome and press
Ctrl + Shift + Delete
. - In the pop-up, select:
- Time range: All time
- Check Cookies and other site data
- Check Cached images and files
- Click Delete data to complete the process. Then refresh the site and see if it works.

Ctrl + Shift + Delete
) works for most popular browsers like Edge, Firefox, and Opera. It’s the same shortcut for deleting temporary files , so make sure you don’t clear your browsing data unless you want to. Fix 5: Reset your browser settings to default
If none of the above helped, it might be time to start fresh. Resetting your browser removes all extensions, settings, and saved states. This puts it back to how it was when you first installed it.
Here’s how to reset the browser settings in Chrome. The same steps work in Edge:
- Open the menu, click the three dots, and go to Settings.

- Scroll down, click Reset settings, and select Restore settings to their original defaults.

- Hit Reset settings.

Below is a table to reset settings for commonly used browsers:
Browser | Steps to reset settings |
---|---|
Firefox | Go to the menu (three lines) and select Help > More troubleshooting information > click Refresh Firefox , then confirm the refresh |
Edge | Open the menu (three dots), click Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values, and confirm the reset |
Safari | Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All > enable Develop menu > Develop > Empty Caches |
Opera | Open Opera, select Settings (gear icon) > Advanced > scroll to Reset Settings > click Restore settings to their original defaults, and confirm the reset |
The “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error in Browsers and PCs: Fixed
“ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” might feel random and frustrating, but it’s almost always fixable, whether the culprit is your browser, network, or something deeper in Windows. However, with the right steps (and a little patience), you can get back online and keep things running smoothly for the long haul.
Do you have any tips that worked for you, or are you still stuck after trying everything? Drop a comment below; we’d love to hear your experience or help out further. And if you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with someone who’s battling the same issue.
FAQ
Try running a ping test to check connection stability, disable your antivirus/firewall temporarily, or clear your browser data. If you’re using a VPN or proxy, turn it off. These can also cause conflicts when accessing Google services.