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[ REPAIR GUIDE ] BROWSER ERRORS

How to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

ERROR DETECTED >This site can't be reached. The connection was reset. ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

UPDATED NOVEMBER 20262 MIN READ8 FIXES

QUICK FIX

Restart your router and the browser, then turn off any VPN or proxy and reload. If the page works on another network, your network or a filter on it is resetting the connection.

What it means

Your browser started talking to the website, but something cut the connection off before the page arrived. That can be an unstable connection, a VPN or proxy, security software or a network filter blocking the page.

Common causes

  • Unstable or briefly dropped internet connection
  • A VPN, proxy or network filter closing the connection
  • Antivirus or firewall software blocking the page
  • An outdated browser
  • Stale network settings on the device
  • The website's server closing connections

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

FIX 01Reload and test other sitesEASY

  1. Press F5 (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac).
  2. Open two or three other sites.
  3. If only one site fails, it may be that site or a filter that blocks it.

Why it helps: Separates a one-site problem from a whole-connection problem.

FIX 02Restart your router and deviceEASY

  1. Unplug the router (and modem, if separate) for 30 seconds.
  2. Plug it back in and wait until the lights settle.
  3. Restart your computer or phone and try again.

Why it helps: Clears temporary faults in the connection.

FIX 03Turn off VPN and proxyEASY

  1. Disconnect any VPN app or VPN extension.
  2. Windows 11: open Settings > Network & internet > Proxy and turn off any manual proxy you did not set up on purpose.
  3. Mac: open System Settings > Network, select your connection, choose Details > Proxies and turn off proxies you did not add.
  4. Reload the page.

Why it helps: A failing VPN or proxy is a common cause of reset connections.

FIX 04Try another networkEASY

  1. Connect to a different Wi-Fi network or your phone's hotspot.
  2. Open the same page.
  3. If it works there, the original network (or its filter, school or work firewall) is the cause.

Why it helps: Shows whether the reset is coming from your network.

FIX 05Clear browsing data and test extensionsEASY

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
  2. Tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, choose All time, and delete.
  3. Open chrome://extensions (or edge://extensions) and switch off extensions, then reload.

Why it helps: Removes stale data and rules out extensions that block requests.

FIX 06Update the browserEASY

  1. Chrome: More (three dots) > Help > About Google Chrome, then Relaunch.
  2. Edge: Settings and more (three dots) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.

Why it helps: Chrome lists an outdated browser as one possible cause.

FIX 07Check antivirus and firewallMEDIUM

  1. Open your security app and check whether it blocked the site or the browser.
  2. If it has web or HTTPS scanning, turn it off temporarily and reload.
  3. Turn the protection back on straight away and add an exception only for a site you trust.

Why it helps: Security software can reset connections it considers risky.

FIX 08Reset network settings on WindowsADVANCED

  1. Warning: this resets network adapters and you may need to reinstall VPN software and re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
  2. Search for cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Run netsh winsock reset, then netsh int ip reset, then ipconfig /flushdns.
  4. Restart the PC.
  5. If that does not help, use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and select Reset now.

Why it helps: Rebuilds damaged network settings in Windows.

Check it's fixed

  • The page loads fully several times in a row.
  • Other sites load without errors.
  • The page also loads after turning your VPN back on, if you need one.

When to get help

If resets happen on every device on your home network, contact your internet provider. On a work or school network, the IT team may be blocking the site.

Questions

What does 'the connection was reset' mean?

The connection between your browser and the website was closed suddenly before the page finished loading.

Can my workplace or school cause ERR_CONNECTION_RESET?

Yes. Network filters often block sites by resetting the connection. Ask the network's IT team if a site is blocked.

Does it mean the website is down?

Not always. If the site works on another network or device, the site is up and the problem is on your side.

Related fixes

How to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSEDCheck the address and port, then turn off any proxy or VPN and reload. If it is your own localhost site, make sure the server is actually ruHow to fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUTRestart your router, turn off any VPN or proxy, and reload. If the site times out on every network, the website is likely down or overloadedHow to fix "This site can't be reached"Check the address for typos, make sure you are online, and restart your router. Then look at the error code under the message and follow theWhy does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?Restart your modem and router and move closer to the router to test. If only one device keeps dropping, forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network How to reset your router (restart or factory reset)Unplug the router and the modem from power, wait about 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to settle, then plug

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