What Causes the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error?
The “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error happens when Google Chrome can’t reach the website you tried to load. The error page tells you that the site can’t be reached and to check your network connection, proxy, and firewall. The error means that your browser could not establish a working connection with the website you tried to load. When this happens, the connection is “reset,” preventing data from reaching your browser. Several factors could cause this error, most notably those which affect your internet connection. For example, you may have one of the following problems:
How Do I fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error?
There are several possible ways to fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. In the following sections, we’ll start with the simplest and easiest to apply solutions and work toward the more complex solutions. Note: This error is specific to Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, but you’ll see similar errors in other browsers. For example, in Firefox, you’ll see a “The connection was reset” error. This tutorial covers solutions with an eye toward Chrome, but much of the advice applies to other browsers.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
To double-check your internet connection and rule out an issue with your router or network adapter, try to load a website on a different browser on the same computer or a separate device. If the site loads on the same device, the issue likely lies with your browser. Likewise, you can rule out an issue with your Wi-Fi connection by connecting your computer to the internet via an ethernet cable. If the site doesn’t load on either device, the issue likely lies with your internet connection. Reboot your router to determine if the error is caused by a temporary glitch. Once the router reconnects to the internet, load a web page. If this doesn’t work, you might need to troubleshoot your internet connection further.
2. Clear the Browser Cache
Faulty cache files can cause glitches with your browser, including preventing it from establishing a working connection with websites. Clearing these files can potentially fix your “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” problem. To clear the Chrome browser cache: We also have a handy guide to clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge if that’s your browser of choice.
3. Disable Chrome Extensions
Chrome extensions can cause issues with the browser’s functionality, including causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. To test whether this is the case, we recommend disabling all your extensions. If the problem goes away, you can re-enable the extensions individually to determine which one is at fault. To disable your extensions:
4. Disable Your Proxy Server or VPN
A proxy server shouldn’t cause issues with your browser’s internet connection, but it is possible. Try turning off your proxy server to ensure that it isn’t the thing causing the error: If you use a VPN, it might be causing an issue with your internet connection. To check whether this is the case, briefly disconnect your VPN and try to reload the webpage in Google Chrome. Conversely, you may experience the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error if your internet service provider (ISP) has blocked a website. To get around this, you can attempt to use a VPN service that encrypts your connection.
5. Reset the Winsock Catalog, Flush the DNS Cache, and Reset Network Settings
The Winsock catalog holds the entries for all connections established on Windows operating systems. The system application ensures that connections can be made via TCP/IP, but sometimes the catalog gets in the way of a proper connection. To delete the Winsock catalog entries: netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
6. Update the Network Adapter Driver
Chrome errors like “err_connection_timed_out” can sometimes result from outdated network adapter drivers. Windows makes it easy to download and install the drivers for your adapter, and here’s how you do that:
7. Check for Malware
Before moving on to the next step, you should rule out whether malware is causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. To do so, use your antivirus (e.g., Windows Defender) to scan your PC for malicious programs. Google Chrome also offers a way to detect unwanted programs on your computer. To use this:
8. Disable Antivirus
Occasionally, your antivirus program can recognize safe software as a malicious threat to your system. This can result in knock-on effects for your web browser, including causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. To check whether your antivirus software is causing the error, disable it temporarily and try loading the web page that is giving you trouble. To disable your antivirus, open your System tray, right-click your antivirus, and disable it for a short period. This option will appear differently depending on which antivirus app you use. To turn off Windows Defender: With your antivirus programs disabled, try to load a web page in your browser. If it loads, you may have to add your browser as an exception in your antivirus app.
9. Disable Your Firewall
Like your antivirus program, your firewall may categorize your browser connection requests as suspicious, preventing it from making a connection. To disable your firewall on Windows 10 or 11: Note: Don’t forget to turn your firewall back on after testing this fix.
10. Reinstall Your Browser
Compatibility and configuration issues can cause the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error. If nothing else has worked, reinstalling your browser might reset any problems and resolve the error. To reinstall Google Chrome:
Back to Browsing
Hopefully, the methods in this tutorial have resolved your “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” error, and you can get back to browsing. If you continue to experience the error after troubleshooting, we recommend that you give another browser a try, such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
