Unable to load websites following Windows 11 Update

After the latest windows 11 update, I was only able to access about 30% of the websites I tried. The odd part was being able to access docs.github.com but not www.github.com on my Win 11 machine, regardless of browser, but everting worked fine on my Mac. That ruled out browse extensions and possible issues with my router firewall or internet service provider.

I tried disabling the windows firewall and tested various commands to reset the dns cache and winsock, but what finally fixed it was:

A. Saving Open Tabs in Edge to Favorites

• My tabs actually restored afterward, but when clearing cache, this is always good practice to ensure no current work is lost.

B. Clearing the Webview2 Cache

1. Open the Start menu, type "Command Prompt", right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
2. If prompted by UAC, click Yes.
3. To delete the relevant cache folders, type the following command and press Enter:

rd /s /q "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Cache" rd /s /q "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Code Cache"

C. Performing a Full Network Reset

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
3. Click Network reset.
4. Click "Reset now" and confirm the action. Your PC will restart

D. Network Connection Setup

• For my machine, this was going back to Settings > Network & internet and selecting my WiFi and entering the password.

Best of luck!

Hello Julie,

Thanks for sharing all the details — I know how stressful this must be, especially when your work depends on reliable access to cloud services. You’re right to be cautious about a full system wipe. Based on what you’ve described, the issue likely stems from the recent Windows 11 update (KB5070773), which has caused similar web access problems for others, even on Microsoft platforms like SharePoint and 365 Admin.

Let’s try a few targeted fixes that have helped others:

• Disable HTTP/3: In Registry Editor, add a DWORD called EnableHttp3 and set it to 0, then restart.
• Turn off Secure DNS: In Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, go to privacy settings and disable “Use secure DNS.”
• Reset your network stack: Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin): netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns
• Check proxy/VPN settings: Make sure proxy is off and no VPN remnants are active.
• Force IPv4: Disable IPv6 in your network adapter settings.

If that doesn’t help, try manually reinstalling the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog — search for KB5070773 and install the correct version.

If this guidance proves helpful, feel free to click “Accept Answer” so we know we’re heading in the right direction 😊. And of course, I’m here if you need further clarification or support.

T&B,

Domic.