I can not get certain websites to work, even though I have previously been on them

Dear Tierah!

Welcome to the Microsoft Community!

If certain websites are not working for you while they previously did, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

Check Your Internet Connection:

• Make sure you are connected to the internet.
• Try restarting your router or modem.
• Test your internet connection by visiting other websites.

Clear Cache and Cookies:

• Clear your browser's cache and cookies. This can often resolve issues with websites not loading correctly.
• Instructions for clearing cache and cookies vary by browser, but you can typically find these options in the browser's settings or history menu.

Disclaimer: Your browser automatically saves temporary internet files to help pages load faster. Clearing this cache will sometimes fix website issues. Please back up all your personal files first, such as Favorites, to ensure you do not lose data.  

Update Your Browser:

• Ensure that your web browser is up to date. Outdated browsers can have compatibility issues with certain websites.

Try a Different Browser:

• Open the website in a different browser to see if the issue is browser-specific.

Check for Website Issues:

• Use a website status checker to see if the website is down for everyone or just for you.
• Visit the website's official social media accounts for any announcements regarding downtime or maintenance.

Disable Browser Extensions:

• Sometimes browser extensions can interfere with the functionality of websites. Try disabling all extensions and then reload the website.

Check Your Security Software:

• Ensure that your antivirus or security software is not blocking the website.
• Temporarily disable your security software to see if that resolves the issue (be cautious and make sure you're not exposing yourself to risks).

Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off real-time Microsoft Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed. 

DNS Resolution:

• Flush your DNS cache. This can resolve issues where the URL is not resolving to the correct IP address.
• Try using a different DNS server, such as DNS (4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).

Incognito/Private Mode:

• Try accessing the website in incognito or private mode. This can help determine if the issue is related to your browser's settings or extensions.

Check for Local Network Issues:

If you're on a local network (like at work or school), there might be content filters or firewalls that block certain websites.

If you provide more specific details about the websites you're having trouble with and the exact nature of the issue (e.g., the website won't load at all, certain features don't work, there are error messages, etc.), I might be able to offer more targeted advice.

Thank you for your understanding and support! 

In this special season, I wish you all the best—may your holiday be merry and bright! Merry Christmas!

Best regards,

Yang.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist