Can't reach sites after Windows 10 update

Question

I recently updated to Windows 10 version 1903.  Subsequent to that, I was unable to reach any websites other than Google-related sites through any browser.  I posted a question and received instructions to install the latest security stack.  I did that and all was well.

Now, about a week later, I have the same problem.  Anything other than Gmail, I get a "This site can't be reached; the connection was reset" message.

Can someone help me with this?  I recently also installed a new security program, Bitdefender Total Security, but when turning off the firewall doesn't solve the problem.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Guardian Moderator here to help you.

Try another browser. I would have several browsers on your task bar so there's always one that's best for the task.  I use Firefox, Edge and Chrome in that order of preference.  It's easy to share bookmarks between all of them in their settings under Import Favorites from another Browser.  Set the preferred one as Default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.  

If your browser keeps this up then Reset it

as shown here:  How to Reset Your Web Browser To Its Default Settings

Try resetting network settings:

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-reset-network-settings-to-default-in-windows-10

Next try flushing the DNS cache:

https://www.technipages.com/flush-and-reset-the-dns-resolver-cache-using-ipconfig

Try all of these steps:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/windows-fix-network-connection-issues

Enable IPv6 in the network adapter settings: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/90033-enable-disable-ipv6-windows.html

Run the fixit from https://support.microsoft.com/help/929852 (Re-enable IPv6 on all nontunnel interfaces) and reboot.

Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.  Run the Internet troubleshooter at Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot to have it trace why it cannot connect to certain websites.

Update your network adapter drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page using the full model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker.  Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.  Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

If you have the latest network driver then try on it's Driver tab also to Roll Back, or Uninstall and then restart PC to reinstall the driver.  Try also all older drivers from Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick list working backwards.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WIfi > Manage Known Networks, highlight and remove the network having problems, restart PC to see if it shows up again. 

Try plugging in by ethernet cable to the router to compare, then plug the ethernet cable into the modem (if separate) to see if this might be an issue with the router.   

Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each.  You may need to reset your router or even optimize it following these steps:

https://www.lifewire.com/resetting-a-home-network-router-818061

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/ultimate\_router\_guide\_optimizing\_security\_and\_performance

I would uninstall any 3rd party antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features and try running only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, best Windows performance, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

After uninstalling antivirus in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart the PC, then type Security in Start Search, open Windows Defender Settings, there and in Windows Defender Security Center fix anything that's flagged.

If you want the best on-demand scanner download and install Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

In it's Settings > Protection > Scan Options enable Scan for Rootkits.

Then on Scan tab choose Threat Scan and Run Scan.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Next check for damaged System Files: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-scannow...

If it cannot repair them see Step 10 here to continue: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If this was caused by Windows Update(s) then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Update History, then uninstall them from the link there, and immediately check for these again and hide with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can disable its Real Time trial version in it's Settings > Accounts tab.

I hope this helps.  Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes.  I'll be here to help you.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.