Is Windows blocking sites

Question

I am suddenly unable to launch Zoom Workplace app. Also, some sites are not reachable on the first try. I need to hit refresh or try again multiple times. The screen says "cannot reach this site" but they are sites I use all the time. I've had a tech try to help, I've turned everything off and on again, including the modem. And I can't seem to get around this issue.

My computer is old (2016) and I am running Windows 11 and I can eventually get into zoom using the browser. But the other sites that I can't reach without multiple refresh is troubling

thanks.

Answer 1

Hi @Neil D It is Windows 11

ver 25h2

0s build 26200.7922

Answer 2

The symptoms point to general connectivity instability rather than Windows “blocking” sites. Use these steps in order to narrow it down and improve reliability on Windows 11:

1. Run the built‑in network troubleshooter
   • On Windows 11, run the automated Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will run diagnostics and attempt to fix common Wi‑Fi and connectivity problems.
   • Use this entry point: Run the troubleshooter in Get Help from the Wi‑Fi troubleshooting article.
2. Check Wi‑Fi status and signal
   • Confirm the Wi‑Fi icon shows Wi‑Fi Connected (not No Internet). If it frequently flips to “No Internet,” the issue is likely with the router, modem, or ISP rather than Windows.
   • If using Wi‑Fi, move closer to the router or temporarily test with a wired Ethernet connection if possible. If the wired connection is stable but Wi‑Fi is not, focus on router/Wi‑Fi issues.
3. Verify it’s not just specific apps
   • Since Zoom Workplace app fails but Zoom in the browser eventually works, test other apps (Microsoft Store apps, browser, email) at the same time.
   • If multiple apps show “cannot reach this site” or similar errors intermittently, that again points to network reliability rather than app blocking.
4. Update Windows and apps
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install all available updates. Network stack and driver fixes are often delivered via Windows Update.
   • Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates to update Store apps and any network‑related components.
5. Repair or reset affected apps
   • For Zoom Workplace or any other problematic app installed from Microsoft Store, use Settings > Apps > Installed apps and choose Advanced options > Repair or Reset (reset may clear app data).
   • If that doesn’t help, uninstall and reinstall the app from a trusted source (Microsoft Store or the official vendor site).
6. Rule out browser‑specific issues
   • If “cannot reach this site” appears mainly in one browser, clear its cache and cookies and disable any extensions that might interfere with loading.
   • If the issue persists across multiple browsers, it is more likely a system or network problem.
7. Check for broader connectivity issues
   • If other devices on the same network (phones, tablets, another PC) also need multiple refreshes to load sites, the problem is likely the router or ISP. In that case, contact the internet provider or try a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot) temporarily to compare.

If, after these steps, only specific Microsoft Store apps misbehave while the browser is stable, focus on repairing/resetting those apps and ensuring Windows and Microsoft Store are fully updated.

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References:

• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store