Browser issues-connection was reset error

Question

Over the past week I'm having significant issues across multiple browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge) connecting to different websites. The error reads "This site can’t be reached

The connection was reset.

Try:

• Checking the connection
• Checking the proxy and the firewall
• Running Windows Network Diagnostics

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

i've tried troubleshooting, including:

• clearing my cache
• allowing sites through my firewall/or turning it off while private network
• Resetting my network adaptor

Also, no VPN use while attempting to access routine sites. My internet connection is fine. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello,

This might be a problem with your network.

Please try connecting to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot, and then try accessing the website to see if you can do so successfully.

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order, testing browsing after each major step:

1. Confirm it is device-specific
   • Try the same sites on another device (phone, another PC) on the same Wi‑Fi/network.
   • If other devices work, the issue is likely with the Windows 11 PC.
2. Run Windows network repair commands
   1. Select Search on the taskbar, type command prompt.
   2. Right‑click Command Prompt > Run as administrator > Yes.
   3. Run these commands in order, pressing Enter after each:
      • netsh winsock reset
      • netsh int ip reset
      • ipconfig /release
      • ipconfig /renew
      • ipconfig /flushdns
   4. Restart Windows and test the browsers again.
3. Check for proxy or dev tools interference
   • If any development proxy tools (such as Dev Proxy) or similar were used recently and were force‑closed, they can leave the system in a blocked state.
   • Start the proxy again and close it with Ctrl + C so it unregisters cleanly and restores normal network routing.
4. Test DNS issues (especially if errors appear when updating Edge)
   • Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
   • Right‑click the active network adapter > Properties.
   • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
   • Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and set:
     • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
     • Alternate: 8.8.4.4
   • Select OK to apply.
   • Open an elevated Command Prompt again and run: ipconfig /flushdns.
   • Test browsing.
5. Isolate security software
   • Ensure any third‑party security suite (for example, Norton, McAfee) is fully updated from its own UI or vendor site.
   • Temporarily disable its web‑shield or firewall component (not just Windows Firewall, which was already tested) and see if the issue persists.
6. Browser‑specific checks
   • In Microsoft Edge:
     • Try visiting the same sites in an InPrivate window.
     • If Edge itself has trouble updating or downloading, the DNS step above is particularly relevant.

If the problem continues after these steps and other devices on the same network work normally, collect details (whether it happens on all networks, with all browsers, and after creating a new Windows user profile) and consider further OS‑level repair or support.

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References:

• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
• Why is my internet connection not working after using the proxy
• Troubleshooting tips for downloading, installing, and updating Microsoft Edge
• What to do if Microsoft Edge isn't working