Error when updating Windows 11, also PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR on Firefox and Microsoft Edge without any proxy/vpn services turned on

Question

Hello everyone!
I tried to update my Windows 11 but it says there's an error when connecting to the updating service. It says the issue is with the Internet connection, however my home Wi-fi (and I checked the same thing on mobile network) is working perfectly fine. Also, no websites are able to load on Firefox and Microsoft Edge, I get a PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR. However, when I turn on my VPN-service, everything starts working. Other browsers like Chrome are working (my main browser is Firefox btw). I deleted all the cookies on both Firefox and Microsoft Edge, I tried turning off my antivirus, proxy, everything. Still doesn't work. I don't have firewall or anything that is supposed to be blocking my Internet-connection. Please help!

Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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This problem usually happens because of residual VPN drivers. Even when a VPN is turned off, its background services, Kill Switch feature, or low-level network filtering drivers remain active on the system. If these drivers become corrupted, they break standard Windows networking APIs, which blocks Windows Update and browsers like Edge or Firefox from opening TCP connections, resulting in the PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR. Chrome often avoids this because it uses its own independent network stack rather than relying solely on default Windows system APIs.

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I suggest doing the following:

1 = Uninstall the VPN software completely:

• Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Locate the VPN program, uninstall it completely, and restart (not shutdown) the PC.

2 = Then, remove lingering virtual network adapters:

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
• Look for any virtual network adapters left behind by the VPN.
• If any remain, right-click and disable them. You can also open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager), expand Network adapters, right-click any leftover VPN virtual adapters, and select Uninstall device.

(If you don't know how to identify the correct ones, share a screenshot of the adapters.)

3 = Then, reset the network and TCP/IP stack:

• Open Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• At the Command Prompt, type the following commands one at a time and press Enter:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

4 = Then, restart (not shutdown) the computer:

Once back on the desktop, direct web browsing and Windows Update should work normally. The VPN software can be reinstalled afterward if necessary.

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Please let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.