In this article, we’ll explain what the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is and 8 fixes that should prevent the error from recurring in your browser. We’ll start with the simplest fixes and move down into the more time-consuming solutions, so start at the top and work your way down.
What Causes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error in Google Chrome?
If you receive the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Chrome, this message tells you that the site can’t be reached and to check your network connection, proxy, and firewall, or try running Windows Network Diagnostics to fix the issue. The error simply means that your browser was unable to establish a working connection with the website that you tried to load. When this happens, the connection is “reset”, preventing data from reaching your browser. This could be caused by several factors, most notably those which affect your internet connection. For example, you may have one of the following problems: Here’s how you can fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
To double-check your internet connection and rule out an issue with your router or network adapter, try to load a website on a different browser on the same computer or a separate device. If the site loads on the same device, the issue likely lies with your browser. Likewise, you can rule out an issue with your Wi-Fi connection by connecting your computer to the internet via an ethernet cable. If the site doesn’t load on either device, the issue likely lies with your internet connection. Reboot your router to determine if the error is caused by a temporary glitch. Once the router reconnects to the internet, try to load a web page. If this doesn’t work, you might need to troubleshoot your internet connection further.
2. Clear the Chrome Browser Cache
Faulty Google Chrome cache files can cause glitches with your browser including preventing it from establishing a working connection with websites. Clearing these files can potentially fix your ERR_CONNECTION_RESET problem. To clear the Chrome browser cache:
3. Disable Chrome Extensions
Several Chrome extensions are thought to cause issues with the browser’s functionality, including causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. To test whether this is the case, we recommend disabling all of your extensions. If the problem goes away, you can re-enable the extensions one by one to determine which one is at fault. To disable your extensions:
4. Disable Your Proxy Server or VPN
A proxy server shouldn’t cause issues with your browser’s connection to the internet, but it is possible. Quickly turn off your proxy server as follows to double-check that it isn’t the thing causing the error: If you use a VPN, it may be causing an issue with your internet connection. To check whether this is the case, briefly disconnect your VPN connection and try to reload the webpage in Google Chrome. Conversely, you may experience the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Chrome error if your internet service provider (ISP) has blocked a website. To get around this, you can attempt to use a VPN service that encrypts your connection.
5. Reset the Winsock Catalog, Flush the DNS Cache, and Reset Network Settings
The Winsock catalog holds the entries for all connections established on Windows operating systems such as Windows 10. The system application ensures that connections can be made via TCP/IP, but sometimes the catalog gets in the way of a proper connection. To delete the Winsock catalog entries:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
6. Check for Malware
Before moving on to the next step, you should rule out whether malware is causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. To do so, use your antivirus (such as Windows Defender) to scan your PC for malicious programs. Google Chrome also offers a mechanism to detect unwanted programs on your computer. To use this:
7. Disable Antivirus
Occasionally, your antivirus program can recognize safe software as malicious threats to your system. This can result in knock-on effects for your web browser, including causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. To check whether your antivirus software is causing the error, disable it temporarily and try loading a web page. To disable your antivirus, open your System tray, right-click your antivirus and disable it for a short period of time. This option will appear differently depending on which antivirus you use. To turn off Windows Defender: With your antivirus programs disabled, try to load a web page in Google Chrome. If it loads, you may have to add Google Chrome as an exception in your antivirus programs.
8. Disable Your Firewall
Like your antivirus program, your firewall may categorize your Google Chrome connection requests as suspicious, preventing it from making a connection. To disable your firewall on Windows 10 or 11: Note: Don’t forget to turn your firewall back on after testing this fix.
8. Reinstall Google Chrome
Compatibility and configuration issues can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome. If nothing else has worked, reinstalling the program may reset any problems and resolve the error. To reinstall Google Chrome:
Back to Browsing
Hopefully, the above methods have resolved the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error for you and you can get back to browsing. If you continue to experience the error after troubleshooting, we recommend that you give another browser a try, such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
