How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error (12 Visual Solutions)

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ERR_CONNECTION_RESET can abruptly stop your browsing, leaving you frustrated and disconnected. This error, common in web browsers like Google Chrome, signals a breakdown in communication between your device and the intended website.

With Chrome's user base having surged to 3.45 billion over the past five years—an increase of 44.35% since 2018—it's clear that a significant number of these users may encounter this issue, impacting their online experience."

But fear not, my fellow web warriors! Just as every hero has a weakness, every error has a solution. In this article, we'll dive deep into the mysterious world of ERR_CONNECTION_RESET, unraveling its secrets and arming you with the knowledge to vanquish this digital foe once and for all.

So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey filled with troubleshooting tips, expert insights, and a sprinkle of humor. By the end of this adventure, you'll be the master of your online destiny, ready to conquer any connection reset that dares to stand in your way. Let's get started!

In this blog post, we will discuss these solutions to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error one by one.

  1. Update Google Chrome to The Latest Version
  2. Enable and Disable Your VPN
  3. Reset the TCP/IP Settings
  4. Check Your Internet Connection
  5. Reset Your Router
  6. Disable Your Antivirus Software
  7. Contact Your Hosting Provider (Experienced)
  8. Disable Your Firewall Software
  9. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  10. Clear Browser Cache
  11. Disable Your Proxy Server
  12. Try To Disable All Chrome Extensions

12 Solutions to Fix The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, also known as "NET::ERR_CONNECTION_RESET," typically appears in web browsers such as Google Chrome. It is displayed alongside the message, "This site can't be reached; the connection was reset."

This error signifies a disruption in the connection between your browser and the website you're trying to access, interrupting data transfer. As a result, the connection is reset, and the browser shows the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error to indicate the issue. Now let’s delve into the solutions to resolve this error.

Solution 1. Update Google Chrome to The Latest Version

If your Chrome browser is outdated, you might encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. To check for and install the latest update, first navigate to the top-right corner of your Chrome window and click on the three vertical dots.

After clicking these dots, a menu will appear. Scroll down to the "Help" option and hover your cursor over it. Then, click on "About Google Chrome" which will open a new tab.

In this new tab, Chrome will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, you'll be prompted to download and install it to ensure your browser is up-to-date.

Now in order to finish the update then you need to click on “Relaunch” button in blue.

After you click to update, Chrome will automatically close. You will need to reopen it. Upon reopening, Chrome will return to the same tab where the update was initiated. A message will then confirm that the Chrome update has been successfully completed.

Solution 2. Enable and Disable Your VPN

Enabling a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can potentially fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error by establishing a secure and private connection between your device and the internet.

When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, which can bypass certain network restrictions and firewalls that may be causing the connection reset issue.

By masking your IP address and encrypting your data, a VPN can help you access websites that might otherwise be blocked or restricted.

Additionally, using a VPN can protect you from network congestion and routing problems that could lead to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. If you suspect that network issues or restrictions are causing the problem, enabling a reliable VPN service and connecting to a server in a different location may help resolve the error and restore your access to the desired website.

When you encounter the frustrating ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error while browsing with Google Chrome, one potential culprit could be your Virtual Private Network (VPN).

While VPNs offer invaluable benefits such as enhanced online security and privacy, they can sometimes interfere with your connection, causing websites to abruptly disconnect.

To determine if your VPN is the root cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, the first step is to disable it temporarily.

However, you can resolve this issue and establish a successful VPN connection by following these steps:

  1. Open the search tab on your device and type "VPN" to access your VPN settings.
  1. Locate the VPN icon and click on it to open the VPN configuration menu.
  1. In the VPN settings, you will find two toggles that need to be adjusted:
  • Toggle 1: "Allow VPN over metered networks" - Ensure that this toggle is turned on. This setting allows your VPN to function properly even when connected to metered networks, such as mobile data connections.
  • Toggle 2: "Allow VPN while roaming" - Activate this toggle to enable VPN connectivity while roaming on different networks, ensuring uninterrupted access to your VPN service.

After enabling both toggles, your device should successfully connect to the VPN network.

By turning ON your VPN, you can establish a direct connection between your browser and the website's server, eliminating any potential interference or misconfigurations within the VPN settings.

Turn this button off to get direct connection to your web browser chrome.

If disabling your VPN resolves the issue and allows you to access the website without the error message, it's a clear indication that the VPN was indeed the troublemaker. In such cases, you have a few options to explore:

  • Reach out to your VPN provider's support team for assistance. They can help you identify and resolve any specific configuration issues that may be causing the conflict with Chrome.
  • Investigate alternative VPN services that offer better compatibility and stability. Some VPNs are known for their seamless integration with browsers like Chrome, minimizing the chances of encountering connection errors.
  • Adjust your VPN settings, such as switching to a different protocol or updating your VPN client to the latest version. These tweaks can often resolve compatibility issues and improve the overall performance of your VPN.

Note: While disabling your VPN can help diagnose the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, it's crucial to keep in mind the importance of online security and privacy. Only disable your VPN temporarily for troubleshooting purposes and ensure to re-enable it once you've resolved the issue or found a compatible alternative.

Solution 3. Reset the TCP/IP Settings

When you encounter the frustrating "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error while browsing the internet, it can often be resolved by manually resetting your browser. However, if this solution doesn't work, you may need to take a deeper approach by forcing your operating system to renew your TCP and IP protocol settings. This process will return your internet connection to its default configuration, which can effectively fix the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error.

What is TCP/IP?

TCP/IP, short for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a set of communication protocols that enable your computer to connect to the internet. These protocols are responsible for establishing and maintaining a stable connection between your device and the network. If TCP/IP is not functioning correctly, you may experience an unstable internet connection, leading to issues like the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error.

Why Reset TCP/IP Settings?

When the TCP/IP configuration becomes incorrect or corrupted, the data your computer sends to the network may not be transferred properly, resulting in the connection reset error. By resetting your TCP and IP settings, you can revert any changes back to the default configuration, which can help resolve the issue.

How to Reset TCP/IP Settings?

Step 1: Adjust DNS Settings

  • Open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and selecting it from the results.
  • Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  • Click on Change adapter settings.

When you click on the adapter settings you will find “Ethernet()”.

  • Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
  • Scroll to and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
  • In the DNS section, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  • Set the Preferred DNS server to 1.1.1.1 and the Alternate DNS server to 1.0.0.1.
  • Click OK to save your changes and close all open windows.

Step 2: Release and Renew IP Address and Flush DNS

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator by typing "cmd" in the Windows search bar,
  • Right-clicking on Command Prompt, and choosing Run as administrator.
  • In the command prompt, type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release the current IP configuration.
  • Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to flush the DNS resolver cache.
  • Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter to renew the IP configuration.
  • Finally, type netsh winsock reset and press Enter to reset the Winsock Catalog.
  • Type exit to close the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Configure Internet Options

  • Return to the Control Panel and type "internet options" in the search bar.
  • Open Internet Options and navigate to the Connections tab.
  • Click on LAN settings.
  • Ensure Automatically detect settings are checked.
  • Click OK to apply the changes and close all remaining windows.

Solution 4. Check Your Internet Connection

When you encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, it often points to potential disruptions within your network that might be blocking a stable internet connection. To diagnose this, try accessing the problematic website using a different network. For example, if you're currently on your home Wi-Fi, switch to a mobile data connection to check if the issue persists.

If the error doesn't appear on the alternative network, the problem likely lies with your original network's configuration or temporary issues with your service provider.

Solution 5. Reset Your Router

A quick fix to test is resetting your router: simply disconnect the power cable, wait about a minute, then reconnect it. This can help re-establish internet connectivity.

Check if the error continues after your internet is back up. This step can quickly determine whether the issue is related to your specific home or office network setup.

Solution 6. Disable Your Antivirus Software

Disabling antivirus software in Windows 10 can be necessary for certain tasks, such as software installation or troubleshooting. Here's how you can disable both third-party antivirus programs and the default Windows Defender:

Disabling a Third-Party Antivirus Program:

  1. Locate the Antivirus Icon: Find the antivirus icon in your system tray, typically located at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
  2. Right-Click the Icon: Right-click on the antivirus icon.
  3. Select Disable: From the context menu that appears, select the option to disable or turn off the antivirus. The wording may vary depending on the software you are using.

Disabling Windows Defender Antivirus:

  1. Open Run Dialog: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  1. Launch Group Policy Editor: Type gpedit.msc in the Run dialog and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  1. Navigate to Windows Defender Settings:
  2. Click on Administrative Templates under Computer Configuration.
  3. Then, click on Windows Components.some text
    • Scroll down and find Windows Defender Antivirus.
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    • Double-click on Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.
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    • In the window that opens, select Enabled to disable Windows Defender.
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    • Click Apply, then OK.
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    1. Gather relevant information: Before contacting your hosting provider, collect details about the error, including when it started, the pages affected, and any troubleshooting steps you've already tried.
    2. Log in to your hosting account: Access your hosting provider's website and log in to your account using your credentials.
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    1. Navigate to the support section: Look for a "Support" or "Help" section within your hosting account dashboard.
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    1. Choose a contact method: Most hosting providers offer multiple ways to get in touch, such as live chat, email, phone, or a ticketing system. Select the method that best suits your needs and preferences.
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    1. Submit your request: Provide a clear and concise description of the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error you're experiencing, along with the relevant information you gathered earlier. If using a ticketing system, be sure to select the appropriate category for your issue.
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    1. Wait for a response: Your hosting provider's support team will review your request and provide guidance on resolving the error. They may ask for additional information or suggest further troubleshooting steps.
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    • While still in the Privacy & security section, click on Firewall & network protection.
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    • Open the settings for each network profile (domain network, private network, and public network).
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    • Turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle switch for each profile.
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    • Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
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    • From the dropdown menu, select "More tools" and then "Clear browsing data."
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    • In the pop-up window, choose the time range for which you want to delete the data. To ensure you remove all outdated files, select "All time."
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    • Check the boxes next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files."
    • Click on the "Clear data" button and wait for the process to complete.
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    • Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
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    • From the dropdown menu, select "Settings."
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    • Scroll down and click on "Advanced" to expand the menu.
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    • Under the "System" section, click on "Open proxy settings."
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    • Uncheck the box next to "Use a proxy server for your LAN."
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    • Modifying network settings or proxy configurations
    • Blocking or intercepting network requests
    • Injecting scripts or styles that interfere with website functionality
    • Consuming excessive system resources, causing the browser to become unresponsive
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    1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
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    1. From the dropdown menu, select "More tools" and then "Extensions."
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    1. In the Extensions page, look for any recently installed or suspicious extensions that might be related to the error.
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    1. To disable an extension, uncheck the box next to "Enabled" or click on the toggle switch to turn it off.

     4. Disable Windows Defender:

Important Note:

Disabling antivirus software can expose your computer to security risks. Ensure that you re-enable your antivirus as soon as possible. Always proceed with caution and consider why you need to disable your antivirus beforehand.

Solution 7. Contact Your Hosting Provider (Experienced)

If you're experiencing the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error and have exhausted other troubleshooting methods, it's time to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance. Here's a brief guide on how to connect with your hosting provider:

Solution 8. Disable Your Firewall Software

When troubleshooting the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error, one of the steps you may need to take is temporarily disabling your firewall and antivirus software. This process will vary depending on the specific software you're using, so be sure to consult the documentation for your particular programs.

To disable the Windows Defender Firewall:

Solution 9. Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error continues despite trying all suggested methods, the issue may lie beyond your computer. Factors like firewall restrictions, blocked ports, or temporary issues from your internet service provider could be causing the error.

Reach out to your ISP to report the problem. They can run diagnostics on your connection and verify whether their firewall settings might be contributing to the Chrome error.

Solution 10. Clear Browser Cache

While these features are designed to improve your browsing experience, they can sometimes cause problems. If a website undergoes significant changes or updates, your browser's cached files may become incompatible, leading to errors like "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET." By clearing your cache and cookies, you force your browser to fetch the latest version of the website, which can resolve the issue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clear Cache and Cookies:

Although the process may vary slightly depending on your browser, the general steps to clear cache and cookies are similar. Here's how to do it in Google Chrome:

After clearing your cache and cookies, restart your browser and try accessing the website that previously displayed the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error. In most cases, this simple solution will resolve the issue, and you'll be able to browse the site without any further problems.

Solution 11. Disable Your Proxy Server

When you use a proxy server, your internet traffic is routed through the server before reaching its destination. If the proxy server is not configured correctly, it may fail to establish a stable connection or properly handle the data being transmitted. This can result in the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error, preventing you from accessing the desired website.

Additionally, if the proxy server is experiencing high traffic, technical difficulties, or is undergoing maintenance, it may not be able to process your request, leading to the connection reset error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Your Proxy Server:

To resolve the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error caused by a proxy server, you can try disabling the proxy settings in your browser or operating system. Here's how to do it in Google Chrome:

Solution 12. Try To Disable All Chrome Extensions

Chrome extensions have the ability to modify your browser's behavior, including how it handles network requests and connections. If an extension is poorly coded, conflicts with other extensions, or becomes outdated, it can lead to various issues, such as the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Chrome Extensions:

To identify and disable the problematic Chrome extension causing the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error, follow these steps:

Wrapping Up

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome can be a frustrating roadblock for users, disrupting their browsing experience. With the growing number of Chrome users worldwide, it's essential to understand the causes and solutions for this common issue.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, offering 12 potential solutions. These include updating Chrome to the latest version, disabling VPNs, resetting TCP/IP settings, checking internet connections, resetting routers, disabling antivirus and firewall software, contacting hosting providers and ISPs, clearing browser cache, disabling proxy servers, and disabling Chrome extensions.

By systematically working through these solutions, users can identify and resolve the underlying cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Whether it's a simple browser update or a more complex network configuration issue, this guide empowers users to take control of their browsing experience and overcome this digital obstacle.

FAQs

What does the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error mean?

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error indicates that the connection between your browser and a website was interrupted, causing the data transfer to be reset.

What are some common causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error?

Common causes include network connection issues, misconfigured internet settings, firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection, corrupted browser cache or cookies, and problems with the website's server.

How can I fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error by clearing my browser cache?

To clear your browser cache in Google Chrome, go to the three-dot menu, select "Clear Browsing Data," choose the data you want to remove (e.g., cached images and files), and click "Clear Data."

What should I do if disabling my antivirus software or firewall resolves the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error?

If disabling your antivirus or firewall fixes the error, add an exception for the website in your security software's settings to allow the connection while keeping your protection enabled.

When should I contact my hosting provider about the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error?

If you are the website owner and the error persists after trying other solutions, contact your hosting provider to check for potential server-side issues or firewall restrictions blocking the connection.