How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET in Chrome (Windows 10 and 11)

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET means Chrome’s connection was interrupted before a page finished loading. It does not prove Chrome is broken: the cause may be the website, network, VPN or proxy, security software, or Windows networking.

1. Check whether one site or every site fails

1. Reload once and check the URL for typos.
2. Open two or three unrelated websites.
3. Try the affected site in another browser or on a phone using a different connection.

If one site fails across multiple devices, the site may be responsible. If several sites fail on this computer only, continue below.

2. Restart Chrome and test Incognito

Close Chrome fully and reopen it. Press Ctrl + Shift + N for an Incognito window. If the site works there, disable extensions one at a time at chrome://extensions to find the culprit.

3. Check VPN and proxy settings

If you use a VPN or proxy, disconnect it briefly and retest. Search Windows Settings for Proxy settings. Do not change work-managed settings without permission, and re-enable your VPN after testing if needed.

4. Restart your router

If multiple devices have trouble, unplug the router (and separate modem if present), wait 30 seconds, then reconnect power. Wait for the lights to stabilize. Avoid a factory reset unless your ISP recommends it.

5. Flush the DNS cache

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

Reopen Chrome. This clears the local DNS resolver cache but cannot fix every reset.

6. Reset Windows networking if simpler steps fail

Save work, open Command Prompt as administrator, and run:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart Windows. These commands can affect custom network configurations, so avoid them on managed computers without approval.

7. Review security software and site status

Update Chrome and Windows. Review recent firewall, antivirus, DNS-filtering, or VPN changes. Never leave protection disabled; use the vendor’s supported troubleshooting steps. If only one site fails, contact its owner or check its service status.

When to contact your ISP

Contact your provider if several sites fail on multiple devices after a router restart, or your connection drops repeatedly. Tell them which devices are affected and the exact error.

FAQs

Does this error mean I have a virus?

No. The message alone does not indicate malware. Network interruptions, extensions, filtering software, or the website may be responsible.

Should I disable my firewall?

Do not leave it disabled. Restore protection immediately after any controlled test recommended by your security vendor.

Will clearing Chrome history fix it?

It is not the first step. Test another browser, Incognito, and your network before deleting browsing data.

Further reading: Google Chrome Help and Microsoft Windows Support.

Related Chrome errors: ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED and ERR_NO_BUFFER_SPACE.