More often than not, browsing the internet is as simple as opening a web browser and going to the desired website. However, it doesn’t always work like that and random errors in your web browser aren’t a rare sight.

In this article, we’re talking about the “ERR_connection_reset” error, the reason behind it and how you can fix the problem.

Also read: What is the Chrome continue where you left off feature? 7 Fixes if it’s not working

What causes this error?

The ‘Err_Connection_Reset’ error is primarily caused by your internet connection going inactive all of a sudden. However, other common reasons include

Conflicting firewall settings
Network issues
Incorrect DNS or proxy settings.

How to fix this?

You can fix the ‘Err_Connection_Reset’ error by following eight fixes.

Try another DNS

There are multiple free DNS providers using whom you can fix this issue. In this example, we’re going to use Google’s DNS.

Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open the Windows settings and click on Network & Internet.

How to fix the 'WiFi connected but no internet access' issue?

Step 2: Click on Change adaptor options.

Step 3: Right-click on your active network (WiFi or LAN) and click Properties.

Step 4: Find Internet Protocol Version 4 in the list, click on it and then click Properties.

Step 5: Check the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button and type in 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 in the preferred and alternative DNS addresses, respectively.

How to fix 'Err_Tunnel_Connection_Failed' error in Chrome?

Now restart your computer and try again to see if the ‘Err_Connection_Reset’ error has been resolved.

Reset your DNS settings

If changing the DNS settings didn’t help, you can reset them all together. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R and type in cmd and hit enter.

Step 2: Type in ipconfig /flushdns to reset DNS settings to default.

If the above command doesn’t help, try entering these commands in the Command Prompt one at a time.

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

If you suspect an issue with your router’s DHCP assignment, use these commands to release your old IP and request a new one.

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

If this doesn’t work either, use the following commands to reset your network stack.

ipconfig/flushdns
nbtstat -R
nbtstat -RR
netsh int ip reset C:\resetlog.txt
netsh winsock reset

On a mac, head over to your terminal and type in sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Type your password when prompted for it and try re-accessing the internet. This should fix the ‘Err_Connection_Reset’ error.

Also read: Is Stream East safe? Top 7 alternatives

Disabling any proxies or VPNs that you might be using

Another rather common reason people run into this issue is when they’re trying to connect to a host through a proxy or a VPN connection, and the host keeps on denying the connection request.

Several high-profile sites, especially streaming ones like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, detect and disable proxies or VPNs these days. In such cases, the solution is pretty straightforward. You disable your proxy or VPN client and try connecting to the host again.

Disable your antivirus or firewall

Although rare, there’s a chance that your antivirus or firewall is restricting your internet access. Overaggressive third-party antivirus programs often put way too strict filters on your network activity that can cause such errors. Try temporarily disabling the antivirus and firewall to see if your internet connection works.

Check your Windows Proxy settings

Now is also a good idea to check whether your proxy settings are in place.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings. Click on Network and Internet.

Windows could not automatically detect this network's proxy settings: 10 Fixes

Step 2: Head over to the Proxy tab and ensure that the Automatically detect settings toggle is enabled.

If this doesn’t work, get in touch with your network administrator and find out the correct proxy settings for the network.

Change your MTU

Incorrect MTU settings can sometimes cause conflicts with your router. Luckily, this can be fixed with a simple command. But first, you’re going to need to know your network’s name.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type ncpa.cpl and hit enter.

Step 2: Check your connected network’s name.

Step 3: Open a Command Prompt window and enter the appropriate command.

If you’re connected to WiFi (replace Wi-Fi in the command with your network’s name)

netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Wi-Fi" mtu=1472 store=persistent

If you’re connected to Ethernet (replace Local Area Connection in the command with your network’s name)

netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Local Area Connection" mtu=1472 store=persistent

That should resolve the ‘Err_Connection_Reset’ error.

Clear your browser’s data

Corrupt files in your cache or otherwise can cause this error as well. Clear them out to see if you can get Chrome to work.

Step 1: Type in chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in your browser’s address bar and hit Enter.

How to fix 'YouTube not working' issue? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Select the cache and cookies options and ensure the Time range is set to All time. Click on the Clear now button to clear out all the data.