If you are a regular Chrome user, then you may have come across the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error message at least once. This error typically appears when your internet connection drops or changes while you are browsing the internet. The good news is that this error is usually fixable, and this article will guide you through the various steps to get your internet connection up and running again.
Understanding the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error
Before we dive into the different ways of fixing this error, let’s first take a look at what it actually means. The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error message is usually accompanied by the following message: “The Internet connection has been lost. ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED.” This error message indicates that there has been a change in your internet connection, which has caused the website you were trying to access to become unavailable.
Possible Causes of the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here are a few possible causes:
- Network connectivity issues: This is the most common reason for the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. It may occur due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, a malfunctioning modem, or a faulty router.
- Firewall settings: Your firewall settings may be blocking access to the website you are trying to visit, which can result in the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.
- Browser settings: Your browser’s settings may also be preventing you from accessing the website you want to visit.
How to Fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome
Here are some solutions to help you fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error:
Method 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
The first step in fixing the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is to restart your router and modem. This will refresh your internet connection and may help fix any connectivity issues.
Method 2: Disable Firewall
If your firewall settings are blocking access to the website you are trying to visit, you may need to disable your firewall temporarily. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows PC.
- Click on “System and Security.”
- Click on “Windows Firewall.”
- Click on “Turn Windows Firewall on or off.”
- Select “Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)” for both private and public networks.
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
After disabling the firewall, try accessing the website again to see if the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error has been resolved.
Method 3: Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies
Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error, as it removes any corrupted or outdated files that may be causing the issue. Here’s how to do it in Chrome:
- Open the Chrome browser.
- Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click on “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data.”
- In the “Time range” dropdown menu, select “All time.”
- Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
- Click on “Clear data” to clear your cache and cookies.
Method 4: Reset Your Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can also help fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here’s how to do it in Windows:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- Click on “Command Prompt (Admin).”
- Type “netsh int ip reset” and press Enter.
- Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter.
- Type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter.
- Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
Method 5: Use Google DNS
If your DNS server is experiencing issues, you can switch to using Google DNS to help fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click on “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Click on “Change adapter settings.”
- Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties.”
- Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
- Check the box for “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
- In the “Preferred DNS server” field, enter “8.8.8.8.”
- In the “Alternate DNS server” field, enter “8.8.4.4.”
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
Method 6: Disable Experimental QUIC Protocol
If you have enabled the experimental QUIC protocol in Chrome, it may be causing the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here’s how to disable it:
- Open Chrome.
- Type “chrome://flags” in the address bar and press Enter.
- Search for “Experimental QUIC protocol.”
- Select “Disabled” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on “Relaunch” to restart Chrome.
Method 7: Disable VPN or Proxy Settings
If you are using a VPN or proxy, it may be causing the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here’s how to disable it:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click on “Network and Internet” and then “Internet Options.”
- Click on the “Connections” tab.
- Click on “LAN settings.”
- Uncheck the box for “Use a proxy server for your LAN.”
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
Method 8: Update Your Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can also cause the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here’s how to update them:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- Click on “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Network adapters” section.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your driver.
Last words,
The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error can be frustrating, but with the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to fix the issue and get back to browsing the internet in no time.
Commonly asked questions
- What is the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error?
The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is an error message that appears when there is a change in your internet connection while you are browsing the internet.
- What causes the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error?
The error can be caused by network connectivity issues, firewall settings, browser settings, and more.
- How can I fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error?
There are several solutions to fixing the error, including restarting your router and modem, disabling your firewall, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, resetting your network settings, and more.
- How do I update my network drivers?
You can update your network drivers by going to the Device Manager, expanding the “Network adapters” section, right-clicking on your network adapter, and selecting “Update driver.”
- What is Google DNS?
Google DNS is a free DNS resolution service that can help you resolve DNS-related issues.
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