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3 Ways to Quickly Fix the HTTP 401 Unauthorized Error
Check out expert solutions to get rid of the error in a jiffy
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
HTTP 401 Unauthorized Error is a common connection error. It occurs when a user tries to access a website or resource without the proper authentication.
Like any Windows error, this HTTP 401 error can happen for various reasons. Luckily, there are a few ways to fix the HTTP 401 error and get back on track.
So, if you’ve run into this problem recently, the following sections will help identify the underlying cause and get things up and running.
Why am I getting a 401 error?
There are many possible reasons you could be getting theHTTP ERROR 401to appear, and here are some of the most common:
This response status code indicates that the client couldn’t be authenticated for a given request. A common cause of this error is a failed or incorrect authentication token.
Furthermore, the dreaded401 Unauthorized Errorcan also be caused by an invalid or expired access token.
How do I fix HTTP error 401?
1. Check your credentials
This error means that your credentials to access the resource aren’t valid. Therefore, you need to check the credentials and make sure they’re correct to fix this error.
You can try accessing the resource with a different set of credentials. If that doesn’t work, try resetting your credentials.
2. Flush your DNS
3. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
HTTP 401 vs 403
TheHTTP Error 401is returned by the web server when a request is made for access to a resource that isn’t authorized.
TheHTTP Error 403is similar to HTTP Error 401, with one key difference. It indicates that the user has been denied access precisely because of their authentication status (or lack thereof).
As you can see, dealing with this error isn’t that complicated. You don’t need to be an IT expert to get things working again.
All you need to do is follow the simple solutions outlined above. Also, bookmark our website to find solutions to similar errors.
In case you know of other methods to fix theHTTP Error 401, drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows Update
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.