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5 Ways to Permanently Fix This Site Can’t be Reached Error
The DNS and browsing cache are to blame
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Google Chrome is a popular web browser for Windows users. However, at times when you try to access any website, you may encounter theThis site can’t be reachederror.
The error is encountered across browsers, which points to the fact that it’s not always the individual browser settings at fault but the network settings as well.
In this article, we take a look at some troubleshooting steps to help you resolveThis site can’t be reachederror in Windows 10/11.
Why does my computer keep saying site can’t be reached?
First, you must identify if the problem is present across browsers or limited to one. In case all the browsers throw theThis site can’t be reached error, it could be the network settings, problems with the router, or other issues to blame.
The error can be triggered by a bad DNS cache or browser cache. Also, setting the wrong DNS server is often found to be the underlying cause. Besides, the browser settings could be misconfigured, or its very installation buggy, thus leading to the error.
To unblock a website, you first have to identify whether it’s been blocked at the system level or by the ISP. If you have awebsite blocking toolinstalled, check for the list of blocked sites, and remove the ones you don’t want to be blocked anymore.
In some cases, certain websites are blocked in a region, and the only way to bypass these restrictions is to usereliable VPN software. Also, you could use a browser likeOpera Onethat comes with a built-in VPN and eliminate the need to install a third-party app altogether.
Quick Tip:
Before trying more technical solutions, you should know that trying Opera One can make a difference due to built-in VPN, Ad Blocker and tracking protection.
Opera One is also a smart browser, comes with a native AI, social media, messaging apps and it features a modular AI-ready design for other AI integration.
Opera One
How do I fix This site can’t be reached?
1. Restart the DNS client to fixThis site can’t be reached–Refused to connect
Restarting the DNS client helped a lot of users fix theThis site can’t be reachedChrome error. If the issue persists, try changing the default DNS address to a different public one.
2. Change DNS server address to fixThis site can’t be reached – The connection was reset
We have used the Google public DNS server address. However, you can use other third-party, public DNS server addresses. You can find more public DNS server addresses with a simple search on the internet.
After changing the DNS server address, relaunch Chrome and check if theThis site can’t be reachedin WordPress is resolved.
3. Reset TCP/IP Network Protocol to fixThis site can’t be reached – DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
4. Clear browser cache to fixThis site can’t be reached – Checking the proxy and the firewall
Once done, relaunch the browser and check if theThis site can’t be reachederror is fixed. In case it persists, try resetting the browser. Also, make sure to disable any proxy or third-party firewall installed on the computer and use theWindows Defender Firewall.
Reset Chrome settings
5. Reinstall Google Chrome
Now,download Google Chromefrom the official website, run the setup and proceed with on-screen instructions to install the browser. Once you launch it, theThis site can’t be reached error willbe fixed.
Also, find out what to do if there’shigh CPU usage in Chromeand it affects the computer’s performance.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Chrome Guides
Tashreef Shareef
Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.
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Tashreef Shareef