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5 min fix 4 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Flush your DNS cache by running ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt, verify your Wi-Fi/VPN connection, and clear your browser cache.

How to Fix "This Site Can't Be Reached" Browser Errors ​

Estimated Time to Fix: 5 minutes

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-26

Summary ​

The "This site can't be reached" error (often accompanied by ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED, or DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN) appears when your web browser cannot establish a connection to a web server. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to clear network caches and restore your browsing connection.

Symptoms ​

  • Seeing a grey blank page with the message "This site can't be reached" or "Server IP address could not be found".
  • Error codes ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT, or DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.
  • Web pages fail to load in Chrome or Edge, while other apps or smartphones connected to the same Wi-Fi work normally.

Prerequisites ​

None required.

Instructions ​

1. Verify Internet and Network Status ​

Before troubleshooting system settings, verify whether the connection issue is global or specific to one website.

  1. Open a new browser tab and visit google.com or bing.com.
  2. If no websites load, check your computer's Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon in the bottom-right system tray.
  3. If connected to Wi-Fi, disconnect and reconnect to your network.
  4. If you are trying to access a work-related website (such as an internal intranet or payroll portal), connect to your company's VPN first.

2. Flush the Windows DNS Cache ​

Windows stores DNS lookups in a temporary cache. If a server IP address changes or the cache becomes corrupted, your browser fails to locate the site.

  1. Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator (or click Open).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    cmd
    ipconfig /flushdns
  3. You will see the confirmation message: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
  4. Type the following command to reset network sockets and press Enter:
    cmd
    netsh winsock reset
  5. Close the Command Prompt window and refresh your browser tab.

3. Reset Your Corporate VPN or Proxy Connection ​

If your company uses a VPN or web proxy filter, an unstable proxy socket can block web traffic.

  1. Open your VPN software (such as Cisco AnyConnect or GlobalProtect).
  2. Click Disconnect, wait 5 seconds, and click Connect.
  3. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  4. Click Network & internet > Proxy.
  5. Ensure Automatically detect settings is toggled On.
  6. If Use a proxy server is enabled under Manual proxy setup, toggle it Off (unless explicitly required by your IT department).

4. Clear Browser Cache and Restart Your Browser ​

Stale browser cookies or cached redirect loops can trigger connection errors.

  1. In Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the clear browsing data window.
  2. Set Time range to All time (or Past 7 days).
  3. Check the box for Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data (or Clear now).
  5. Close all browser windows completely, reopen your browser, and navigate to the website.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If ipconfig /flushdns does not resolve the issue and all websites fail to load across all devices, restart your home Wi-Fi router by unplugging its power cord for 30 seconds.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVEDDNS server lookup failureRun ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSEDFirewall, proxy, or server offlineDisconnect VPN or disable manual proxy in Windows Settings
Only internal work sites failMissing corporate network connectionConnect to your company VPN client
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAINInvalid URL or bad DNS serverCheck for typos in the domain name or change DNS to 8.8.8.8