This Site Can’t Be Reached
The “this site can’t be reached” error in browsers like Chrome is a general term covering a variety of issues. Underneath this error message, the cause of the problem is usually indicated through different error codes. For instance,
- ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
- ERR_CONNECTION_RESET
- DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
- ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
Here, we gather a couple of potential factors that may cause these error codes.
- Internet Connection Problems
- Problems with Your Device or Router
- Outdated or Damaged Cache and Cookies in Browsers
- Windows Security Restrictions
- DNS Resolution Errors
- Website Blocked by ISP
- Faulty URL
Are you currently experiencing this error? Don’t worry, here are potential solutions to solve it.
Way 1. Restart Your Router and Modem
One of the most common causes of the “this site can’t be reached” error is issues with your router setup. To fix it, unplug your modem or router and reconnect it after waiting thirty seconds or a full minute.
Now, your internet connection will reset, and then try to access the website again.
Way 2. Use MiniTool System Booster
It was mentioned above that an internet connection and corrupted browser cache might be the culprit causing the “this site can’t be reached” problem. Luckily, we have a PC tune-up software – MiniTool System Booster – that can be a good assistant to you.
In this utility, the NetBooster feature will unleash hidden internet speed and increase network stability.
The Internet Cleanup feature can clean out internet junk and personal data, such as temporary files, cache, cookies, form autofill data, saved passwords, and more.
Most importantly, this software is targeted to max out your system performance from various aspects, such as releasing more available memory, tidying up your hard drive, uninstalling PUPs, terminating resource-hogging processes, and more.
Let’s see how to use it:
Step 1. Launch MiniTool System Booster.
MiniTool System Booster TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2. In the Performance page, click on Performance Home and select Deepclean.

Step 3. Click on START CLEAN to carry out the first two features: NetBooster and Internet Cleanup.

After that, you can complete the remaining tasks, giving your computer a thorough cleanup.
Way 3. Switch to Public DNS Servers
Sometimes, your servers are not properly resolving the site name. This may cause your web browser to display a prompt indicating that the website is inaccessible. In this case, you can solve the issue by changing the DNS server on your PC.
You can add the free public DNS servers of Google or Cloudflare. Their server addresses are:
- Google DNS servers – 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS servers – 1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1
Here’s how to change your DNS servers:
Step 1. Type Control Panel in the search bar and hit Enter.
Step 2. Set View by to Large icons > find Network and Sharing Center.
Step 3. Under the View your active networks section, hit the network next to Connections.

Step 4. Click the Properties button in the new pop-up box > find & double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Step 5. In the Use the following DNS server addresses section, set Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4. Then tap on OK to save the changes.

Way 4. Disable Firewall and Antivirus
An antivirus program or firewall might also be the source of the problem. Once a website with security issues is detected, it will prevent you from approaching it.
So, check the settings of your firewall and antivirus software to ensure they are not blocking the site you want to visit. If they are the cause, you can disable these protections temporarily.
Here’s how to disable Windows security:
Step 1. Go to Virus & threat protection through Windows Search.
Step 2. Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings > toggle off the protections below.

Step 3. Select Firewall & network protections from the left pane > choose the network type you currently use (Domain, Private, or Public) > turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall.

Upon the check, don’t forget to turn them back to protect your device.
Way 5. Reset Your Browser’s Settings
Resetting the browser settings can remove unnecessary toolbars and extensions and restore faulty changes like a changed homepage or search provider.
This operation might be able to resolve the error that “this site can’t be reached” on Chrome or other browsers.
Way 6. Scan for Malware
Malware may interfere with your network connection and cause websites to fail to load. To ensure your system is virus-free, you can perform a system scan using a reliable antivirus software.
Here’s how to run a quick scan via Windows Defender:
Step 1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Step 2. Choose Virus & threat protection > hit Quick scan under Current threats.
# Other Solutions
1. Use a Different Browser: When you can’t access the web pages using one browser, a simple solution is to switch to another one.
2. Disable TLS 1.3 Hybridized Kyber Support in Chrome Version 124 and Higher Version: Some Chrome users solved the site issue in this way.
You can have a try: type chrome://flags/ in the URL bar of Chrome > input kyber in the search bar > disable it > click Relaunch.
3. Flush DNS: There is a possibility that your device has cached an outdated DNS record or stored a corrupted cache, leading to the website failing to access.
Flushing DNS can replace these corrupted or outdated files to make room for fresh files. However, it’s noted that it will reset your network connection.
4. Use a VPN:Sometimes, websites are blocked by ISPs due to them being banned by the authorities. There are ways to bypass this barrier by using proxies and VPNs. You can download and set up a VPN to see if the error is solved.
Verdict
This post discovers how to fix “this site can’t be reached”. In addition, it’s strongly recommended to scan your computer with MiniTool System Booster for better system performance and stability.
For more queries about our product, don’t hesitate to consult us at [email protected]. We will get back to you as soon as possible.