ERR_CONNECTION_RESET: how to fix it
ERR_CONNECTION_RESET means the connection to a website was cut off partway. Learn the common causes and step-by-step fixes.
In short: the connection to the website was cut off in the middle, often by a VPN, firewall, antivirus, or an unstable network. Run our troubleshooter to test your connection.
What it means
Your browser started talking to the website, but something abruptly ended the connection. That something can be the website itself, but more often it's software or a device in between: a firewall, antivirus web protection, a proxy, a VPN, or a flaky network.
Common causes
- A VPN or proxy dropping the connection.
- Antivirus or firewall software inspecting web traffic.
- An unstable Wi-Fi connection.
- The website restarting or rejecting connections.
How to fix it
- Reload the page, then try a private window.
- Turn off your VPN, proxy, or ad-blocking extension for a moment and try again.
- Pause your antivirus's web protection briefly to test, then turn it back on.
- Restart your router and modem. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, then the router.
- Reset Windows networking: open Command Prompt as administrator, run
netsh winsock reset, then restart your computer. - Try another network, such as mobile data, to see if the problem follows you.
Still stuck? Our "Fix my internet" troubleshooter measures your connection and suggests the next step.
Last updated October 2026.