Guide to Fix a “err_connection_refused” Error

“Err_connection_refused” is an error message displayed in Google Chrome whenever it is unable to connect to the Internet.

This error can occur due to problems in the browser or due to network issues.

No matter what the problem is, this ultimate guide has all the necessary solutions in a step-by-step manner to help you fix the “net::err_connection_refused” error.

 

Common Reasons for a “Err_connection_refused” Error

This network error is caused by these following reasons:

• No Internet connection
• Cache or cookies not cleared
• Corrupted extensions and related software
• Website being down for everyone
• Websites blocked by firewall or antivirus software
• Not updated browser
• DNS Cache

Any of the above reasons can be a cause for your refused connection error.

Go through the solutions below to learn how to fix this connection issue on your Windows 10 computer.

Ways to Fix a “Err_Connection_Refused” Error

There are many possible ways in which we can fix this network problem. Try the solutions below in a sequential manner.

 

 

Solution 1: Check your Internet Connection

The first rule is to start simple. Make sure that you have connected all your hardware components properly and see that they are free from any damage. Also, check the source of the Internet to see if it is working or not.

If you have a Wi-Fi router or a modem that connects to multiple devices, then check if the Internet is functional on other devices too. If your other devices face no problem with the Internet, then this is an error within the system itself.

 

Solution 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

It is possible that not clearing your browser cache and cookies can cause this type of connection error. Moreover, many users have also reported that clearing these has actually fixed their Internet issue.

To clear your browser cache and cookies, follow the steps below:

• Launch the Google Chrome browser
• Go to the “Customize and Control Google Chrome” button in the top-right corner of the browser
• Select Settings from the pop-up list
• Navigate to Advanced > Content Settings > Cookies > See all cookies and site data
• Click on Remove All to clear all the browser cookies; if prompted for confirmation, click on Clear All to continue
• Now navigate to the Privacy and Security tab and then click on Clear Browsing Data
• A pop-up window will open; click on the Advanced tab
• Change the Time Range to All Time and check the boxes on all options
• Finally, click on Clear Data to clean your entire browser cache and cookies along with the unnecessary and junk data

Once done, restart your browser and see if the Internet is working or not. If this hasn’t solved your connection issues, then proceed to the next solution.

 

Solution 3: Check your Proxy Server Settings

A proxy server involves all your website connections. Therefore, checking the proxy settings for any sign of inconsistencies is a smart way to fix this problem.

It might sound difficult, but it is in fact a very simple process.

Follow the steps below check your proxy settings:

• Search for Control Panel in your search bar and then launch the application by clicking on it
• Change your View by to Categories and then click on the Network and Internet option from the list of categories
• Now click on Internet Options, which will open a new window named Internet Properties
• Navigate to the Connections tab and then click on LAN Settings
• In the LAN Settings Window, make sure to uncheck the box next to Use a proxy server for your LAN
• Now click on OK to save and exit

Now launch your browser and see if this solves your connection issue. If the proxy settings are intact and there are no changes to be made, then proceed to the next solution.

 

Solution 4: Disable your Firewall

In many cases, the Windows Firewall is the reason behind blocking websites from loading due to security reasons. Disabling it allows the websites to load and solves the refused connection error.

Follow the steps below to disable your firewall:

• Search for Control Panel in the search bar and then launch the application by clicking on it
• Select the View by as Categories and then click on System Security from the list of categories
• Now click on Windows Defender Firewall and then on the left panel, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
• Now check the box next to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)

Note: You can choose to turn off Windows Firewall for private networks as well as public networks. In this case, turning off Windows Firewall for private networks should be enough.

Once done, close all applications and then reload the website again. If your Windows Firewall is the reason for the error, the website will now load, solving the refused connection error.

However, if Windows Firewall is not responsible for this error, then proceed to the next solution.

 

Solution 5: Reset your IP Address and clear you DNS

Many users have also reported that resetting their IP address and clearing their DNS has solved their “net::err_connection_refused” error and has enabled their browser to work normally.

Follow the steps below to reset your IP address and clear your DNS:

• Press Windows Logo Key + X and then click on Windows PowerShell (Admin)
• Now type in netsh winsock reset catalog and then press Enter
• Wait for the process to finish and then again type ipconfig/flushdns and then press Enter
• Now wait for the process to finish and then close all applications and restart your computer for the changes to take effect

Once done, check to see if the problem has resolved. If the other solutions didn’t work for you, then this solution will surely fix your problem.

 

Conclusion: Err_Connection_Refused Error

The “err_connection_refused” error is an annoying error that Google Chrome displays whenever it is unable to connect to the Internet or load a website.

This error can be caused by various network issues related to the browser, system, and the Internet source as well.

Make sure that all your hardware components are in good working condition and are connected properly. Fixing this error is not very difficult.

You can use any of the above solutions to fix this connection error on your Windows 10 computer.