How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error in Chrome

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Chrome signals that Chrome tried to load a website, but the connection was forcibly closed before the web page could load. This means the server or an element between your computer and the server (such as a firewall, VPN, or proxy) stopped the connection, making the page unreachable.

Common Causes

Network configuration can block or disrupt traffic. VPN or proxy tools can cause this error if they are misconfigured or unstable. Firewalls and antivirus software may block some connections, especially if they use strict security rules.

Faulty or corrupted TCP/IP settings on a device can result in this error as well. Cached browser files and cookies that are out-of-date can prevent Chrome from connecting properly. Problems with DNS, such as invalid settings or corrupted DNS caches, can direct Chrome to the wrong address.

Server-side issues, like expired SSL certificates, server misconfiguration, or heavy server load, can force a reset of the connection. Outdated Chrome versions and malfunctioning browser extensions may also lead to this problem.

Client-Side Solutions

Disable VPNs or proxy tools temporarily. To do this in Chrome, go to settings, choose system, open proxy settings, and turn off any proxy configuration. If you use a VPN, disconnect from it and refresh the website. Reset your TCP/IP settings using the Windows Command Prompt with these commands:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
Restart your computer after running these commands.

Clear the Chrome cache by pressing Ctrl Shift Delete, choose the option to clear cached images and files for all time, then confirm. Turning off your firewall or antivirus software can show if they are the cause.

If the website loads with these tools turned off, add the website to your security software’s exceptions and turn security software back on.

Update Chrome by going to chrome colon slash slash settings slash help, and install pending updates. Disable all extensions at chrome colon slash slash extensions, then turn them on one by one to see if one is the cause.

Flush your DNS cache by running ipconfig/flushdns in the Command Prompt.

Server-Side Solutions

For website owners and hosting clients, check if your website is online using a service that checks website status from several locations. Examine server error logs for messages about connection resets or timeouts. Fix SSL issues by renewing expired certificates and checking the SSL configuration with online tools.

Make sure your server meets the requirements for Chrome, such as supporting up-to-date versions of TLS. Monitor server resource use and scale up your hosting plan if the server is overloaded.

If you use cPanel or Plesk, review your ModSecurity or CSF Firewall settings to make sure they are not blocking visitors. If you depend on a cloud or reverse proxy service, confirm that load balancer and SSL settings are correct.

Community Reports and Real Cases

Users on Reddit have reported ERR_CONNECTION_RESET errors when using VPNs with Chrome or Brave on Ubuntu. Disabling VPN or switching VPN protocols, or using another browser like Firefox, sometimes fixed the problem. Developers running local servers using IIS Express have seen this error due to self-signed certificate issues.

Reinstalling certificates with command-line tools and not deleting certificates manually from the Certificate Store has resolved the problem. In high-security networks, enterprise firewalls with strict rules have led to this Chrome error. Changes to those firewall rules have restored site access.

Technical Details and Updates

Chrome’s network stack produces the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET code when the TCP connection is reset by the server or a security filter before data transfer. Chrome versions since early 2023 apply more precise error handling, reducing some false positive resets caused by unstable WiFi or VPN.

Antivirus vendors have published updates to minimize accidental connection resets by security tools. When using Windows Subsystem for Linux or similar tools, developers have reported more frequent resets due to mismatched network stacks, mostly fixed by adjusting firewall or proxy settings.

This error often requires checking both the computer and hosting setup. For hosting support, guide users through disabling VPNs, clearing browser cache, and checking server SSL and security settings.

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