Fix: ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED in Windows 11/10 Chrome Browser

Sometimes when we open a site through the Chrome browser, we may encounter an ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. The error can occur for several reasons. It is mainly related to the incorrect operation of the server itself on which the website is located. Google says the error may be due to a conflict of IP addresses. Some users claim that the error is due to the local network settings. It may also occur when using extensions, in particular VPN. We will discuss several ways to fix this Windows 11/10 Chrome Browser error.

Some known variants of this error are

net::err_connection_refused
failed to load resource: net::err_connection_refused
err_connection_refused localhost
err_connection_refused chrome
This webpage is not available err_connection_refused

Firstly, try to fix the error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED by reinstalling the Chrome Browser itself, uninstalling VPN-related programs or extensions, rebooting the router itself, and using an anti-virus scanner. If these workarounds do not work, then follow the below methods.

How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” in Windows 11/10 Chrome Browser

Method 1: Clear Browsing Data

Firstly, open your browser.

You need to enter the shortcut key Ctrl + Shift + Del to open your browser history immediately.

Next, tick all the checkboxes and choose “All time” in the time range section.

Click on the Clear Data (This needs to be done in two tabs: Basic and Advance).

Restart your browser.

Method 2: Do not use a proxy server for the local network

The error ERR CONNECTION REFUSED also occurs due to changes in the regional network settings and restricting websites from connecting to their server to receive data. This happens if you have installed a VPN program.

Press the Win + R shortcut to open the Run dialogue.

Enter inetcpl.cpl, and it will open Internet Properties.

Now go to the “Connections” tab and click on “Network Settings”.

Ensure that the box next to “Use a proxy server for local connections” is unchecked.

Method 3: Clear the DNS cache, IP & DHCP settings

It would be best if you opened a command prompt as administrator.

Now execute the following commands to flush DNS:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew

Method 4: Change DNS

Because of incorrect DNS configuration, we may face the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in the browser. There are faster and safer DNS addresses from Google, Cloudflare or Yandex.

Enter Win + R key and type ncpa.cpl in the search box.

It will open network adapters.

Now click on the network adapter that is connected to the Internet.

Choose “Properties”> Check IP version 4 (TCP / v4) and double click on it.

Now set the value “Use the following DNS server addresses” and type any of the following: