Fix: Browser Not Connecting to The Internet

Change the DNS server or switch to a different browser

by Sagar Naresh

Sagar Naresh

Content Analyst

Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing... read more

Published on January 3, 2023

Reviewed by Alex Serban

Alex Serban

Windows Server & Networking Expert

After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more

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Many users have posted on forums about their browsers not connecting to the internet. When a browser doesn’t connect to the internet, it doesn’t load any web pages even though its PC’s connection is seemingly acceptable. That’s a common connectivity issue that perplexes many users.

Also, being unable to surf the internet could be pretty annoying as we accomplish most of our tasks using web browsers. This guide will give you some troubleshooting solutions to apply and quickly fix the browser not connecting to the internet issue. Let us check them out.

Why doesn’t my browser connect to the internet?

Various potential factors can be behind a browser not connecting to the internet. Those factors can be network or browser issues. These are some of the more likely reasons for a browser not loading webpages:

• Antivirus software and firewall blocks: A firewall or your antivirus tool might be blocking your browser from connecting to the internet.
• DNS (Domain Name Server): There could be a discrepancy between IP address assignments on your PC and the DNS server. Or your DNS server might be somewhat overloaded.
• Browser: The issue might arise because you’re utilizing an old browser version or how some of your browser’s settings have been configured.
• Malware: Some malware might be preventing pages from loading in your browsers.
• Network issues: Network issues arise from incorrect Winsock catalog settings and TCP/IP configurations.

How can I fix a browser not connecting to the internet problem?

1. Try utilizing a different browser

You might find alternative browsers that can connect to the internet and load pages without issues. For example, if you’re not already utilizing Opera, try browsing with that browser instead of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and co. That’s a reliable Chromium browser with unique features and an excellent UI design.

When browsing with Opera, you might not miss Chrome that much. It includes a built-in VPN, messenger, music player, battery saver, and screenshot features you don’t get in Google Chrome. Opera users also have access to Chrome Web Store extensions much the same.

Other Opera features

• Opera’s start page incorporates customizable speed dials and a sidebar
• Users can utilize Opera with mouse gesture movements
• The tab search box is a handy addition to Opera
• Its built-in ad blocker removes ads from webpages

⇒ Get Opera

2. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

1. Press the Win + I buttons to open Windows Settings.
2. Select Troubleshoot.
3. Click Other troubleshooters.
4. Scroll down and click Network Adapter.
5. Press the Run button next to Network Adapter.
6. Follow the onscreen steps to initiate the troubleshooting.

3. Turn off firewalls and third-party antivirus software

1. Press the Win button to open the Start menu.
2. Type Windows Defender Firewall and open it.
3. Next, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
4. Check the boxes for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both Private and Public network settings.
5. Click OK to apply the options.

Disable that software if you have a third-party antivirus utility installed, which might incorporate a firewall. To do so, look for and right-click the system tray icon for the antivirus software. Then select the option for disabling the antivirus utility’s on its context menu.

NOTE

Note: If turning off Windows Defender Firewall or disabling antivirus software resolves the issue, the disabled security utility was likely blocking the browser connecting. However, it’s not recommended you leave your PC’s antivirus shield and firewall permanently disabled.

4. Flush the DNS cache

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
2. Search for the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
3. Type the below command and press Enter after each one:
   ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
   
4. Restart your PC after inputting those commands.

5. Reset the network adapter and TCP/IP stack

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
2. Search for the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
3. Type the below command and hit Enter: netsh winsock reset catalog
   
4. Input this reset TCP/IP command and press Enter: netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
5. Restart your desktop or laptop.

6. Reset the browser

1. Click the 3-dot menu icon.
2. Select Settings on the menu.
3. Click on Reset and clean up.
4. Click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
5. Press the Reset settings button to restore Chrome to its default settings.

The above procedure is shown for the Google Chrome browser. You can follow the steps for your browser appropriately.

7. Switch to a Google DNS

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
2. Type Control Panel and open it.
3. Select Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click Change adapter settings to open Network Connections.
5. Right-click your internet connection and select Properties.
6. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4.
7. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses.
8. Enter 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server.
9. Then input 8.8.4.4 within the Alternate DNS server.
10. Click the OK button.

8. Reinstall your browser

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
2. Open the Control Panel.
3. Click Programs and Features.
4. Select your browser, and click the Uninstall option.
5. Restart your desktop or laptop after uninstalling the browser.
6. Download the latest version of your browser.
7. Install the browser and check if this resolves the issue or not.

You can also utilize a third-party uninstaller to uninstall your browser. In addition, some third-party uninstallers will erase leftover residual files along with the software. 

⇒ Get IObit Uninstaller

NOTE

Note:  This resolution is recommended if you can still open websites in alternative browsers. If you can’t open websites in any browsers, try updating the browser you need to fix with its built-in update option. 

Get in touch with the affected browser’s support service. So long as you can still view websites in other browsers, you can find support contact details on browser help pages. You can also post on the browser’s support forum. 

Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) might also be able to assist with this issue. There could be an issue with your ISP that’s stopping your browser from connecting to the internet. So, consider contacting your ISP’s support service for further guidance. 

Those resolutions many users have confirmed can fix browsers not connecting to the internet. Although there isn’t a guaranteed resolution for this issue, those potential fixes are worth a shot.

In the comments below, let us know which solutions helped you resolve the browser not connecting to the internet or Wi-Fi connection. Still, the browser is not working, doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, or will not connect to internet issues.

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