Only Google Sites Work: 4 Easy Ways to Access Them Again

Have you tried opening your sites in another browser?

Reading time icon 5 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Tooltip Icon

Read the affiliate disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report effortlessly and without spending any money. Read more

Key notes

  • If your Internet connection is fine, but only Google and YouTube sites work, it might be a problem with your browser.
  • If you can only access Google sites, try opening the websites in another browser.
  • The issue can be fixed by manually changing the DNS settings.
  • Switching the Windows Firewall to default settings can also resolve this problem.
 
only google sites work
Struggling with various browser issues? Try a better option: Opera OneOver 300 million people use Opera One daily, a fully-fledged navigation experience coming with built-in packages, enhanced resource consumption, and great design.Here's what Opera One provides:
  • Optimize resource usage
  • AI and user-friendly
  • Built-in Ad Blocker
  • ⇒ Get Opera One

Some users have posted on support forums about an interesting issue in which only Google sites work, such as Google.com and YouTube, are on their browsers.

Aside from Google sites, no other websites open even though there’s an internet connection. One user stated in a forum post:

The computer is saying I’m connected to the internet, but only Google.com is working on both IE and Chrome. On other websites, I’m getting the message This page can’t be displayed.

This problem has been widespread for all types of users. So, we have come up with some vital information and practical solutions.

Why are other sites not opening except Google?

There could be several reasons why other sites are only opening Google. Some possible reasons include the following:

  • Internet connection – It’s possible that your internet connection is not stable or strong enough to load other websites. 
  • Browser issues – Your browser might be experiencing issues that prevent it from loading other websites. 
  • Firewall or antivirus software – Your firewall or antivirus software may block access to other websites.
  • DNS server issues – Your DNS (Domain Name System) server might be experiencing problems. 
  • Website issues – The websites you’re trying to access may be experiencing technical difficulties or are temporarily offline.

Why is my Internet only working on some sites?

The exact reasons you can only visit Google’s website apply to this case too. You may be able to visit only a few websites because of the issues mentioned above.

As you already know what may cause this problem, troubleshooting should be easy now. We have already prepared some solutions to fix the problem we have been discussing. These solutions are applicable for the following errors as well:

  • Only Google sites work on Windows – This is the same error but may apply to only Windows users.
  • Only Google sites work on Mac – This variation applies to users of MacOS.
  • The device is loading Google’s sites only – This is a more generalized variant of the problem. Where it happens regardless of the device you try with.
  • Only Google sites work on Android – Users of Android devices would experience this; however, it may not be evident if they try a different OS.
  • PC is not loading any sites except Google Search – This is a variant of the problem on Windows PCs.

Quick Tip:

Instead of troubleshooting your current browser, save time and try using a more stable alternative, like Opera One.

It’s built on a Chromium engine, like many mainstream browsers, so you’ll get a similar experience, minus the bugs. In addition, you can quickly transfer all your data if you decide to keep it as your default browser.

Opera One

Enjoy fast, secure, and private browsing with this lighting-fast browser!

What can I do if only Google sites work?

Before jumping on any of the solutions, we recommend a router reboot. First, unplug the router from power for at least 10 seconds and plug it back in. Then, wait for it to reboot (it usually takes about 30 seconds).

You can also reset the router to its factory settings by using the dedicated reset button that you will find somewhere on its back.

1. Change the DNS Settings

  1. Press Win + I on the keyboard to open Windows Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Internet.clicking network internet win11 settings
  3. Go to Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on the connection you are using.
  4. Click on Edit next to the DNS server assignment.clicking edit dns win11
  5. Now, type your preferred DNS server addresses. Usually, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) is best for all-purpose.
  6. Click on Save.saving dns settings win11

Many users have fixed the error by changing their DNS to Google DNS, so give it a shot by following the steps above.

If you see that only Google and YouTube work even after setting Google’s DNS, we suggest you use something else like Open DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

Open DNS address: 208.67. 222.222 and 208.67. 220.220

Cloudflare DNS address: 1.1.1.1

These are very popular and work well. You can use something else too to solve the problem.

2. Restore the Windows Firewall to default

  1. Open the start menu, type Windows Defender Firewall, and hit Enter to open it.opening windows defender firewall windows 11
  2. Click on Restore defaults.clicking restore defaults windows defender firewall
  3. Next, click on Restore defaults on the new window.restoring windows firewall to default

Windows Defender Firewall can block the websites you are trying to access, so restoring it to the default settings might fix the issue for some users.

3. Reset TCP/IP

  1. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Input the following commands separately and press Enter after each one:
    netsh winsock reset catalog
    netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
    netsh int ipv6 reset reset.lognetsch winsock command website not opening except google
  3. Close Command Prompt after entering each of the above commands.
  4. Restart Windows.

Users have also confirmed that resetting TCP/IP can also fix the problem only Google sites work. To do that, follow the steps above.

4. Use a VPN

If you still see that only Google sites work on your computer, using a VPN can be a great idea. Also, if something is wrong with your ISP or even your country’s network, you should consider using a VPN.

In this case, we recommend Private Internet Access (PIA). This VPN has a massive global network with 35000+ servers. In many cases, it can improve your internet browsing and streaming experience.

⇒ Get Private Internet Access

The resolutions above will fix non-Google websites not opening for most users. If you face any other network issues, check our list of the best software to fix network problems in Windows 10.

If only Google works on Wi-Fi, you might want to check out these fixes or share your troubleshooting suggestions in the comments below.

More about the topics: Browser errors