A web browser needs a stable network connection to browse the internet. However, a slight teething issue might cause the loss of network packets and result in problems with the browser.
In such cases, checking the data packet loss from the terminal or command app, clearing the DNS cache, resetting the network socket, and adjusting the system firewall settings can fix the network connection problem.
In this guide, I have shared written instruction about:
Method 1: Check for the Data Packet Loss with Ping
Before proceeding with any of the advanced fixes, you should re-verify that there are no issues with the network. We can ping google.com and check if the data exchange occurs without losses.
If the total packets sent are equivalent to the received packets, then the loss % stands at 0, and the network issue might be negated. However, if there are indeed some packet losses, it points to your internet issues.
- Head over to the Start menu, and search & launch Command Prompt.
- Type in ping google.com, and hit
Now verify the results.
If data exchange occurs with packet loss, you should try network-related tweaks, such as restarting the router or switching to a different network.
However, before proceeding with advanced troubleshoots, you could try other basic workarounds without data loss.
Method 2: Clear the System’s DNS Cache
The web browser doesn’t deal with the website URL in plain text format; instead, it calls for its associated IP address. These IPs are provided by the DNS servers, which seek the same from the stored DNS cache.
If these DNS cache data are corrupted, then the DNS server will provide an incorrect IP address for the requested site. To rectify this issue, you should consider deleting this DNS cache.
- Go to the Start menu, search cmd, and launch the Command Prompt window
- Now type in ipconfig /flushdns, and hit .
It will delete all the DNS cache. - Check if it can fix the internet connection, but the browser is not working.
Deleting the DNS cache would take a few extra seconds for the browser to locate the associated IP address.
Similarly, you should consider clearing the DNS cache within the Chrome browser or Edge browser.
Method 3: Reset the Windows Network Socket
Windows Network Socket, or Winsock, contains information related to network configurations. If this information gets corrupted, the system’s internet may not work. In that case, the best bet is to reset this Network Socket.
- Launch Command Prompt as an administrator from the Start menu.
- Type in the below command and hit :
netsh winsock reset
It shall reset your computer network. Once done, restart your PC and check if it fixes the network issue.
Method 4: Update the Network Drivers
Using an old or outdated network driver could result in several internet issues, including those we are currently dealing with. Therefore, using the latest version of these drivers is always advised.
- Keypress + shortcut keys, and select Device Manager from the menu.
- Expand the Network Adapter section.
You should find your driver listed there, either 802.11 B/G/N or A/C. - Right-click on it and select Update Drivers.
- Click on Search automatically for driver software.
Windows will now search for the latest drivers online and, if found, will download and install them. Once done, restart your PC and verify whether the issue is fixed.
Method 5: Disable the Windows Firewall
If your browser cannot access only a few sites, the issue could be related to the Windows Firewall being slightly overprotective.
If the site’s trustworthiness and belief the firewall has raised a false positive, consider temporarily disabling it.
- Head over to the Start Menu and search Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off from the left menu bar.
- Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall under the Public and Private network sections.
- Once done, try accessing the site and check whether the issue has been rectified.
Disabling the Firewall is a risky bet. So make sure to re-enable it once you are done using the site.
Bottom Line
You should check your data plan to see if you’ve exhausted the bandwidth or data limit of the subscribed ISP plan. Some mobile data plans suspend the internet but still display that it is connected.
Many users have commented that clearing the stored Domain Name Server (DNS) cache and resetting the Windows Network Socket rectified the issue.
Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.
Although none of these worked for me, it was a very clear post taking you through each step with clear explanations.
Thanks for the feedback, Helen.
If you can elaborate, I can be more helpful. Which device you are trying to have internet connection? Is it computer or phone?
no good for me. my laptop accesses network, but not internet; no browser works, no email, no updates. pings are successful. windows says internet connected.
all other m/c’s work without issue.(ipads, phones, streaming etc)
tried all of the above.
Thanks a lot!!
Resetting the Windows Network Socket did the trick.. I wonder why the windows troubleshooter does not give a hint to this?