How to fix ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error in Google Chrome

What is ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error

ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED is a Google Chrome error sharing almost identical symptoms with other issues like ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED and ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED. All of them reflect the disability to open certain pages while surfing the web. In essence, such problems are network-driven meaning there are certain internet frictions restricting due access to websites. Unfortunately, trying what the error page offers does not work out in all the cases. Some users might require other solutions as well. Although there is no panacea fix to errors like this, one of the solutions presented in our guide below is likely to sort out the problem eventually. Try out each method until one of them resolves the ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error.

1. Disable third-party antivirus

If you have a third-party antivirus installed on your PC, try to disable it and check whether you can visit the page you are struggling with. Even legitimate and safe websites may get restricted by antimalware firewalls due to false security risks. In case everything works fine after disabling the antivirus, then you might have found the problem. If you plan to visit the website on a regular basis and do not want to be annoyed by the error, you should find a way to add the website to the antivirus whitelist. Otherwise, you may consider trying another less conflicting antivirus. Our advice is MalwareBytes – a trusted and talented group of experts constantly maintaining their software to combat both minor and global threats. It is now available for Windows 11 as well. You can download it now using the link below and try a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

2. Restart your router

Another easy and fast-to-try method to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error is to reboot your router (modem). Hold the power button at the back of the router for a couple of seconds until it turns off. Then, push the same button to power it back. I had this problem myself when I could not open a single website in my browser bookmark after getting late with my internet payment. The issue got resolved immediately after I restarted the router. Thus, make sure you try it yourself before moving on to further alternatives below.

3. Disable Chrome Extensions

Some enabled and actively working extensions may be the reason why yo are facing problems with access to certain pages. We advise you to disable third-party extensions for the time being to check if it helps. Feel free to do it using the following steps:

1. Open Chrome and click on three-dot icon in the top right corner.
2. Hover your mouse over More tools and select Extensions.
3. Disable all the third-party extensions by clicking on the blue toggle.

After performing these steps, open the same domain you experienced problems with and verify if something has changed.

5. Clear browser data

Here are one more quick solutions that could effectively work with some users. Errors like ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED have also been reported to be caused by overloaded files like cache. Some browser elements memorized by Chrome after browsing various pages may create incompatibility problems while opening certain pages. Clearing up your browser data may not only resolve the issue but also increase browser performance and free up some space. Note that clearing browser data may log you off from websites you visited before. Thus, make sure you remember your log-in credentials afterwards.

1. Click on three-dot icon in the top right corner as we did above.
2. Got to More tools and choose Clear browsing data….
3. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
4. Check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
5. Then click on Clear data.

Restart your browser and try to open the website again.

6. Disable Proxy in Local Area Network (LAN) Settings

Quite a common reason why ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED and similar errors occur couple be due to conflicts derived from the enabled Proxy server connection. In 99% of cases, enabled proxy servers make no real sense for regular users, which is why they should be disabled to prevent connection issues. If you remember turning it on by purpose, try to toggle it off and see if ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED forwards its presence. Here is how:

1. Open search box next to Start menu and type Control Panel. Open it up.
2. Make sure View by is set to either Small Icons or Big Icons in the top right corner.
3. Select Internet Options and navigate to Connections & LAN settings.
4. Make sure there is only Automatically detect settings enabled. Untick the other 2 boxes if they are selected and click OK in the end.
5. Now you should have LAN settings set up correctly. Go to the browser and try to open a page again.

7. Change address in DNS settings

Improper DNS settings can make some pages fail to open. This configuration can sometimes be accidentally changed after unforeseen bugs or self-manipulations. It may also be set to finding the server automatically, but not find the right one your internet needs. Whatever the reason may be, use our instructions below in order to set up DNS settings the right way:

To change DNS and IP:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
2. Double click on your connection name.
3. Click on Properties.
4. Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Mark Use the following IP address and Use the following DNS server addresses.
6. Change IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS according to the underneath image

8. Reset Google Chrome

Check if you are facing difficulties only in Chrome. In case no other browsers are subject to the same exact error, then there might be a problem with Chrome itself opening that problematic page. The best way to ensure no third-party extension or data is causing the conflict is to reset your Google Chrome to factory settings. This means everything gathered and kept by your browser throughout its all-time usage like cookies, passwords, accounts, configuration, and other elements will be deleted and rolled back to their starting point. Please note what accounts and passwords have been used in Chrome so that you could log in to them after performing a reset. Here is how you can reset Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome browser.
2. At the top right corner, click More (three vertical dots) and then Settings.
3. Look at the left panel and expand Advanced.
4. Click Reset and clean up, and choose Restore settings to their original defaults. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
5. Wait until Chrome ends up restored and try to open the same web-page again.

Summary

Whatever it was causing the issue, we hope you managed to deal with it and no longer encounter similar shades of the ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error in your future usage. Even if you do at some point time, apply the same solutions you found effective while reading this guide. If you ever become a victim of other errors or issues, search them up on our website to find corresponding solutions. There are plenty of new articles uploaded by our team daily.