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Hmm can’t reach this page on Edge, chrome (Solved)

The "Hmm, can't reach this page" error message typically indicates a connection problem between your device and the website you're trying to access. Lets fix it.

Hmm, can’t reach this page error usually occurs when your browser (chrome, edge, firefox etc) is unable to establish a connection to the requested website. This could be due to various reasons, including network issues, browser misconfigurations, or problems with the website itself. In most cases, flushing DNS cache or switch to Google DNS helps fix the problem and restore internet access. This article explores some effective troubleshooting steps to fix the “Hmm, can’t reach this page” error in Chrome or Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.

Fix Can’t Reach This Page Error

This error means, your browser can’t load the website you’re trying to visit, and it can be very annoying and frustrating. But it can also be fixed easily with some simple troubleshooting steps. Understanding what causes this error makes it easier to troubleshoot the problem.

  1. Network Connectivity Problems: Poor internet connection, DNS issues, or network firewall restrictions can prevent Edge from accessing the desired webpage.
  2. Browser Cache and Cookies: Accumulated cache and corrupted cookies in Edge may interfere with website loading, triggering the error message.
  3. Proxy Settings: Incorrect proxy configurations or misconfigured network settings can impede Edge’s ability to connect to websites.
  4. Antivirus or Firewall Interference: Overzealous antivirus software or firewall settings may mistakenly block Edge’s access to certain web pages.

Depending on the cause of the error, there are different methods you can try to fix it. Here are some of the most common and effective solutions.

Check your internet connection

A stable internet connection is essential for browsing the web. Checking your connection ensures that the issue isn’t related to network problems on your end.

You can test your internet speed using online tools such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com.

Internet Speed test

If your internet connection is slow or unstable, you may need to restart your router or modem by unplugging them from the power source for a few seconds and then plugging them back in. This can help reset your network settings and resolve any connection issues.

Identifying and resolving network connectivity issues can quickly restore access to websites in Microsoft Edge.

Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache removes any outdated or corrupted DNS records stored locally on your computer. When you visit a website, your computer translates the domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into an IP address using DNS (Domain Name System). If the DNS cache contains incorrect or outdated information, it can lead to connectivity issues. Flushing the DNS cache forces your computer to query the DNS server for fresh information.

Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”

  • Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to flush your DNS cache.
  • Next type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release your current IP address.
  • And finally, run ipconfig /renew command to renew your IP address.
  • Close the Command Prompt window and try accessing the website again.

flush DNS command

This can help clear any outdated or incorrect DNS information that may be preventing your browser from finding the website server.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Cached data and cookies stored by the browser can become outdated or corrupted over time, leading to browsing problems. Clearing them removes potentially problematic data and can improve browsing performance.

  • Open Microsoft Edge, click on the three horizontal dots, and go to “Settings.”
  • Navigate to “Privacy, search, and services.” Under “Clear browsing data,” click on “Choose what to clear.”
  • Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
  • Click “Clear” to remove the cached data and cookies.

Microsoft Edge clear browsing data

Clearing the browser cache and cookies can resolve issues related to outdated or corrupted data, allowing Edge to load webpages properly.

Disable Extensions

Browser extensions add additional functionality to Edge but can sometimes conflict with website loading. Disabling extensions helps identify if any of them are causing the “Can’t reach this page” error.

  • In Microsoft Edge, click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner and select “Extensions.”
  • Toggle off the switch for each extension to disable them.
  • Restart Microsoft Edge and check if the error persists.
  • Enable extensions one by one to identify the problematic ones.

Disable Edge Extensions

Temporarily disabling extensions allows users to isolate the source of the problem and determine if a specific extension is causing the browsing issue.

Reset browser Default Settings

Resetting Edge settings restores the browser to its default state, eliminating any custom configurations that may be causing the error. This can resolve issues related to misconfigured settings.

  • Open Microsoft Edge, click on the three horizontal dots, and go to “Settings.”
  • Scroll down and click on “Reset settings.”
  • Click on “Restore settings to their default values” and confirm.
  • Restart Microsoft Edge.

Reset Microsoft Edge Default

The same is applicable for Google Chrome as well.

Resetting Edge settings provides a clean slate for troubleshooting, ensuring that any problematic configurations are reverted to their default values.

Check Proxy Settings

Proxy settings can affect how Edge connects to the internet. Verifying and correcting proxy settings ensures that the browser can establish a proper connection to websites.

Correcting proxy settings addresses potential connectivity issues caused by misconfigured network settings, allowing Edge to reach webpages without errors.

In addition, if you are using a VPN, It can alter your device’s network configuration, potentially causing conflicts with browser connectivity. Disabling the VPN temporarily helps determine if it’s the source of the problem.

Switch to Google DNS

Google Public DNS is a free, global Domain Name System (DNS) resolution service that provides faster and more reliable access to websites. Several users mention configuring Google DNS helps them fix the problem and enables them to access webpages without any problem.

  • Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok to open network connections
  • Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties.”
  • Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.”
  • Choose the option to “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following Google DNS server addresses.

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Use Open DNS or Google’s DNS

  • Click “OK” to save the changes.

Switching to Google DNS can improve your browsing experience by providing faster DNS resolution.

Update Windows and Edge

Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that address known issues, including browsing problems. Ensuring that Windows and Edge are up to date helps resolve compatibility issues and improves overall browser performance.

To update Windows 11:

  • Open Windows Settings (Win + I) and go to “Windows update.”
  • Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates for Windows.

To Update Microsoft edge or chrome:

Open Microsoft Edge, click on the three dots, go to “Help and feedback,” and select “About Microsoft Edge” to check for Edge updates.

Update Microsoft Edge

Updating Windows and Edge ensures that you have the latest fixes and enhancements, reducing the likelihood of encountering browsing errors.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows Troubleshooters are built-in tools designed to diagnose and fix common system problems automatically. Running the Internet Connections troubleshooter can identify and resolve issues related to network connectivity.

  • Open Windows Settings (Win + I) and go to “Update & Security.”
  • Select “Troubleshoot” from the left menu.
  • Click on “Internet Connections” and run the troubleshooter.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions and apply the suggested fixes.

Internet troubleshooter

Check Antivirus and Firewall Settings

Security software such as antivirus programs and firewalls may block Edge from accessing websites if they perceive them as threats. Reviewing and adjusting security settings ensures that Edge is allowed to connect to the internet without interference.

  • Find your firewall or antivirus software icon on the system tray at the bottom right corner of the screen.
  • Right-click on it and select Disable or Turn off (the option may vary depending on the program).
  • Try accessing the website again and see if the error is gone.

If the error is gone, you can re-enable your firewall or antivirus software and add an exception for the website. To do this, follow the instructions provided by your firewall or antivirus software provider.

This can help unblock the website if it’s being blocked by these programs.

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