Sites behind Cloudflare / specific CDNs are stricter about TLS — VPN and antivirus 'web shields' break them first.

≈ Network Errors

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET — How to fix in Chrome / Edge

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET means the TCP connection was actively closed by something between you and the site. Almost always: VPN, antivirus, MTU, or a proxy.

Time: 15 min
Difficulty: medium
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
Updated: May 25, 2026

Error message

This site can't be reached. The connection was reset. ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

Symptoms

▸Chrome / Edge shows ERR_CONNECTION_RESET on multiple sites
▸Happens at random times
▸Other devices on the same Wi-Fi work fine

Likely causes

▸VPN client interfering with TLS
▸Antivirus 'web shield' breaking HTTPS
▸MTU mismatch on the network adapter
▸Proxy or PAC script set in Windows that no longer works

How to fix it — step by step

01
Disable VPN
Even paused VPN clients can leave a TUN adapter binding TLS traffic. Fully exit (Tray → Quit).
02
Turn off antivirus HTTPS scanning
Most third-party antivirus exposes a 'Scan HTTPS / web shield' toggle. Disable it as a test.
03
Reset proxy settings
Settings → Network → Proxy → toggle off Use a proxy server and Use setup script.

Reset TCP/IP stack

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

05
Lower MTU on the adapter
Some PPPoE links need MTU 1492 instead of 1500.
```
netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Wi-Fi" mtu=1492 store=persistent
```