How to fix “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED”. Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED”. Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED in Google Chrome

Learn how to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Google Chrome caused by network connection issues. This guide provides step-by-step solutions, such as restarting your modem, reinstalling network drivers, flushing DNS, resetting browser settings, and more. Use these methods to troubleshoot and restore your browsing functionality.

You can also try our free chatbot, designed to assist with technical issues like this.

Key Takeaways

  • ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED in Chrome is a common issue related to your network connection.
  • This problem can be resolved by troubleshooting network settings, browser configurations, or hardware.
  • Follow practical troubleshooting steps such as restarting your modem, reinstalling network drivers, and resetting browser settings to resolve the issue.
  • If the issue persists, you may need to take further actions like flushing your DNS, changing your DNS settings, or reinstalling Chrome itself.

Step-by-Step Guide: Fixing ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Google Chrome

When facing the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED issue, your browsing experience can come to a screeching halt. Being highly tech-savvy isn’t necessary to resolve this common Internet problem, but guided instructions can help. Below, I’ll break down all possible solutions, from the most common to the more expert-level steps.

NOTE: Don’t worry if some of these methods seem basic; even minor changes can resolve the issue efficiently. Let’s get started!

1. Restart Your Modem

Sometimes, a simple reboot of your modem or router can clear minor network glitches.

Steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord from your modem.
  2. Wait for approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Reconnect the power cord and allow time for the modem to fully restart.
  4. Once online, try loading a website in Google Chrome.

Expert Tip: Inconsistent Wi-Fi signals or Ethernet cable disruptions can sometimes cause these network errors. Restarting the modem forces a potential reset of your network.

2. Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers

Corrupt or outdated drivers may disrupt your network connection and lead to the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. To automate the process of updating your drivers, use a tool like EaseUS DriverHandy, which ensures your network adapters are up-to-date.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network Adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your network driver and choose Uninstall device.
  4. Restart your computer and allow Windows to automatically reinstall the correct driver.
  5. After reboot, check if your browser is functioning correctly.

Expert Tip: This step clears any corrupt driver installations and forces the operating system to reload a fresh version of the network drivers.

3. Flush DNS Settings

Your Domain Name System (DNS) cache stores information about previous browsing locations. Corrupt cache entries can often affect your browsing.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type and run the following commands sequentially:
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /all
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /renew
  3. Close the Command Prompt and try Chrome again.

Expert Tip: Flushing the DNS eliminates any cached entries that might be pointing to wrong or outdated IP addresses.

4. Reset TCP/IP Configuration

If your network configuration has gone awry, resetting the TCP/IP stack can often fix the issue.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X, then open Command Prompt as an Admin.
  2. Run this command: 
    netsh int ip reset
  3. After executing the command, reboot the system and recheck your connectivity in Chrome.

Expert Tip: This command will reset the TCP/IP stack back to its default settings, removing any invalid configurations that may be causing the issue.

5. Check and Change DNS Settings

Manually setting your DNS server addresses can potentially fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error, especially if you are using a faulty automatic configuration. For added privacy and faster DNS resolution, consider using a secure DNS like NordVPN, which includes encrypted DNS protection.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties again.
  5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and input:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  6. Press OK and test your network.

Expert Tip: These DNS IP addresses are provided by Google and are highly reliable. They often help resolve DNS-related issues, especially when the default DNS is failing.

6. Reset Your Network Adapter

This provides a complete reset of your network adapter, which can often clear miscellaneous errors.

Steps:

  1. Open Network and Sharing Center via Win + X.
  2. Click Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click your active network adapter and choose Disable.
  4. Wait a few moments, then right-click again and choose Enable.
  5. Recheck if your Chrome browser issue is resolved.

7. Clear Google Chrome Cache

A cluttered browser cache can create issues with web pages, including throwing ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED errors. If you’re looking to automate browser cleanups, tools like EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner can declutter your system efficiently, including temporary files and cache.

Steps:

  1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data box.
  2. Select the Advanced tab and choose All time from the time range dropdown.
  3. Check Browsing history, Download history, Cookies, and Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.

Expert Tip: Regularly clearing your cache ensures faster browser performance and also prevents errors like this.

8. Reset Google Chrome

Resetting Chrome to its default state can resolve misconfiguration problems that may be contributing to prolonged error messages.

Steps:

  1. Click the Chrome Menu (three dots in the top-right corner), then go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Under Reset and clean up, select Restore settings to their original defaults.
  4. Confirm the reset.

Expert Tip: While this action resets settings, it won’t remove your bookmarks or saved passwords. It’s a safe method for eliminating browser faults.

9. Reinstall Google Chrome

If the previous steps fail, reinstalling Chrome may be the best course of action for eliminating the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features (or Programs and Features).
  2. Locate Google Chrome, right-click it, and choose Uninstall.
  3. Download the latest version of Chrome from the official Google website.
  4. Reinstall and retest your connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome?

  • The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error occurs when your network connection changes unexpectedly, causing Chrome to lose access to the internet. It often happens due to network reconfigurations or IP conflicts.

Q2: Can a VPN cause ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED?

  • Yes, VPNs can sometimes interrupt your network configuration and lead to this error because you’re frequently changing your IP address. For a stable connection, try a premium VPN like NordVPN, which minimizes disruptions with its optimized servers.

Q3: Will resetting Chrome erase my data?

  • Resetting Chrome won’t delete your bookmarks or passwords. However, it will remove cookies and reset browser-specific configurations.

Q4: Can this error occur due to Wi-Fi interference?

  • Yes, unstable Wi-Fi signals or interference from nearby devices can cause this error. Switching to an Ethernet cable or improving Wi-Fi signal strength often helps.

Q5: How do I know if it’s a network issue or a Chrome issue?

  • You can quickly test another browser (like Edge or Firefox). If the issue persists, it is likely a network problem. If it’s isolated to Chrome, it may be browser-related.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error and enjoy a seamless browsing experience once again!

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