Firefox Edge Browser Error Code NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED
Brand
Firefox Edge
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
The NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Firefox means your browser tried to connect to a website through a proxy server, but that proxy server actively refused the connection. This typically happens when your proxy settings are misconfigured, the proxy server is offline, or a VPN or security tool has altered your network settings without your knowledge. The good news is this error is almost always fixable through browser or system settings — no hardware work required.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED

  1. Check and Disable Proxy Settings in Firefox

  2. Disable Any Active VPN or Proxy Software

  3. Remove Suspicious Proxy-Related Browser Extensions

  4. Reset Firefox Network Settings to Default

    Only reset entries related to 'network.proxy' — avoid changing unrelated settings in about:config as it can affect browser behavior.

  5. Check Windows or macOS System-Wide Proxy Settings

  6. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Stack

    Resetting the Winsock catalog on Windows may require a reboot to take effect. Save all open work before running these commands.

  7. Scan for Malware That May Have Altered Proxy Settings

  8. Refresh Firefox (Reset Browser to Defaults)

    Refreshing Firefox will remove all extensions and customized settings. Bookmarks, passwords saved in Firefox, and browsing history are preserved, but you will need to reinstall your extensions afterward.
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When to Call a Professional

If you are on a corporate or school network, your IT administrator may have intentionally configured a mandatory proxy server. In that case, do not attempt to change proxy settings yourself — contact your IT helpdesk instead, as bypassing the proxy may violate network policies. If malware is detected but cannot be removed by standard tools, consult a professional computer repair technician or cybersecurity specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED mean in Firefox?
It means Firefox attempted to route your internet connection through a proxy server, but that proxy server refused the connection. This can happen because the proxy address is wrong, the server is offline, a VPN extension has stopped working, or malware has altered your settings.
Why did this error suddenly appear when I wasn't using a proxy?
This often happens after installing a new browser extension, a free software bundle, or a VPN app that automatically changes your proxy settings. Malware is another common cause. Check your Firefox extensions and your system proxy settings to find the source.
Does NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED affect all websites or just one?
Typically it affects all websites, because the error is tied to your browser's proxy configuration rather than a specific site. If only one site is affected, the issue may be with that site's server rather than your proxy settings.
Will refreshing Firefox delete my saved passwords and bookmarks?
No. Firefox's built-in Refresh feature preserves bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history, and open tabs. It only removes extensions, themes, and customized browser preferences. You will need to reinstall any extensions you want to keep.
Can a VPN cause the NS_ERROR_PROXY_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?
Yes. Many VPN browser extensions and desktop VPN apps work by configuring a local proxy on your device. If the VPN service goes down, its connection drops, or its local proxy process crashes, Firefox will still try to send traffic through it and receive a refused connection. Disconnecting or disabling the VPN usually resolves the error immediately.

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