Google Chrome ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED: How to Fix It

Medium 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
The ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error in Google Chrome means that your computer's firewall, security software, or network settings are actively blocking Chrome from accessing the internet. This is not a website problem — it is a local permissions issue on your device. The good news is that it can almost always be resolved without professional help by adjusting firewall rules, resetting network settings, or reconfiguring your security software.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED

  1. Check Windows Firewall Permissions for Chrome

    Only grant network access to applications you trust. Do not disable the firewall entirely as this exposes your computer to security risks.

  2. Check Your Antivirus or Third-Party Security Software

  3. Flush DNS Cache and Reset TCP/IP Stack

    Running these commands as Administrator is required. Running them as a standard user will result in an error message and no changes will be made.

  4. Disable VPN or Proxy Settings

  5. Reset Chrome Flags and Network Settings

  6. Check Windows Group Policy and Hosts File

    Editing the hosts file or Group Policy incorrectly can cause broader system issues. Only remove entries you are certain were added intentionally to block Chrome.

  7. Reinstall Google Chrome

    Uninstalling Chrome will remove locally stored data if you are not signed into a Google account. Sign in to sync your bookmarks, passwords, and history before uninstalling.
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When to Call a Professional

If you are on a work or school computer managed by an IT department, the firewall or Group Policy restrictions may be intentionally enforced by your organization's network administrator. In this case, you should contact your IT help desk rather than attempting to bypass these settings yourself. Additionally, if you have completed all steps above and Chrome still cannot access the network while other browsers work fine, an IT professional or advanced user may need to perform a deeper Windows network stack diagnostic or check for malware that is intercepting network traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED only happen in Chrome and not other browsers?
This error is specific to Chrome because firewalls and antivirus software track permissions per application. If Chrome was recently updated, reinstalled, or flagged by your security software, it may have lost its network permission while other browsers like Edge or Firefox retain theirs. Granting Chrome explicit permission in your firewall or antivirus will resolve it.
Can a VPN cause ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED in Chrome?
Yes. Some VPN clients install their own network drivers or firewall rules that can block specific applications, including Chrome. Try disconnecting your VPN temporarily and reloading the page. If the error disappears with the VPN off, check your VPN app's settings for an application-level split tunnel or firewall section and add Chrome as a trusted application.
Does ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED mean I have a virus?
Not necessarily. While malware can sometimes modify firewall rules or the Windows hosts file to block browser access, this error is most commonly caused by overly aggressive antivirus settings, a Windows Firewall misconfiguration, or a failed Chrome update. Run a full malware scan as a precaution, but start with the firewall and antivirus permission fixes first.
Will resetting Chrome fix ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED?
A full Chrome reset (Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults) can help if the error is caused by a corrupted Chrome profile or a rogue extension that modified network settings. However, if the root cause is a Windows Firewall or antivirus rule blocking Chrome, resetting Chrome alone will not fix it — you must update the firewall permissions as well.
How do I stop ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED from coming back after a Chrome update?
Chrome updates can sometimes cause antivirus or firewall software to re-evaluate and re-block the application because the executable file has changed. To prevent this, set Chrome to 'Trusted' or 'Always Allow' in your antivirus application rules rather than just approving a one-time prompt. In Windows Firewall, ensuring Chrome has both Private and Public network access checked will also prevent the rule from being lost after updates.

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