Google Chrome ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
The ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED error in Google Chrome means the browser tried to connect to the internet through a proxy server but the connection was refused or failed. This is usually caused by incorrect proxy settings, a misconfigured VPN, or a third-party app that changed your network configuration. The good news is that this is almost always fixable on your own without any technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED

  1. Disable Proxy Settings in Chrome

  2. Reset Chrome Proxy Settings via Command Line

    Run Command Prompt as Administrator by right-clicking it and selecting 'Run as administrator' for these commands to work properly.

  3. Disable VPN or Third-Party Proxy Software

  4. Check and Reset Your Network Settings

  5. Remove Malicious Extensions or Malware

    Only download security software from official, trusted sources such as malwarebytes.com or the Microsoft Store.

  6. Reset Google Chrome to Default Settings

  7. Reinstall Google Chrome

    Make sure your bookmarks are synced to your Google account before uninstalling so you do not lose them.
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When to Call a Professional

If you work in a corporate or school environment and this error appears on a managed device, do not change proxy or network settings yourself — contact your IT department, as the proxy may be intentionally configured by your organization. If you suspect a deep malware infection that security scans cannot remove, consult a professional computer repair technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED in Chrome?
This error is caused when Chrome cannot connect through a proxy server. Common causes include incorrect proxy settings configured manually or by a third-party app, a VPN that is malfunctioning, malware that has hijacked your proxy settings, or a corrupted Chrome installation.
Why does ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED only appear in Chrome and not other browsers?
On Windows and macOS, Chrome uses the system-level proxy settings. If another browser like Firefox uses its own internal proxy settings, it may not be affected. The issue usually still lies in your system proxy configuration, so fixing the Windows or macOS proxy settings will typically resolve the problem in Chrome.
Will resetting Chrome fix ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED?
Resetting Chrome to default settings can fix the error if it was caused by a rogue browser extension or a change made within Chrome's settings. However, if the proxy misconfiguration is at the operating system level, you will also need to reset your Windows or macOS proxy settings separately.
Can malware cause ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED?
Yes. Certain types of malware are known to modify your system's proxy settings to route your traffic through a malicious server. If you suddenly started seeing this error without changing any settings, running a full malware scan with a tool like Malwarebytes is strongly recommended.
How do I fix ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED on a school or work computer?
On managed devices provided by a school or employer, proxy settings are often enforced by IT administrators and you may not have permission to change them. Contact your IT helpdesk and let them know you are seeing ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED in Chrome. Do not attempt to change network or proxy settings on managed devices without authorization.

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