One occurrence is harmless, so just reload. If it keeps happening, disable unused network adapters (VPN, virtual machine, second Wi-Fi), stop Wi-Fi from switching between networks or bands, update the network driver, and reset with netsh winsock reset.

What ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED actually means

Chrome monitors the operating system’s network state. When the IP address, default route or active adapter changes, open connections become invalid and Chrome reports ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED.

Frequent errors mean the connection is “flapping”: Wi-Fi roaming between two access points or between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, a VPN reconnecting, virtual adapters (Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware) coming and going, or a driver that keeps resetting.

Signs of the problem

  • “Your connection was interrupted. A network change was detected. ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED”.
  • Happens randomly across many sites and fixes itself on reload.
  • Wi-Fi icon briefly changes or the VPN reconnects at the same time.

What causes ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED

  • Wi-Fi roaming between access points, mesh nodes or bands.
  • VPN clients reconnecting or changing routes.
  • Virtual or unused network adapters toggling state.
  • Outdated or power-saving network drivers.

Fixes to try, in order

  1. Forget extra networksRemove other saved Wi-Fi networks you don't need (Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks) so Windows stops hopping.
  2. Disable unused adaptersOpen ncpa.cpl and disable adapters you don't use (old VPN TAP adapters, VirtualBox Host-Only, second Ethernet).
  3. Stop power saving on the adapterIn Device Manager → Network adapters → your Wi-Fi card → Properties → Power Management, untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  4. Update the network driverDownload the latest Wi-Fi/Ethernet driver from the PC or chipset maker (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm) rather than relying on Windows Update.
  5. Reset the network stackRun the commands below as administrator and restart.

Command

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

Elevated Command Prompt. Restart Windows afterwards.

How to tell it worked: Browse normally for an hour without the error returning.

Prevent it from coming back

Use a single SSID per network (or band steering that works well), keep drivers updated, and uninstall VPN clients you don't use.