Look at the grey code under the message. DNS_PROBE / NAME_NOT_RESOLVED means a name lookup problem: flush DNS or change the DNS server. TIMED_OUT means no reply: check the network and firewall. REFUSED / RESET / CLOSED means the connection was rejected: check VPN, proxy and antivirus, or the site is down.

The short explanation

Chrome shows This site can’t be reached whenever it cannot get any response from a website. The page always includes a more specific error code. Reading that code first saves a lot of guesswork, because each one points to a different layer: name lookup (DNS), the network path, or the server.

If every website fails, the problem is your internet connection or DNS. If only one site fails, it is that site, a filter on your network, or a typo in the address.

How it shows up

  • A grey page saying “This site can’t be reached” with a code such as ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED or ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT.
  • Suggestions like “Checking the connection” or “Running Windows Network Diagnostics”.
  • Other apps may still have internet access.

Common causes

  • DNS lookup failure (wrong DNS server, stale cache, router DNS problems).
  • No route to the site: Wi-Fi without internet, firewall or ISP issue.
  • VPN, proxy or antivirus interference.
  • The website is down, has moved, or the address is mistyped.

How to fix it, step by step

  1. Read the error codeMatch it: ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED / DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is DNS, ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT is a timeout, ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED / RESET / CLOSED is a rejected connection, and ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE is a routing problem. The related fixes below cover each in depth.
  2. Check the addressMake sure the URL is spelled correctly and try with and without www..
  3. Test another site and another deviceIf nothing loads anywhere, restart the router and modem. If only this PC fails, continue below.
  4. Flush DNS and switch DNS serverRun ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt, then set DNS to 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8 in your adapter's IPv4 settings.
  5. Disable VPN, proxy and extensionsTurn off VPNs and the Windows proxy setting, and test in an Incognito window.
  6. Run Windows network resetAs a last resort, use Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.

Command

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset

Run Command Prompt as administrator and restart after the Winsock reset.

How to confirm the fix: The site and a few others load normally in a regular Chrome window.

Keeping it from coming back

Use a reliable DNS resolver, keep Chrome and network drivers updated, and remove unused VPN or proxy software.