If you frequently see the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome or Edge browsers, follow these steps to fix it quickly.
From time to time, the Chrome or Edge browsers might show the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error message while trying to load a web page. It is one of the most common and easy to fix errors. The exact error message you see is, “Your connection was interrupted. A network change was detected. ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED.”
As you can tell from the error description itself, the error appeared because the connection was interrupted due to a change in the network while making a network request. i.e., the system disconnected from the current network and switched to another network. For example, if you have multiple Wi-Fi connections, Windows might automatically switch to another Wi-Fi if the first connection is poor or lost. In addition to that, the error might also appear due to corrupted DNS, VPN, Proxy, or a stuck network adapter.
The good thing is, it is really easy to fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome. So, without further ado, let me show you how to fix the problem in simple steps.
Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome
To fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error, follow the below steps one after the other.
- Uncheck the ‘Connect Automatically’ option
- Reboot the router
- Flush DNS
- Disconnect from VPN or Proxy
- Disable and enable network adapter
Uncheck the ‘Connect Automatically’ option
As the error message says, the major reason is a network change while making a network request. Suppose you have multiple Wi-Fi networks and the “Connect Automatically” option is selected. In that case, Windows will automatically switch to another Wi-Fi network if the first network is poor, unstable, or disconnected. Sometimes, Windows might change to another network without reason.
If the error message is constantly appearing, Windows 10 may be changing the network continuously. To avoid this, you have to uncheck the “Connect Automatically” option for all networks other than the primary network. That way, Windows cannot automatically change the network, but you can still switch to another network manually. Here is how to do it.
First, make sure you are connected to the primary network of your choice. i.e., the network you use frequently. Next, click on the “Network” icon and then click on the other network connection. Here, uncheck the “Connect Automatically” checkbox. Do the same thing for all other available networks other than the one you are currently connected to.
That is it. From now on, Windows will not change the network automatically when the primary connection is poor or disconnected. You have to change it manually. This should solve the frequent ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.
Restart the router
Sometimes, the router might be the culprit and making the network connection unstable. In that case, a simple router restart will often solve the problem.
To restart a router, log into the router’s admin interface (192.168.0.1), find the restart or reboot option, and click it. Unfortunately, each router manufacturer places the reboot or restart button in a different place. You might have to consult the router manual or online documentation to find it.
If you cannot log into the router admin page or find the reboot option, power off the router, wait for 30 seconds, and power it on. This action will properly reboot the router.
After rebooting, connect to it. You should no longer see the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.
Flush DNS
Corrupted DNS can cause all sorts of network problems and error messages. ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED is one such error. Thankfully, flushing DNS and rebooting the system will fix the corrupted DNS, solving the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Here is how to do it.
Press the start key, search for “Command Prompt,” and open it. In the cmd window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. This will instantly flush the Windows DNS cache. You can also manually clear the Chrome DNS cache.
After clearing the DNS cache, reboot the system. Once restarted, you should no longer see the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.
Disconnect from VPN or Proxy
If you are connected to a VPN network or using a Proxy, they might be a reason for the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.
Depending on how you configured the VPN or Proxy, Windows might treat it as another network. If the VPN or Proxy is not stable and you are constantly disconnecting and reconnecting to the VPN or Proxy network, it will amount to a network change. When that happens, Chrome and other browsers show the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.
In those cases, disconnecting from the VPN or Proxy will fix the problem. So, open the VPN or Proxy application and click the “Disconnect” or “Deactivate” button. Once disconnected, see if it fixes the constant ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error message.
Disable and enable network adapter
A buggy or stuck network adapter can also be a reason for the error. In that case, disabling and enabling the network adapter will fix the problem. Here is how to do it.
Open the Settings app with the “Start key + I” shortcut. Go to the “Network & Internet > Status” page and click on the “Change adapter options” option.
The above action will open the Network Adapters screen in the Control Panel. Here, find the network adapter, right-click on it and select the “Disable” option.
After disabling, right-click on the network adapter again and select the “Enable” option.
Finally, close the control panel window and reboot the computer.
After rebooting, you should no longer see the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome or Edge browsers.
I hope that helps.
If you need any help, comment below, and I will try to help.
