Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Start by checking whether the problem affects one website or many, then compare browsers, devices, and networks. Each comparison narrows the likely cause—such as the URL, browser settings, Wi-Fi sign-in, DNS, or the website itself—but none proves a diagnosis on its own. Try the low-risk checks below before changing network settings or deleting browser data.
First, check the URL and how many sites fail
- Check the address for spelling errors and confirm it uses the intended protocol, such as
https://. Reload the page. - Open a second, unrelated website. Note whether one site fails or several do.
If other sites open normally but one site crashes, Google Chrome Help says that site might be the cause; the address or domain’s DNS may also be involved. Check the exact error and, if available, the site’s status channel or contact its owner. If multiple websites fail, Google advises checking the internet connection (Chrome Help: Fix connection errors).
Check the connection and Wi-Fi sign-in
Confirm the device is connected through Wi-Fi or Ethernet and that the modem and router appear to be working. If possible, compare Wi-Fi with Ethernet or another network, such as a mobile hotspot. A change in results helps narrow the possibilities; it does not identify the cause by itself.
Public Wi-Fi and captive portals
On hotel, cafe, airport, or other public Wi-Fi, complete the network’s sign-in or terms page before testing websites. If Chrome displays a certificate error on public Wi-Fi, Google suggests opening an http:// page to reach the sign-in portal. Do not bypass a certificate warning to access a site; it protects the connection and may indicate a security problem (Chrome Help: Fix connection errors).
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Router or ISP checks
If several sites fail on one network, restarting the modem or router may help. If access remains broken, contact the internet service provider or the network administrator, especially if other devices on that network have the same problem.
Compare browsers before clearing data
In Chrome, update and restart the browser, then try the page in Incognito mode. If it works there, an extension or stored browsing data may be involved. Exit Incognito and disable extensions; re-enable them one at a time, testing the page after each change, to find whether one changes the result. If that does not help, consider clearing history, cookies, and cache. Clearing data can sign you out of sites or remove saved site state, so use it after the narrower checks. Also check whether firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection (Chrome Help: Fix connection errors).
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Use the exact error as a clue
Chrome’s error messages point toward different parts of the connection, but they are clues rather than definitive diagnoses (Chrome Help: Fix connection errors).
| Chrome message or code | What it can indicate | Useful next check |
|---|---|---|
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED |
The hostname does not exist or resolves to a different IP address than expected. | Check the spelling of the hostname and whether DNS resolution is failing. |
ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED |
The device is not connected to the internet. | Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet and whether other devices can connect. |
| Timed out | The connection may be slow, or the page may be busy. | Try again and compare with other sites or a different network. |
| Connection reset | The connection was interrupted; instability, an outdated browser, a VPN, or security software may be involved. | Check the connection, update the browser, and compare behavior with relevant VPN or security settings. |
| Network changed | The device disconnected or moved to another network while loading. | Confirm the active network and retry. |
| Connection refused | The page rejected the connection or access may be blocked. | Compare another browser or network and check for filtering software. |
| Empty response | The page sent no data and may be down. | Check whether the issue affects only that site. |
Compare devices and networks
Try the same URL on another device using the same network, then try the affected device on another network if practical. Record what changes; the comparisons narrow the fault domain but do not prove one cause.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
| Observation | What it suggests | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| One site fails; other sites work | A site-specific issue, incorrect URL, or domain/DNS problem is more plausible. | Check the address and error; consult the site owner or status channel if appropriate. |
| Many sites fail on one device | A device, browser, connection, portal, or DNS issue may be involved. | Compare another browser and device, then check the network sign-in and connection. |
| Many devices fail on the same network | The network, router, portal, or ISP may be involved. | Try another network and contact the network administrator or ISP if the problem persists. |
| The page works in Incognito | An extension or stored browsing data may be affecting the regular session. | Disable extensions, re-enable them individually, and only then consider clearing data. |
| The same failure occurs across several devices or networks | The comparisons do not isolate a cause; a site or broader service issue remains possible. | Record the exact symptoms and report them to the site or service support team. |
Test DNS only when the symptoms point there
DNS translates a website hostname into an IP address. Google describes it as “the Internet’s phone book”; your device performs a DNS lookup when you visit a website (Google Public DNS: Introduction). A hostname-resolution error or a controlled hostname-versus-IP comparison can point toward DNS, but changing DNS settings is not a universal fix.
Compare a hostname with a fixed IP
Google’s Public DNS setup guide describes testing a hostname URL against a fixed-IP address. If the fixed-IP address works while the hostname does not, DNS configuration or resolution becomes more likely. If both fail, restore any DNS settings you changed and test again; persistent failure after rollback points more toward network settings or reachability (Google Public DNS: Getting started).
Rank #4
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- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Record your existing DNS server settings before changing them. Google notes that setup steps vary by operating system and network equipment, and recommends DNS configuration changes for people proficient with system configuration. If you are unsure, ask the network administrator or ISP rather than changing settings blindly.
When DNS problems are not on your device
Stale cached answers can follow changes to a domain’s DNS or registrar. DNS lookups can also be blocked or hijacked by a captive Wi-Fi portal, router malware, an ISP, or an ISP network. Domain-side causes may include DNSSEC validation, authoritative name-server, or delegation problems; those usually require action by the domain’s DNS operator rather than the visitor (Google Public DNS: Troubleshooting).
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Google’s Public DNS diagnostic page can inspect a domain’s DNS answers and comments: dns.google. For deeper diagnosis, Google documents nslookup on Windows and dig on macOS or Linux, plus comparisons with other public resolvers and traceroute or DNS-query checks for reachability and blocking (Google Public DNS: Troubleshooting).
What to send when you ask for help
Give the site owner, ISP, or network administrator enough detail to reproduce or narrow the failure. Include the exact error text, the affected URL, whether one or many sites fail, and the results of the browser, device, and network comparisons. Note recent changes such as a new extension, VPN, security setting, router change, or DNS change. For DNS troubleshooting, Google specifically recommends including command output or diagnostic-page text when seeking help (Google Public DNS: Troubleshooting).
Quick Recap
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