What Is ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED and How Do You Fix It?

ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED is an error showing that Chrome detected a change in the computer’s network connection while loading a page. The browser then shows ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED on the “Your connection was interrupted” or “This site can’t be reached” screen. The error is often a one-off and goes away when you reload the page; if it keeps coming back, a setting on your network changes frequently. In this guide we explain the causes and the permanent fix.

What Does ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Mean?

Chrome listens for network notifications from the operating system. When the active network adapter, IP address or DNS setting changes, the browser assumes ongoing connections may no longer be valid, cancels them and shows ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED. In other words, the error is caused not by the site itself but by a change in your computer’s network state. We explain the basics of networks in our article what is a network.

Causes of the Error

• Switching between networks: Automatic switching between Wi-Fi and a wired connection, or between two Wi-Fi networks.
• Unstable Wi-Fi: A signal that drops and reconnects causes the IP address to be renewed.
• VPN: The network configuration changes while a VPN connects, disconnects or reconnects.
• Virtual network adapters: As virtual adapters from software such as Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware or Docker come up and go down, Chrome can detect a network change.
• IPv6 address changes: On some networks, frequently renewed IPv6 addresses generate change notifications.
• Router or DHCP problem: A router that restarts often, or short DHCP lease times.

How to Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED

1. Reload the Page and Use a Single Network

If the error appeared once, reloading the page is enough. If it happens often and both Wi-Fi and a cable are connected, disconnect one. On Windows, if other saved Wi-Fi networks connect automatically, turn off “Connect automatically” for the ones you do not use.

2. Check the VPN

Turn off the VPN and try again. If the error appears while the VPN is on, update the VPN app or choose a different server or protocol; a VPN that keeps reconnecting is a common cause of this error.

3. Disable Unused Network Adapters

Type ncpa.cpl in the Run window (Win + R). Right-click the virtual or physical adapters you do not use and choose Disable. If you use virtual machines or Docker, do this step carefully; that software needs its adapter while it runs.

4. Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

Open Command Prompt as administrator, run these commands and restart the computer:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

5. Turn Off IPv6 as a Test

In the adapter’s properties, untick Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and see whether the error goes away. If it does, the problem is the IPv6 configuration on your network; updating the router or talking to your internet provider is the better permanent fix. You can turn the setting back on after the test.

6. Restart the Router and Update Drivers

Turn the router off and on again after 30 seconds. Update the Wi-Fi card driver from the manufacturer’s website; outdated drivers can make the connection drop often.

If domain names cannot be resolved after a network change, see our guide on ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, and if a local address cannot be reached, see ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

Conclusion

ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED shows that your computer’s network state changed while a page was loading. If it appears once, reloading is enough; if it happens often, using a single network, checking the VPN and virtual adapters, and resetting network settings usually solves the problem.