What To Do When Your Internet Access Is Blocked?

What to Do If Your Internet Access Is Blocked in Windows 10?

When trying to access certain web pages in Windows 10, you may get the error message “your Internet access is blocked”. In this case, what should you do to get rid of the error? Now, MiniTool Solution offers some methods to easily remove Internet blocking.

Firewall or Antivirus Blocks Internet Access

To protect your data and system, you may install an antivirus program on your computer or you use the built-in tool – Windows Defender since viruses, malware, and other malicious attacks are always threats to your computer.

These contemporary antivirus solutions usually offer cloud protection and firewalls. However, firewalls can block your Wi-Fi and prevent you from connecting to the Internet.

When using Google Chrome to visit some websites, you will get the following error message: “Your Internet access is blocked. Firewall or antivirus software may have blocked the connection.” The error code is ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED, as shown below:

Tip: Chrome connection issues always appear. If you encounter other error codes when browsing websites, get solutions from the corresponding link - Chrome connection issues always appear. If you encounter other error codes when browsing websites, get solutions from the corresponding link - ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED , or ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED

This is a serious problem. So, what should you do to remove the blocked Internet access error? Just do by following these solutions below.

Fixes for Antivirus or Firewalls Blocking Wi-Fi Internet Network

Check the Internet Connection

The first thing you should do is to eliminate other possible reasons for this Internet issue. Thus, let’s follow the guide below to check for other reasons.

Reboot your computer. Restart your router and modem. Use the LAN cable rather than Wi-Fi. Boot your PC to Safe Mode with Networking and connect the Internet again. Run Windows Troubleshooter to detect and fix the network issues. Update the firmware of the router or modem.

Check Firewall Exceptions

Firewall and antivirus are configured to prevent potentially harmful programs from entering your system. Sometimes your browser, email client, etc are not added to the firewall exceptions list. As a result, “your Internet access is blocked” appears in Windows 10.

So, you need to check firewall and antivirus configurations. Here, we take the Windows Firewall as an example.

Step 1: In Windows 10, open Control Panel.

Step 2: Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

Step 3: Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the left panel.

Step 4: In the list, ensure the box of Google Chrome is checked and save the change.

Tip: Sometimes you face the case - Avast causing Internet connection issues. To remove the blocked Internet access, you should add an exception to the Web shield.

Reset Antivirus to Default Settings

Sometimes a firewall or antivirus blocks Internet access since you meddled with the implemented firewall on your own or a particular update changed something. Resetting antivirus to its default settings seems to a good way at hand.

If you are using Avast, open it, go to Settings > Troubleshoot > Restore factory defaults > Reset now.

Disable or Reinstall Antivirus

To fix firewall blocking Wi-Fi, you can choose to disable antivirus.

As for Windows Defender Firewall, you can go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off and then disable it.

If you are using Avast, you can follow these solutions in this post - Multiple Ways to Disable Avast for PC and Mac Temporarily/Completely. Or, you can uninstall the antivirus program like Avast via Control Panel and reinstall it.

These solutions are possible methods to remove “your Internet access is blocked”. If you are bothered by this error in Windows 10, just try them.

Is Your Internet Access Blocked? [Here Is How to Fix It]

We know how frustrating it can be when your internet access is blocked, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task or are about to enjoy the amazing plot of your favorite show.

That’s why we gathered all the facts, steps, and advice that will get you back online in no time.

We’ll talk about the main reasons for the ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED message, how to determine why it’s happening, and how to fix it.

But first, let’s start with the source of the problem.

The Most Common Reasons for Blocked Internet Access

Once your access is denied and the infamous message ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED appears, it’s essential that you don’t waste any time and know exactly where to look for the cause of the issue.

Here are some of the most common causes of this error message:

Antivirus Software

Your antivirus protection may come with a built-in firewall utility that might block your internet access if it detects some suspicious files or websites. It’s not uncommon to have a problem with software like Avast blocking the internet on Windows 10, or any other antivirus program doing this, due to security measures.

Malware and Viruses

If your device is infected with a virus or malware, it may change your network’s and browser’s settings and block you from accessing the web, along with other problems and issues it’s likely to cause. Therefore it’s both useful and important to know how to get rid of a virus as well as how to remove malware from your Android or any other device.

Network Driver Issues

Sometimes it’s your network drivers who are responsible for the error message. Their settings can be one of the reasons why your internet access is blocked.

Blocked Websites in Colleges, Schools, Workplaces, Etc.

If you’re using the internet in one of these or similar public places, their computers’ settings may block certain websites causing you to see an error message. If that’s the case, you should address whoever is in charge to remove the blockage.

DID YOU KNOW: Sometimes you can go around the blockages by using a VPN which will provide you with a certain level of privacy and data protection. Make sure to choose a great VPN and, if necessary, a suitable VPN router.

How to Troubleshoot Why Your Internet Access Is Blocked

When facing some connection trouble, it’s important to know exactly what to do. There are a few options that you should go for when seeing the Not Connected notification.

Here’s what you can do:

Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

As we previously mentioned, these important points in defending your device from suspicious websites can also be stopping you from accessing the internet. Open your antivirus program or firewall settings and check to see whether they are causing the problem that blocks internet access.

In some cases, Google Chrome or another browser you’re using may be blocked by the security system of your device. To avoid this, you can set the certain file, folder, or app as an exception when it comes to the scanning process that they would usually be submitted to by your firewall for home or antivirus programs.

Go to the Search box on your desktop and type Firewall. Click on the Firewall & Network Protection, and after that on the Allow an app through Firewall.

The list of all the apps on your device will appear. All you need to do is find Google Chrome or any other app you want to get past the firewall and check the box beside it. Save your settings and check to see if the problem is resolved.

Run Windows Network Diagnostics

One of the ways to troubleshoot what’s wrong with your connection is to use the built-in Windows troubleshooter. Running Windows Network Diagnostics will cause Windows to make a series of steps in locating and fixing the problem and reconnecting you to the internet. Go to Settings – Network and Internet and click the Network troubleshooter.

Just follow the step-by-step instructions in the wizard and hopefully, the problem will be solved in a few minutes.

DID YOU KNOW: Depending on whether your internet access is blocked in Windows 10 or some other version of Windows, the design and names of the options to choose when troubleshooting may differ slightly, but the steps are very similar and lead to the same result.

Key Takeaways

Your internet connection can be blocked for a variety of reasons causing you to see an error message. Contacting your internet provider is one possible way to resolve the issue quickly. Common causes may involve your antivirus or firewall settings that are in charge of protecting your device from suspicious websites and malware. Some viruses and malware can interfere with your network and browser settings and block internet access. Troubleshooting this problem may involve checking and restoring your antivirus and firewall settings, running network diagnostics, and other steps explained further in this article.

Solutions to Try if Your Internet Access Is Blocked

When you experience the Not Connected issue and can’t get on with your plans that require an internet connection, the most important thing is to find a solution, and fast.

Here are some of the steps that should restore your internet connection. We suggest that you go through these steps one by one until you find the method that works. If it happens again, you’ll be ready for it.

Let’s start with the easiest step:

Restart Your PC

Restarting your PC can help fix a lot of things, including unblocking the internet. If you’re lucky and it’s a minor setback, after your device restarts, everything will return to normal. In case it doesn’t, and No Internet Connection still shows on your screen, move on to the next steps.

Reboot the Modem and Router

Check your modem and router, unplug them and wait for a few minutes. Then plug them back in – first the modem, and then the router. After that, check the lights to see if everything’s working and try to connect. If there is still the error message and you’re unable to connect, proceed with the following steps.

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

If the above advice didn’t do the trick, maybe it’s about your antivirus software. It doesn’t normally block internet access, but some programs come with a built-in firewall. This might lead to a program like Avast causing internet connection issues.

To check whether this is causing the problem, disable your antivirus and see if the connection is restored. Note that if you made any recent updates to your antivirus software, that might be the cause of the issue. If that’s the case, you might want to restore the software to its previous settings or maybe even reinstall it. If you do this, don’t activate the firewall utility.

If restoring the antivirus’s settings and reinstalling it doesn’t do the trick, it might be a good time to contact the customer support of the program you’re using for further instructions.

Similar to when an antivirus program’s firewall blocks the internet, the same can happen with a Windows firewall. This also can be resolved by disabling the firewall.

Keep in mind that the firewall protection stands between your device and suspicious websites, as well as suspicious files that may potentially harm it, so you need to be extra careful and aware of the risk.

Revert Network Drivers to Their Previous State

Maybe you need an update of your network drivers or maybe rolling them back is what will work for you. If there is an update available, you will have a small window with the notification appear. But if that’s not the case, you may want to set it back the way it was because sometimes the reason why internet access is blocked can be related to a network driver.

Here’s what you should do:

Open your Device Manager by clicking the Windows button and X at the same time. Then find the Network Adapters option and double-click on it.

After finding the driver you want to roll back, use the right-click and select Properties.

In the pop-up window, go to the Driver tab, click on the Roll Back Driver, and OK. If you don’t have permission to take this action, the Roll Back button will be grayed out.

Once you’re done with the rollback, restart your device and try accessing the internet.

If you get the ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED notification only when using Google Chrome, it could mean that only Chrome won’t connect to the internet.

Try using a different browser, like Firefox. If it works, great, you have an instant solution. But if you prefer Chrome in the long run, here are some ways to regain internet access using this particular browser. Bear in mind that it’s rarely just about one thing, so you might have to try more than one solution from the ones listed below:

Clear Browser Cache

This simple action might be the solution for the Google Chrome No Internet Connection issue. Go to your browser history (Ctrl + H) and select the Clear Browsing Data from the upper left corner.

Next, make sure you check all three boxes that appear – that way you will clear history, cookies, and images and files. Above the listed options, select the option that says All time.

Depending on how often you clear your cache, it may take a while.

Restore Chrome Settings

If you’re still wondering how to allow Chrome to access the network, this could be it.

Go to the three dots in the upper right corner of your browser, choose Settings from the menu on the left side, and click on the Advanced option.

Then, choose the Reset and Clean Up option.

After choosing it, click on the triangle that will appear next to the “Restore settings to their original defaults”:

After that, confirm by clicking the Reset Settings in the pop-up window. After that’s done, refresh your browser and give it another go. If you want to use your browser without distractions, you can read more about how to remove adware.

Delete Chrome Profile

Sometimes the solution to how to unblock internet access and prevent the No Internet Connection problem is deleting your Chrome profile. You should access the Task Manager by hitting Control, Alt, and Delete and find the task and click on the End task button.

When this is done, click on the Windows button and R on the keyboard to access the Run menu. Type: %LOCALAPPDATA%GoogleChromeUser Data into the blank space and click Enter.

Find the Default folder and rename it so you know it’s the old default. Restart your device and try to connect.

Check and Disable Extensions

The cause of your firewall blocking the internet may also be due to some extensions. To get this out of the way, other than removing cookies and cache, you should disable all the extensions that are not necessary. And here is how: click on the three dots in the upper right corner of your browser, select the More Tools option, and then Extensions.

All extensions will appear on your screen. Check which ones you can go without and disable them by setting the switch to the “off” position.

After the adjustments, save your changes, and refresh the page.

DID YOU KNOW: Regardless of whether you’re facing problems with Google Chrome not connecting to the internet or not, knowing how to clear Chrome cache is very useful. It’s recommended that you do this once in a while to prevent or resolve problems you might encounter using Chrome.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve read our article, you’ll be more than prepared for the next time you see the text Not Connected appear on your screen.

The variety of possible causes results in the various solutions that we gathered in one place. We suggest that you always start with the simplest action and move on to the more complex ones if necessary.

It may take a little patience, but in most cases, you will be able to resolve the problem and carry on with your usual activity without interruption. And that’s worth it.

What To Do When Your Internet Access Is Blocked?

The internet, today, is part and parcel of our lives. We all tend to use it daily irrespective, whether it is for personal or professional use. But what if you are doing some critical work and your internet access is blocked? And what to do about the dreadful message “ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED” on your screen?

When you drag your mouse pointer to wifi sign and see messages like No Internet access, Connected to Wifi but no Internet, it means that the computer could not connect to the internet. While if the words are “Not Connected,” “No Internet Connection,” it means there is a problem connecting to the router. It is essential to find out the type of error message before finding a solution.

Top Causes that Lead to Blocked Internet Issue in Windows 10

It is undoubtedly annoying to see such messages in the middle of a crucial task. The leading causes of internet issues in Windows 10 are:

Malware or viruses that enter your PC via a downloaded file, infected USB drive or some malicious file. These viruses can change your network and browser settings, which in turn gives you, “Your internet access is blocked” error.

Many antivirus software has in-built firewall utility, which can also block internet access due to some suspicious websites or files.

Network driver issues can be one of the reasons for your blocked internet access.

If you are using the internet in office, school, college, or some public place, then access to some websites is blocked. In such cases, the only solution is to contact the authorities and get the issue solved.

8 Best Solutions to Consider if Your Internet access is blocked

As you can see, there are different reasons for the “ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED” issue, so one solution cannot work for all. There is a list of the solutions below; you can try the one which is feasible for you.

1. Restart your PC

Whatever the reason for your blocked Internet access is, the most common and easy solution to this is to restart your PC. Rebooting or restarting the system solves many issues. If there is a minor glitch, then it can be solved by rebooting your system

After the restart, open your browser and check if your internet access is blocked or if the internet is accessible.

2. Reboot your Modem and Router

Unlike the computer, modem, and router do not have any interface to reboot them. When your internet access is blocked, you need to unplug them and wait for some time. Connect your modem first and then the router. Check the lights of the router, and verify if they have the usual colors.

If everything is regular, try reconnecting to the internet. However, if you still see “ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED” on your screen, the issue is complicated. It requires getting into the details of the network troubleshooting.

3. Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus is vital for your system as it protects the system from malware and viruses. Nowadays, antivirus software comes in an all-in-one package and has firewall protection as well. Antivirus won’t block your access to the internet, but the built-in firewall protection may do that.

Disable your antivirus and check if the error on your browser vanishes. If not, then you can try using another antivirus or contact customer care for the problem.

If your internet access is blocked, you can also disable the Windows firewall as it may block your internet connection.

To disable the Windows firewall, go to the Control Panel and click on System and Security.

Now, click on Windows Defender Firewall to change the firewall settings.

On the next window, you may see Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off in the left pane, click on it to switch off the firewall.

Restart the system. Open the browser to check if your internet access is blocked, or if the internet is working fine.

Also read: The best firewall devices to keep your network secure

4. Restore Antivirus to Previous Settings

Have you made any changes to antivirus firewall settings recently? If yes, then it may be interrupting your internet access. Restore the antivirus to the previous settings.

Check your browser, if it no longer shows ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error, then let the restored changes of firewall settings be as it is.

5. Reinstall Antivirus

If none of the above solutions worked for you, and you still think antivirus is the culprit, try reinstalling the antivirus. During the reinstallation, keep in mind, to not install the firewall utility as a Windows firewall provides enough security.

6. Run Windows Network Diagnostics

Running Windows Network Diagnostics won’t guarantee you to fix the blocked internet access issue. However, there is no harm in giving this solution a try.

Go to Settings ➜ Network & Internet

Navigate to Status and click on Network troubleshooter.

A new window appears which carries out Windows Network Diagnostics for you. Follow the wizard to carry on the process further.

7. Roll Back Network Drivers

The recent updates in network drivers can be troublemakers sometimes if your internet access is blocked. You can roll back to the previous version by getting into the settings of network drivers.

Press Windows key + X and go to Device Manager. Search for Network adapters and click on it.

Now, right-click on the Driver you want to revert and click on Properties.

Go to Driver and click on Roll Back Driver and then click OK.

Note: If the Roll Back button is grey, it means you do not have any previous version to revert

Restart your PC after the rollback to check if ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED is solved.

8. Update or Uninstall your network adapter driver

An outdated network adapter may cause a problem with your internet connectivity. You can update your network driver and check if your Internet access is blocked or solved.

If the issue persists or you are not able to update the drivers, then try uninstalling the network driver. The system will install updated Network drivers for you.

Chrome Specific Solutions to Fix Blocked Internet Access Issue

You are visiting a site on Chrome, and you see ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error, try to visit the same website by using different browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox.

If you can view the site on other browsers, it means the problem lies with Chrome. You can solve this issue easily by the quick fixes mentioned below.

1. Clear the cache

Your blocked internet access can be fixed by clearing the cache and browsing history of your browser. It is mainly because sometimes browser history and cookies may hinder the website’s IP address, which, in turn, can cause your internet access to block.

To clear the cache, press Ctrl + H to open the browsing history tab and click on Clear browsing data.

Next, check all three options to clear your browsing history, Cookies and Cache. Also, make sure the Time range should be ‘All time’.

Click on Clear data.

Once the cached images and files are cleared, check if your system is working fine.

2. Reset Chrome

Some changes in chrome settings may be the reason for your internet access blocked. Try resetting your chrome to fix it.

To reset Chrome, click on the 3 dots in the upper right corner of your browser and then click on Settings.

Click on Advanced to see the reset settings.

Navigate to Reset and clean up, and click on the triangle next to Restore settings to their original defaults.

When a pop-up window appears, click on the Reset settings button.

Refresh your browser and check if your internet access is blocked or if the internet connectivity issue is solved.

3. Delete Chrome Profile

Possibly deleting the Chrome profile may help to fix ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED. To remove the Chrome profile, you need to end the task from Task Manager.

You can also reboot your PC. Do not open any instance of Google Chrome after the restart. Later, follow the steps below to delete the Chrome profile.

Press Windows key + R to open Run, and type the following in the textbox and hit Enter:

%LOCALAPPDATA%GoogleChromeUser Data

When the file explorer opens, search for Default and Rename it as

4. Allow Chrome to access the Network in your Firewall or Antivirus Settings

The allowance is to make sure the Windows Firewall is not blocking the Chrome browser. You need to make appropriate changes in firewall settings to allow the Chrome app.

Let’s see how to allow Chrome to access the network in your firewall or antivirus settings.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings and select Update & Security.

Navigate to Windows Security.

Next, click on Firewall & network protection.

When firewall & network protection opens click on Allow an app through firewall.

A new window appears on the screen, click on Change settings, search for Google Chrome.

You can select Private and Public networks depending upon the usage.

Private: It is your home network.

Public: It is an internet network which we use in public places like coffee shops and offices

Click on OK to save the changes.

Similarly, you can add Chrome exception to your antivirus by referring to its guide.

5. Disable Third-party Extensions

Some of the extensions might be causing the firewall to block the websites, and in turn, your internet access is blocked. So, disable all the unwanted extensions from the browser to avoid ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error.

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser, navigate to More tools, and select Extensions.

In the Extensions tab, you can see all the extensions. Remove all the unnecessary extensions; you can also disable the extension by dragging the switch.

Refresh the page. Now, check if your internet access is blocked or not.

Run Malwarebytes or CCleaner

Lastly, you can also scan for viruses and malware, as the virus can be the culprit if your internet access is blocked. Some viruses may change your network settings like proxy or LAN. It can even damage the network drivers. Even a malicious file can block internet access. So, it is better to be safe and run the security check.

You can use CCleaner to keep your Computer clean.

We have previously written in detail about using Malwarebytes to keep your PC safe from Malware.

Make sure you download Malwarebytes and CCleaner from their official sites. You can also download them by using the link below.

Download Malwarebytes here

Download CCleaner here

Conclusion

The solutions listed above should solve your blocked internet access issue. You can find out the cause and then apply the appropriate solution or try the common solutions from the list.

However, if your internet access is still blocked, it might be a more complicated cause. You should connect with your Internet Service Provider or take a professional’s help to get the issue solved.

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