Windows 11 · Windows
Check Windows Network and Proxy Settings When Sites Will Not Load
Source-checked About 5 minutes
Answer
If several browsers cannot load websites, first check whether Windows has a connection and whether your network requires a proxy. Do not reset, disable, or guess proxy settings that may be managed by work or school.
Check Windows connection status
Select Start, open Settings, then choose Network & internet and read the connection status shown at the top.
Test another connection
If possible, test the same sites on another trusted network or device to distinguish a Windows issue from an internet-service or website outage.
Open Proxy settings
In Settings, choose Network & internet, then Proxy.
Check automatic detection
Under Automatic proxy setup, check whether Automatically detect settings is on. Leave organisation-provided settings in place unless IT tells you otherwise.
Identify managed settings
If a setup script or manual proxy is shown, record its address and settings rather than deleting it. Ask the organisation that supplied it before changing it.
Retry the affected sites
Close and reopen the browser, then retry the same sites after confirming the connection and proxy configuration.
Escalate with details
If the issue continues, note the exact browser message, affected network, and whether other devices can load the same sites for your ISP or IT support.
Optional sponsored tool
The supported procedure above does not require this third-party product. This optional link is retained from the original tutorial; Tech How may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If only a work or school network fails, do not disable its proxy to test it. Microsoft notes that organisations can require a specific proxy or script.
- If only one website fails while others work, treat it as a site-specific issue rather than resetting Windows network settings.
- Check the date and time on the Windows device as part of the record you give support, because secure websites can fail when device time is seriously incorrect.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.