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Fix Localhost Err_connection_refused in Windows 10 & 11
Choosing the perfect browser will save you time
12 min. read
Updated onFebruary 21, 2024
updated onFebruary 21, 2024
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Computer errors can cause a lot of problems, and whilesome are harmless, others can be more severe. For instance, users reported that Err_connection_refused in Windows 10/11 prevents them from accessing their favorite websites.
Is this your case too? If so, start by flashing your DNS via the Command Prompt. That should fix theerrorimmediately.
But what if the Localhost connection refused in Windows 10/11 error persists? If so, change your DNS server to Google’s and give it another go. Alternatively, you can also disable your proxy and check the Search Engine settings.
Why am I getting ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?
When Google Chrome’s attempt to connect to a web page results in a connection being rejected, the browser displays an error message that reads Err_connection_refused.
The error code is almost always a client-side error, which indicates that the problem originated on your local computer system. Cache issues, proxy services, and DNS server issues are all common possible causes.On the other hand, the Err_connection_refused error in Chrome may occasionally be brought on by the web server that you are attempting to connect to.
Errors of this kind can sometimes be brought on by problems that are inherent to the website itself, such as periods of unavailable server time. Check to see whether the website can be reached before attempting any of the other solutions.
Users reported many other similar issues which we have listed below and which we’ll address in the following section:
So, without further a do, let’s see exactly what to do if the Localhost refused to connect in Windows 10/11.
How do I fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?
1. Try a different browser
To avoiderrorslike Err_connection_refused Windows 10, we suggest switching to Opera. If you’re looking for a stable and fastbrowserwith a plethora of features and a special focus on privacy and online safety, you just found it.
Not only is it secure and reliable, but you’ll have a wonderful time using it. It islightweight, looks, and feels very modern, and the customization options are off the charts.
More so, it comes with some neat tools rarely seen in browsers for free,e like a built-in ad-blocker, and anative VPNthat doesn’t have a daily traffic limit.
All in all, if you want a browser that is both stable and fun to use, look no further than Opera.
Opera
2. Use Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows you to quickly perform all sorts of commands on your PC. With it, you can change system settings and fix all sorts of computer problems. Now you just need to restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.
3. Change the DNS server
In order to access any website on the Internet, you need to connect to the DNS server first.
In most cases, you’ll connect to your ISP’s DNS server. But if it’s having some issues with the DNS, you’ll most likely get theLocalhost refused to connect Windows 10in yourbrowser. Speaking of DNS issues, check outmore useful tipsto troubleshoot and fix whatever comes your way, just like a pro.
4. Disable your proxy
A Proxyserver is useful if you want to protect your privacy online. However, it can sometimes interfere with your connection and cause the Err_connection_refused in Windows 10/11 message to appear. After turning off your proxy, check if theerroris fixed.
5. Check your search engine settings
Few users reported that the Localhost connection refused Windows 10errorappears in Google Chrome because their default search engine was changed. Sometimes third-party applications can change your default search engine inChrome, thus causing thiserrorto appear.
Users reported that their default search engine was set to Google Desktop 127.0.0.1 for some strange reason, but after making the necessary changes, the issue was resolved.
6. Reset your router
If restarting your router doesn’t fix the problem, you might want to try resetting it to factory defaults. Sometimes your router configuration can interfere with yourInternetconnection.
To reset your router, you need to open your router’s configuration page and click theResetoption. Another way to reset your router is to press and hold the reset button on the device for a few seconds.
Both methods work the same, and you should use the one that you’re most comfortable with. Keep in mind that you’ll need to configure your wireless connection again if you reset your router.
For detailed instructions on how to reset your router, we advise that you check your router’s manual.
7. Clear your browser’s cache
When you’re browsing theInternetyourbrowserdownloads all sorts of files. Sometimes those files can get corrupted, and that can cause theErr_connection_refused in Windows 10/11errorto appear.
8. Turn off Windows Firewall
After turning off your firewall, check if the problem is resolved. If the firewall is causing this problem on your PC, you need to thoroughly check its settings in order to fix the problem.
In addition, you need to check ifChromeis allowed to connect toInternet. To do that from Windows Firewall, do the following:
Firewallis important because it prevents unknown applications from accessing theInternet. However, your firewall can also block yourweb browserand trigger the Err_connection_refused in Windows 10/11 error.
To fix this problem, you need to turn off your firewall client. If you’re not using a third-party firewall, you’ll have to turn off Windows Firewall.
If you are getting thiserrorin some otherbrowser, be sure that thebrowseris allowed to connect to theInternet.
9. Disable your antivirus
Your antivirus is just as important as your firewall since it will protect you from malicious users and malicious software.
However, your antivirus can sometimes interfere with yourInternetconnection, and if that happens, you’ll get the Localhost refused to connect in Windows 10/11error.
To fix this problem, you need to temporarily disable your antivirus and check if the problem still persists. If disabling your antivirus solves the issue, it means that a certain security setting is blocking yourbrowser.
To fix the problem, you need to check your antivirus configuration. If you can’t fix the problem, you might want to consider switching to amore performant antivirus tool.
Users reported that Norton antivirus was causing thiserroron their PC, but after removing the tool completely, the issue was fixed.
Another tool that can cause thiserrorto appear is Spyware Doctor, so if you have this tool installed we advise you to remove it and check if that solves the problem.
10. Check third-party applications
Your installed applications can sometimes interfere with yourInternet connection. Users reported that the Privoxy tool causedChrome’s proxy settings to change.
Apparently, if you install this tool you need to run it all the time if you want to access the Internet. To do that, simply enable the option for automatic startup in Privoxy and check if the problem is resolved.
We have to mention that almost any network-related application can interfere with yourInternet connection. Therefore be sure to check your installed applications. In some cases, you might have to remove some to fix this problem.
11. Run Chrome as administrator
If you’re having problems with Localhost connection refused in Windows 10/11 in GoogleChrome, you can simply try running Chrome as administrator. To do that, locate the Google Chrome shortcut, right-click it and choose theRun as administratoroption.
If runningChromeas the administrator fixes the issue, you’ll have to runChromeas an administrator every time. After doing so,Chromewill run with administrative privileges whenever you start it.
12. Reset Internet Options to default
Many of your network settings can be configured via theInternetOptions tool, and sometimes by changing these settings, you can cause the err_connection_refusederrorto appear.
To fix this problem, you need to reset yourInternetOptions to default. After resettingInternetOptions to default, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.
13. Use the Registry Editor
Err_connection_refused in Windows 10/11 can prevent you from accessing certain websites, but we hope that you managed to fix the problem by using one of our solutions.
Few users reported that they fixed the problem by making a few changes to their registry. Editing your registry can be potentially dangerous, therefore we recommend that youexport your registry and use it as a backupin case anything goes wrong.
How do I check proxy settings in browser?
For more information about proxy services and DNS, check out our post on how tofix DNS issues on Windows 10/11.
Before you go, you might be interested in a similar errorerr_connection_abortedthat we covered in one of our earlier guides.There you go! If Localhost refused to connect in Windows 10/11, you now have all the tricks up your sleeve to have it fixed in no time. Do let us know which solution worked for you by reaching for the comments section below.
More about the topics:Browser errors,Google Chrome Errors
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
