How To Fix Some Websites Are Not Loading in Any Browser on Windows

Introduction

Accessing the World Wide Web effortlessly is something we often take for granted until we stumble upon an error. It's quite a headache when certain websites refuse to load on your Windows PC, irrespective of the browser you use. The reasons behind such irksome issues can range from simple internet connectivity problems to complex network configurations or even restrictions imposed by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This guide will steer you through a structured approach to troubleshoot and resolve this common yet perplexing problem. So, let's unravel the mystery behind unresponsive websites and restore your seamless browsing experience.

Check Your Internet Speed

First and foremost, it's essential to ensure that your device has a steady internet connection. A straightforward way to check this is by navigating to your browser and entering fast.com. This website will quickly show your current internet speed. If your connection appears stable yet the issue persists, it's time to delve into further solutions.

Test your network connection speed

Access Blocked Websites Using VPN

There might be a chance that the website you're trying to access is blocked by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or even your government. In such scenarios, utilizing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a proxy server to bypass these restrictions can be a game-changer. A reliable VPN like PrivadoVPN is a significant asset in such situations.

Downloading and installing PrivadoVPN is a breeze. Once installed, launch the app, connect to a server, and voila! You should now be able to access the previously blocked website effortlessly. The seamless experience PrivadoVPN offers, makes it a go-to solution for bypassing internet restrictions while maintaining your online privacy.

Install PrivadoVPN to fix any website loading problems

Adjust DNS Settings

At times, the DNS settings of your router could be the troublemaker. If the DNS servers are facing glitches, altering the DNS server addresses might resolve the issue. Here's a step-by-step guide to adjust your DNS settings:

1. Access Control Panel:

   • Click on the Start menu and type Control Panel in the search bar.

   • Open the Control Panel from the search results.

2. Navigate to Network Settings:

   • In the Control Panel window, click on Network & Internet.

   • Now, head to the Network and Sharing Center.

   • Here, you'll see a list of your active networks. Click on the connection you are using, whether it's WiFi or Ethernet.

3. Modify DNS Addresses:

   • A new window will pop up displaying information related to your network connection.

   • Click on Properties, then double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

   • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and input 8.8.8.8 as your preferred DNS server address and 8.8.4.4 as your alternate DNS server address. This modification can significantly help in resolving your router’s DNS settings issues, granting access to previously unreachable sites.

Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties > General

Clear DNS Cache & Reset Network Settings

Occasionally, a congested DNS cache can obstruct website loading. Follow these steps to refresh the DNS cache and reset network configurations:

Flush DNS Cache:

• Type CMD in the Windows search bar to open the Command Prompt.

• Inside the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.

• A successful flush will show a message confirming the DNS cache has been cleared.

Command Prompt > ipconfig /flushdns

Reset Network Configurations:

• In the same Command Prompt window, type the following commands and hit Enter after each:

  • netsh winsock reset

  • netsh int ip reset

  • ipconfig /release

  • ipconfig /renew

• Once completed, restart your PC to apply the changes. This reset can smooth out any network-related rough edges, enhancing your browsing experience.

Reset network configurations via command prompt

Purge Browser Cache and Cookies

Accumulated browser cache and cookies might become corrupted over time, leading to issues with website loading. Here's how you can clear them out and possibly resolve the website loading issue:

1. Access Browser Settings:

   • If you're using Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots (also known as the burger menu) located at the top right corner of your screen to access your browser settings.

2. Clear Browsing Data:

   • Navigate to the Privacy and Security section, and click on Clear browsing data.

   • A new window will pop up, allowing you to select a time range for the data you want to clear. For instance, choose 4 weeks.

   • Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and Files, then click on Clear Data.

After clearing the cache and cookies, try accessing the website again to check if the issue is resolved.

Clear browsing data on your preferred browser

Disable Firewall & Anti-Virus Temporarily

In some cases, your firewall or antivirus software might be obstructing access to certain websites. Follow these steps to temporarily disable them and check if this resolves the issue:

1. Open Anti-Virus Application:

   • Launch your antivirus application from the desktop or start menu.

2. Temporarily Disable Protection:

   • Look for an option to temporarily disable protection. The exact steps may vary based on the antivirus software you're using. Ensure that you re-enable the protection as soon as you've checked whether disabling it resolved the website loading issue.

These steps can help in diagnosing and resolving the problem if certain websites are not loading in any browser on your Windows PC.

Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings

• What should I check first if websites are not loading on my Windows PC?

  Initially, ensure your internet connection is stable by testing the speed on fast.com. If connectivity isn't the issue, proceed with other troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article.

• How can a VPN help in accessing blocked websites?

  A VPN like PrivadoVPN can bypass restrictions set by ISPs or governments by masking your IP address, enabling access to blocked websites securely.

• Why should I change my DNS settings and how can it help?

  Changing DNS settings can resolve issues caused by faulty or slow DNS servers, facilitating quicker and more reliable access to websites.

• How does clearing browser cache and cookies impact website loading?

  Over time, cache and cookies may become corrupted, causing website loading issues. Clearing them out can resolve such issues and improve browser performance.

• Can antivirus or firewall settings interfere with website access?

  Yes, sometimes firewall or antivirus settings might block access to certain websites. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause of the problem.