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How to Fix Fatal Error Network Error Connection Refused on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Encountering a “Fatal Error Network Error Connection Refused” on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This error usually means your computer is trying to connect to a network service or website, but the connection is being blocked or declined.

There can be several reasons behind this issue, including firewall settings, network problems, or misconfigured software. Fortunately, most of these causes can be fixed with straightforward troubleshooting steps.

This guide will walk you through each step carefully, starting from the simplest checks to more detailed solutions. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end, you should be able to resolve the error and restore proper network connectivity on your Windows 11 device.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into more detailed fixes, make sure of the following:

  • Your internet connection is active and stable. Try opening other websites or apps to confirm.
  • You have administrator access on your Windows 11 PC, as some steps need admin privileges.
  • Check if the problem happens on all networks or just one (e.g., home Wi-Fi vs. mobile hotspot).
  • Restart your computer and network devices (modem/router). This simple step often clears temporary glitches.

Step 1: Disable Firewall Temporarily

Windows Firewall can sometimes block network connections, causing the “connection refused” error. Temporarily disabling it helps identify if the firewall is the culprit.

  1. Press Win + S and type Windows Defender Firewall, then hit Enter.
  2. On the left menu, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  3. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both private and public network settings.
  4. Click OK to apply the changes.
  5. Try reconnecting to the network service or website that caused the error.

Note: If disabling the firewall fixes the issue, you will need to create an exception (allow rule) for the affected app or port instead of leaving the firewall off.

Step 2: Check Your Proxy Settings

Incorrect proxy settings can prevent your system from connecting to the internet properly. It’s important to make sure proxy is disabled unless you specifically require one.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
  3. Under Manual proxy setup, ensure the option Use a proxy server is turned Off.
  4. Also, under Automatically detect settings, it’s usually best to leave this On.
  5. Restart your browser or app and check if the error persists.

Step 3: Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP

Sometimes, corrupted DNS cache or TCP/IP settings can cause connection errors. Flushing and resetting these can clear issues related to network communication.

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
  1. Once all commands have run successfully, restart your computer.
  2. Try reconnecting to the network service again.

Step 4: Disable VPN or Third-Party Security Software

VPNs and some security software can interfere with network connections by blocking certain ports or servers. Temporarily disabling them can help isolate the problem.

  • If you use a VPN, disconnect it and check if the error goes away.
  • Temporarily disable any antivirus or internet security programs. Refer to their help guides on how to do this safely.
  • After testing, remember to re-enable your security software to keep your system protected.

Step 5: Check the Host File

The Windows hosts file can block or redirect certain websites or IP addresses. If it’s misconfigured, it can cause connection refused errors.

  1. Navigate to C:WindowsSystem32driversetc using File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on hosts file and select Open with > Notepad.
  3. Look for any lines that might block the website or server you want to connect to (lines with the IP and website name).
  4. If you find suspicious entries, delete those lines carefully.
  5. Save the file and close Notepad.
  6. Try connecting again.

Step 6: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause various connectivity problems. Updating them ensures your hardware communicates properly with Windows.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the section Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your network device (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts if updates are found.
  5. Restart your computer after updating.

Step 7: Use Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has built-in tools to automatically detect and fix network issues. This is an easy way to let the system help troubleshoot.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Internet Connections and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix problems.

Alternative and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t work, you might want to try the following:

  • Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. This will remove and reinstall all network adapters and reset settings.
  • Check Router Firewall: Sometimes the router’s firewall blocks certain connections. Access your router’s admin page (usually via 192.168.1.1) and check firewall or security settings.
  • Test with Another Device: Try connecting from a different device on the same network to determine if the problem is device-specific or network-wide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “Connection Refused” mean?

This error means the target server or service actively rejected your connection attempt. It could be due to firewall blocks, server downtime, or networking issues.

Is this error caused by my internet provider?

Usually not. It’s more often related to your device’s settings or local network rather than the ISP. However, rare cases might involve ISP restrictions.

Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes. Some antivirus or security suites block certain ports or connections, leading to this error. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause.

Will resetting network settings delete my files?

No. Resetting network settings only affects network adapters and preferences, not personal files or apps.

How do I know if my firewall is blocking the connection?

Temporarily disabling the firewall and testing the connection can help. If the problem disappears, the firewall is likely blocking it.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the “Fatal Error Network Error Connection Refused,” consider the following:

  • Contact your network administrator or internet service provider for help.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11 networking issues: Microsoft Support.
  • Check if the server or website you are connecting to is down or undergoing maintenance.
  • Consider seeking help from professional technicians if you suspect hardware issues.

Conclusion

The “Fatal Error Network Error Connection Refused” on Windows 11 can seem complicated, but it usually arises from common network or security settings. By following the step-by-step troubleshooting methods above—from checking firewall and proxy settings to resetting network components—you can identify and fix the problem effectively.

Always start with the simplest fixes first, such as restarting devices and disabling firewalls temporarily. If needed, move on to more advanced steps like updating drivers or resetting network settings. With patience and careful attention, you’ll restore your network connection and browse or connect without interruptions.

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