11 Ways to Fix the ‘Network Change Was Detected’ Error in Google Chrome

Network Errors

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Encountering the “Network Change Was Detected” error in your web browser can be frustrating. This error typically occurs when there is a change in your network connection but can also be caused by network adapter conflicts, DNS issues, or outdated browser settings.
If the lights on your modem or router are still on, your network connection is likely stable and you will need to search for some other causes.

My mentioned issues can also cause other network errors like ‘ERR_CONNECTION_RESET’, ‘?gws_rd=ssl’ errors as well as ‘WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration’ and a faulty Chrome auto-refreshing your tabs.

Now this guide provides a range of effective solutions to help you resolve this issue on Windows. Whether you’re using Google Chrome or another browser, these methods will address various underlying causes and help you get back to browsing smoothly.

TL;DR: Quick and Easy Ways to Fix the ‘Network Change Was Detected’
Error in Chrome

Here are a few simple fixes to attempt:

  • Try using a different browser to determine if the issue is specific to Chrome or affects your entire network.
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router to improve connectivity.
  • Check for Windows Updates.
  • Reset Chrome Settings to restore Chrome to its default configuration.
  • Update your browser to the latest version.
How to Fix Network Change Was Detected Error

Easy Solutions to Fix the ‘Network Change Was Detected’ Error in Chrome

Let’s start with some easy solutions to get your Chrome back on track. 

Solution 1. Try Using a Different Internet Browser

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Sometimes, the issue may be specific to Chrome. Testing with another browser helps determine if the problem is limited to Chrome or affects your entire network.

  • Install a different browser, such as Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
  • Try visiting the same websites where the error occurred after opening the new browser.
Use a different web browser
  • If the problem persists with the new browser, try reinstalling “Chrome” or proceed with the next solutions.

Solution 2. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

Many network-related problems can be fixed with a simple router restart, which will also refresh your internet connection.

Turn Off Router
  • Unplug your router from the power outlet.
  • Wait for about thirty seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Allow the router to fully restart and reconnect to the internet once all lights are stable.

Solution 3. Check for Windows Update

Updating your Windows operating system might resolve system-level problems that impact network connections. Patches and workarounds for problems that may be causing network errors are frequently included in updates.

  • Press ‘Win + I’ to open the “Settings” app.
  • Access “Update & Security” and select “Windows Update” from there.
  • To check if there are any updates available, click “Check for updates”.
Click Check for Updates
  • If there are updates available, select “Download and install”.
Windows update - Download and install all
  • Restart your computer after installing the updates to apply the changes.

Solution 4. Reset Chrome Settings 

Misconfigurations causing network problems can sometimes be resolved by resetting Chrome settings.

  • Open “Chrome” and click the three dots icon in the upper-right corner to access the menu.
  • Go to “Settings” and look for “Advanced” at the bottom.
  • Under “Reset and clean up”, select “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
Chrome Restore settings to their original defaults
  • To confirm, select “Reset settings”.

Solution 5. Update Chrome 

Updating Chrome ensures you have the latest features and security improvements, which can resolve network-related issues.

  • Open “Chrome” and go to menu.
  • Select “Help” then “About Google Chrome”. Chrome will download and install updates automatically.
About Google Chrome
  • After updating, restart your browser.

Advanced Solutions to Fix the ‘Network Change Was Detected’ Error in Chrome

If the “Network Change Was Detected” error in Chrome hasn’t been resolved by the simple fixes, consider these more complex troubleshooting fixes.  

Adv. Solution 6. Remove Your Chrome Extensions

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Extensions may interfere with browser operations and cause errors. Disable them to identify the problematic extension.

  • Open “Chrome” and access menu.
  • Press “Extensions” then “Manage Extensions”.
Chrome Manage Extensions
  • To make all extensions inactive, toggle them off.
Toggle off Chrome Extension
  • Try restarting “Chrome” and see if the issue still exists.
  • Re-enable each extension one at a time until the problem is fixed to help you find the faulty one.

Adv. Solution 7. Delete Your DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can resolve issues related to outdated or incorrect DNS records that might be causing connectivity problems. 

  • To launch the “Run” dialog box, press ‘Win + R’ keys.
  • Type “cmd” and press ‘Enter’ to open the “Command Prompt”.
Type cmd in Run dialog
  • Type “ipconfig /flushdns” into the “Command Prompt” and hit ‘Enter’.

You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.

Adv. Solution 8. Clear Unwanted Network Connections

Multiple network connections might occasionally cause issues with the stability of your internet. You can optimize your network configuration by removing any unused or unwanted connections.

  • Open “Control Panel”.
  • Select “Network & Internet” and then “Status”.
  • Select “Network and Sharing Center”.
Go to Network and Sharing Center
  • On the left panel, select “Change adapter settings”.
Change adapter settings
  • Right-click on an unwanted connection and choose “Disable”.
Disable connection point

Adv. Solution 9. Check Your Proxy Configuration 

Incorrect proxy settings can block or redirect network traffic, leading to connectivity issues. 

  • To access the “Settings” app, press ‘Win + I’ keys.
  • Proceed to “Network & Internet” and then select “Proxy”.
  • Unless you have specific proxy settings, ensure that “Use a proxy server” is turned off under “Manual proxy setup”.
Turn off Use a proxy server
  • If you use a proxy, be sure the configurations are accurate and fit the needs of your network.

Adv. Solution 10. Delete Your Browsing History

Corrupted files that may be the source of network problems can be eliminated by clearing your browsing history. 

  • Open “Chrome” and then go to menu.
  • Go to “History” and then select “History” again.
Go to Chrome History
  • Select “Privacy and security” then “Clear browsing data”.
Privacy and Settings, Clear browsing data
  • Check all the boxes (browsing history, cookies, cached images, and files) and choose “All time” as the time range.
  • Press “Clear data”.
Clear Google Chrome Cache

Adv. Solution 11. Upgrade your Network Drivers

Incompatible or faulty network drivers may be the source of connectivity problems. Updating your network drivers ensures compatibility and optimal performance.

  • Click ‘Win + X’ keys or right click “Start” then choose “Device Manager”.
Right click Start and select Device Manager
  • Extend the section titled “Network adapters”.
  • For your network adapter, right-click and choose “Update driver”.
Update the Network Adapter Drivers

Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.

Search automatically for drivers of network adapter
  • To finish the update, follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

If you followed our provided instructions from easy to more advanced ones — there’s a high chance that the error ‘Network Change Was Detected’ has been resolved.
However, if not – I personally recommend downloading and running the auto-fix app mentioned below.

Useful: some users also report a similar error occurring along with our mentioned one: ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

I also encourage to use a reliable VPN, in order to hide your IP and resolve connection issues.

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About the author
Sage-Michael Brown
Sage-Michael Brown - Author

Sage is another team member and writer at Windows Fix Hub.

His experience includes computer repair, IT consulting, computer networking, data recovery, and home networking.

These qualities enables him to provide top-notch information for our readers and guide them through pretty much any issue.