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  • Writer's pictureEmilee Boone

A Complete Guide to resolve Chrome Network Access Issue

Updated: Oct 12, 2021


If you're a frequent user of Chrome and you realize that even though the app is a very well-known and useful tool, it's not completely free of bugs and glitches. As it is the most used web browser for a lot of people users, the errors can lead to totally affect your experience.

In this article, we are going to tackle a fairly common error message, 'Allow Chrome to access the network in your firewall or antivirus settings ' The picture below shows the error message, which is accompanied by the error codes DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET or 'ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED'

What are the causes behind the Network Access glitch in Google Chrome? " Allow Chrome to connect to the network through Your firewalls or your anti-virus settings?


Every day that we surf the internet, we are exposed to a large variety of websites, many of which are harmful. The firewalls or defenders are present in our systems to guard our digital footprint from harmful material, which includes viruses, spam, and malware. In addition, to your firewalls, you might also have installed anti-virus software onto your device.


There is a chance that it will be the case that when you keep an eye on your online activities, the firewalls or antivirus programs find some suspicious activities and threats. If this happens the software may disable Chrome and block you from connecting to the internet.

This means that the Chrome access issue may occur due to issues with networks. The most significant issues that can cause it to include:


1. Chrome browser restricted by Windows Firewall

2. Chrome browser shut down by Windows Defender

3. Chrome browser is restricted by the Antivirus software


Based on these potential causes We will look at ways to enable Chrome to connect to the internet in your firewall and antivirus settings and allow you to enjoy a seamless browsing experience.


Allow Chrome to connect to the network via the firewall settings or in your antivirus- How to fix it


You must determine the cause and then work out a solution for the problem. The following fixes might be required:


1. Make an exemption for Chrome within the Windows Firewall

2. Add an exclusion to Chrome within the Windows Defender

3. Include an exclusion of Chrome to your antivirus software

4. Set Chrome back to its default setting


1. How can I create an exemption for Chrome to the Windows Firewall


Firewalls can selectively permit or block content from your device. The basic principle is that all information that is transmitted via an internet or network is analyzed and the firewall decides if the information is allowed to flow through or prevented from passing through.

The main uses for firewalls are that they are able to:


1. Block hackers and malicious websites from gaining access to your device on the internet or an internet

2. Make sure your PC isn't sending dangerous content to computers around the world.


The Firewall may restrict access to websites via several tools, among that is Google. To ensure that Chrome isn't blocked through the firewall You could be sure to add Chrome to the list of exceptions within your Windows firewall using the steps below:


  • To begin, you must launch Windows Defender Firewall. Windows Defender Firewall app. You can look for it on Windows by pressing Windows keys + S' then click the magnifying glass symbol located at the left-hand side of the screen to open your search menu.

  • You can find the application by entering "Firewall" in the search box. From the search results, you can select Windows Defender Firewall'.

  • It can also be accessed by accessing Control Panel -> Systems and Security -> Windows Defender Firewall.

  • In the settings panel to the left, choose the option 'Allow an application or feature via Windows Defender Firewall'. After that, you will see an overview of all apps, as well as the state of whether they're granted access or not allowed access by Windows Defender Firewall.

  • Within this listing, search for Google Chrome and make sure that the 'Private', as well as the 'Public' option, are both verified. Visit Google Chrome and verify any issues.

If you're experiencing problems despite following the steps above, you could briefly disable the Firewall for both public and private networks by selecting the "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off button on the main menu on the Firewall. But, this leaves you more vulnerable online, so be careful and at your own risk.


2. How can you include exclusion for Chrome to the Windows Defender


Windows Defender can be described as an anti-malware feature that comes integrated on Windows devices. To include an exclusion for Chrome within Windows Defender, follow these steps: Windows Defender, do the following:


  • Select the 'Start' option and then navigate to the settings. Select the 'Update and Security option.

  • In this case, click Windows Security on the left screen, and then select the option 'Firewall and Network Protection.

  • Select the 'Virus & threat protection' option and then under this, go to the settings for 'Virus & Threat Protection click on the 'Manage settings'.

  • To exclude Chrome To add an exclusion for Chrome, first open Settings, and then click the section 'Excluded Files and Locations' and select 'Browse'.

  • You'll need to find the folder in which Chrome is. Most of the time this is the procedure you'll need to follow: Go to C: Program Files (x86)\Google and then select Google Chrome and select 'OK'.

  • To confirm this choice Click "Add". Verify that the issue has been solved in Chrome.


3. How can you add exclusion to Chrome to your antivirus software?


The steps to follow in order to include an exclusion of Chrome within your antivirus program vary based on the antivirus software you're using.


For McAfee,

  • Open McAfee Antivirus, then go to the settings. Under Security for your PC go to Firewall.

  • Then, open "Internet connections for Programs Scroll down until you see Google Chrome. Choose it.

  • Now, select Delete and then press 'Yes' under the Program permissions.

For Kaspersky,

  • Launch Kaspersky, go to Settings. Select 'Network Settings' -> 'Manage Exclusions'.

  • The URL for the site that is blocked then click 'Add' to add the website's URL to the list of excluded.

4. How do I restore Chrome in default mode


The “Allow Chrome to connect to your network via the firewall settings or in your antivirus“ issue could be corrupted saved cookies and bookmarks. To fix the issue it is possible to erase all saved files. Be sure to perform this procedure with care and only as an option last resort.

  • Open Chrome, then click on the three dots located on the right upper corner (the navigation bar) and then select Settings.

  • Then, on the left-hand side, click "Advanced," then "Reset then clean

  • Restore settings back to their default Reset settings. By doing this, you will erase any saved items, i.e., bookmarks cookies, cookies, passwords saved, and your history.

Explore additional Chrome-related content like Chrome elements and ways to deal with other Chrome mistakes, like Chrome using too much memory.

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