[SOLVED] How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

This tutorial is a step-by-step guide with screenshots that will explain the top 11 methods to fix the ‘Err_Connection_Timed_Out’ Error:

The Internet has evolved to become one of the largest networks that have connected the entire globe and facilitated data sharing. However, there are a few errors that hinder the normal functioning of the Internet, which ultimately impacts the efficiency of the users while working on the system.

In this article, we will discuss one such error called Err_connection_timed_out error. The error is faced by the majority of the users while accessing the Internet and is sometimes really frustrating.

In the later part of the article, we will also discuss the causes and different methods to fix this error.

What is Err_Connection_Timed_Out Error

The connection timed-out error isn’t a harmful error or any infected file that can cause harm to your system. This message is mainly the notification that the system is unable to set up a connection with the server.

Let’s first understand the workings of the Internet. When a user enters a keyword in the search bar or enters the URL of any website, then the system sends a request to the server to allow access to the content on the website. After the server checks the request and provides permission to the system, the connection is established, and the data packets are shared between the system and the server.

This is the working procedure of the Internet. So, whenever a user requests access from a website, a countdown or a timer starts working, and if the request is unable to reach the user before the countdown ends, the Err connection timeout occurs.

Causes of Connection Timed Out Error

There can be various causes that can turn out to be the potential reasons for the connection timed-out error. Some of these causes are mentioned below:

Slow Internet Connection: Slow Internet connection is one of the possible reasons for the error. If the system does not have a fast and reliable Internet connection, then there is a possibility that the server accepted the request, but due to slow Internet, the system took too long to respond.

Invalid URL: If the user requests an invalid URL to access the data, then the server automatically denies the request.

Server Delay or Error: It is not mandatory that there might be a problem at the user end only, it is also possible that there might be a server delay, and before the server could release, data timeout occurred.

Incorrect Settings: There is a possibility that the Windows Firewall did not allow data packets to get transferred into the system because of which the browser displays this error.

Ways to Fix Err_Connection_Timed_Out Error

There are various ways to fix this error, and some of them are mentioned below:

Method 1: Try VPN

NordVPN – Best VPN to Fix Connection Errors >>

VPN is a software that allows the user to connect to a network masking its IP and providing access to websites that are denied with a normal network connection. Download the VPN and log in to access its features.

Method 2: Flush DNS Cache

The system stores the cache memory of the DNS server from which the connection is established. By flushing the DNS cache, the system reestablishes the connection with the DNS server.

Open Command prompt and type “ipconfig/flushdns,” and press Enter as shown in the image below.

For further details please check the link to clear the DNS cache.

Method 3: Check Your Connection

To check connections, make sure the connection is established between the system and the network, and the system is receiving a good amount of signal strength from the device providing the connection.

Recommended Reading=> Network Troubleshooting Steps And Tools,

Method 4: Clear Cache Memory

The cache memory in a system is a memory that stores the connection details and other temporary data from the website. By clearing the cache memory, the data is reloaded on the system, which helps in fixing this error.

#1) Open Chrome browser, click on the menu, and then click on “Settings,” as shown in the image below.

#2) Click on “Clear browsing data”.

#3) A dialog box will appear. Click on “Clear data” as shown in the image below.

The Google Chrome cache will be cleared. For more information click here.

Method 5: Renew DNS

The DNS server may contain some data traffic jam, so the user must try to renew the DNS connection with the server.

Method 6: Update the Network Adapter Driver

The Network Adapter Driver is responsible for managing the connections established by the system. Besides this, it also looks for various bugs encountered while making a connection.

Follow the steps mentioned below to update the Network Adapter Driver so it can fix this error:

#1) Right-click on the Windows button and click on “Device Manager”.

#2) Now, make a right-click on the driver and click on “Uninstall Device”.

#3) A window will now open, as shown in the image below. Now, click on “Uninstall” and the driver will be uninstalled.

#4) Now right-click on the DESKTOP option and click on “Scan for hardware changes”.

#5) In the next step, make a right-click on the driver and click on “Update driver”.

#6) Now, click on “Browse my computer for driver software”, and the driver will be updated.

By following the steps mentioned in the above method, you might get the error fixed on your system.

Method 7: Run Network Troubleshooter

Windows provides its users with a Network Troubleshooter, which allows users to locate any network-related error on the system and provide efficient solutions for the same.

Method 8: Check Antivirus and Firewall Settings

Windows provides its users with Windows Defender Firewall, which blocks any threats to the system. But sometimes, it also blocks a few websites from opening in the browser.

The user can follow the steps mentioned below to fix this Err_timed_out error and disable Windows Firewall:

#1) Search for “Windows Firewall” in the Windows search bar, as shown in the image below.

#2) Click on “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” from the sidebar.

#3) A window will open, as shown in the image below. Now click on the “Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)”.

#4) The Windows Firewall will be deactivated and now try to visit the website and see if the error is fixed or not.

Note: Remember to later turn on the Windows Firewall as it protects your system from all the possible threats.

Method 9: Disable Proxy Settings

The proxy settings allow the users to facilitate and set various levels of security to access limited and secure websites. This can be potentially responsible for the connection timed-out error, so the user must disable proxy settings in the system.

#1) Open settings and click on “Network & Internet” as shown in the image below.

#2) Click on “proxy” and turn “Automatically detect settings” and “Use a proxy server” off.

Method 10: Modify Windows Host File

The Err_connection_timed_out error can be fixed by making some changes in the host file and removing the extra website IP added at the end of the host file.

Follow the steps mentioned below to modify the host file:

#1) Search for “Notepad” in the Windows search bar and right-click on it. Now, from the list of options, click on “Run as Administrator,” as shown in the image below.

#2) Notepad window will open, now click on “File” and click on the “Open” option as shown below.

#3) A dialog box will open, locate the, etc. by clicking on “This PC”>”Local Disk (C:)”>”Windows”>”System32″>”drivers”>”etc.,” then make sure that the file mode is set to “All files,” then click on “hosts” file and click on “Open” as shown in the image below.

#4) A file will open as shown in the image below, and now remove the selected part from your file, which will be the first two links from the bottom.

Save the file and restart the computer and now try to run the browser and access the website.

Method 11: Run Browser in Compatibility Mode

Windows provides its user to fix applications using the compatibility mode. This mode checks for the fixes in the applications and their compatibility with the system.

Follow the steps mentioned below to run a compatibility test on the application and fix Err_connection_timed_out Chrome error:

#1) Right-click on “Google Chrome” and click on “Troubleshoot compatibility” as shown in the image below.

#2) A window will appear, as shown in the image below. Now click on the option “Troubleshoot program.”

#3) Now, click on “The program worked in an earlier version of Windows but won’t install or run now” and then click on the “Next” button as shown in the image below.

#4) Now, click on the “Windows 8” as shown in the image below and click on “Next.”

Tip: Click on the current version of Windows used by the user.

#5) Click on “Test the program…” and then click on “Next”.

#6) Now, click on “Yes, save these settings for this program.”

#7) The troubleshoot report will be displayed, and then click on “Close the troubleshooter”.

The changes will be made to the application, and the error will be fixed.

Precautions

There are some precautions that are to be kept in mind as these can help the users prevent this error.

Some of these precautions are mentioned below:

1. Perform an Antivirus check daily to avoid intrusion of any infected files into the system.
2. Clear browser cache daily and make sure that the browser data is cleared daily.
3. Flush DNS cache regularly to avoid such errors.
4. Keep your system updated to fix such bugs or errors in the system.

Suggested Reading => 5 Easy Ways to Fix 504 Gateway Timeout Error

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Internet has proved its importance in this fast-paced world as it has facilitated the sharing of information among users. It has been considered one of the most useful networks that connect computers worldwide.

In this article, we discussed a common error called Err_connection_timed_out error. The error occurs while accessing the Internet. We also discussed various ways to fix this error, and these fixes included general fixes along with some network checks on the system.

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