# Chrome: This site can’t be reached — ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED (blocked by firewall or antivirus)

**Code:** `ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED` · **Category:** Browser · **Seen on:** Chrome, Windows

Something on your computer — usually the Windows firewall or antivirus — denied Chrome network access.

## Meaning

The browser itself has no permission to use the network, or a rule blocks it for this destination. It often appears after a security-software update, a Windows reset, or when Chrome was added to a block list.

## Common causes

- Windows Defender Firewall or third-party firewall blocking chrome.exe
- Antivirus web protection rule
- Group policy or parental-control rule
- Chrome profile or installation corrupted
- Proxy/VPN software blocking the process

## Quick fix

1. Allow Chrome through the firewall (Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall)
2. Temporarily disable antivirus web protection to test
3. Reinstall Chrome if only that browser is affected

## Detailed fix by platform

### Windows

1. Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app → tick Chrome for private and public
2. `netsh advfirewall show allprofiles` to check profiles

### Chrome

1. Test with Edge or Firefox; if they work the block is specific to Chrome's permissions

## How to diagnose

1. **Browser** — Do other browsers work?
2. **Software** — Firewall/antivirus rules for chrome.exe?
3. **Policy** — Managed device?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/browser/err-network-access-denied)