How to Fix 'Hmm Cant Reach This Page' Error in Microsoft Edge

If you’re seeing the message ‘Hmm, can’t reach this page’ while browsing in Microsoft Edge, it can be frustrating and disrupt your online activities. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot and resolve this common connectivity issue, helping you get back to browsing smoothly. Before you start, ensure your device is connected to the internet and you have administrative access if needed.

What You’ll Need

An active internet connection
Access to your computer’s network settings
Microsoft Edge browser installed and updated
Optional: Your router’s admin credentials

Step-by-Step

Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure that your device is connected to the internet. Try opening other websites or apps to confirm connectivity. If other sites also fail to load, the issue might be with your internet service provider or network.
Restart Your Router and Modem: Power off your router and modem, wait for about 30 seconds, then turn them back on. This simple step can resolve temporary network glitches that prevent pages from loading.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Open Microsoft Edge, click on the three dots (…) in the upper right corner, select Settings, then go to Privacy, search, and services. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear now. Restart Edge and try accessing the page again.
Check the URL for Typos: Make sure the web address you entered is correct. A simple typo can lead to the ‘can’t reach this page’ error. Also, try visiting the site via a different URL or search engine to confirm it’s active.
Disable Proxy Settings or VPN: If you’re using a proxy server or VPN, disable them temporarily to see if they are causing the issue. In Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and turn off any active proxies. For VPNs, disconnect and try again.
Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. Then, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. These commands refresh your network settings, potentially resolving DNS-related issues.
Disable Extensions and Reset Edge: Sometimes, browser extensions interfere with page loading. Disable all extensions by navigating to edge://extensions. If the issue persists, reset Edge to default settings by going to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
Update Microsoft Edge: Make sure you’re running the latest version. In Edge, click the three dots (…) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. If an update is available, install it and restart the browser.
Check Firewall and Security Software: Sometimes, firewall or antivirus settings block access to certain websites. Temporarily disable them to test if they’re causing the problem. If the site loads after disabling, reconfigure your security software to allow access.
Test on a Different Device or Network: To determine if the issue is specific to your device or network, try accessing the site from another device or on a different network (like a mobile hotspot). If it works elsewhere, troubleshoot your original device or network further.

Common Mistakes

Not restarting the router after changes or issues.
Failing to clear browser cache, which can hold corrupted data.
Overlooking DNS cache problems by not flushing DNS.
Disabling security software without verifying if it’s the cause.
Ignoring the possibility of a typo in the URL.

Tips

Always keep your browser and operating system updated for security and compatibility.
Use a wired connection if possible for more stable internet access during troubleshooting.
Regularly clear your browser data to improve performance and resolve minor glitches.
Consider resetting your network settings if persistent issues occur.
Use the network troubleshooter in Windows via Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Internet Connections for automated help.

Troubleshooting

If the above steps do not resolve the ‘Hmm, can’t reach this page’ error, try the following:

Check for System Updates: Ensure your operating system is up to date, as updates often include network fixes.
Reset Network Settings: On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. This will reinstall network adapters and reset configurations to default.
Test with a Different Browser: Try accessing the site using Chrome, Firefox, or another browser to determine if the issue is specific to Edge.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider: If none of the above work, there may be a problem with your connection that requires professional assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does this error keep appearing in Microsoft Edge?

This error can be caused by network issues, incorrect URL, browser cache problems, or security software blocking access.

2. How do I know if the website is down for everyone?

Use online tools like DownDetector or IsItDownRightNow to check if other users are experiencing issues with the same site.

3. Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, overly strict security settings or false positives can block websites. Temporarily disable antivirus to test if it’s the cause.

4. Is resetting Microsoft Edge safe?

Yes, resetting will restore default settings but will remove extensions, cookies, and customizations. Back up important data if needed.

5. What if the problem persists after all these steps?

If issues continue, consider resetting your network settings, contacting your ISP, or seeking professional technical support for deeper diagnostics.

6. How often should I clear my browser cache?

It’s good practice to clear cache every few weeks or if you encounter loading issues, to maintain optimal browser performance.

How to Fix ‘Hmm Cant Reach This Page’ Error in Microsoft Edge