Besides the error “allow chrome to access the network in your firewall or antivirus settings”, “Your internet access is blocked” is the second most common error users encounter with Chrome or other browsers such as Opera on Windows 10. The error can also occur on other operating systems. The second part of the error message reads, “Firewall or antivirus software may have blocked the connection”. Which is exactly what happens in most cases, so we will provide several solutions for you to address the error effectively.
Let’s have a go at all the possible solutions to fix the error on your browser and get you back to accessing the internet.
However, before we proceed it’s crucial that you ensure that the problem is not at the ISP end or with your network device. Reboot the network device if you have not done it in a while. You can do it by simply removing the power cord, allowing the device to rest for about 30 seconds, then, connect the power cord and boot again normally. You can also verify the internet connection if other devices using the same router or modem have the internet connection. Once you have verified the problem is not with your connection but with the operating system or software on the OS, we can proceed with the fixes.
Fix 1: Restore Firewall to Default
If you have been using the internet earlier and this problem suddenly occurred, you may be able to fix it by restoring the Windows Firewall to default. The steps in this process is simple. Here is a guided instruction.
- Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. From the left menu select Windows Security and then Firewall & network protection
3. Select Restore firewalls to default
4. Again click on Restore defaults and Yes.
Close the open Windows and open the browser, check if the error “Your internet access is blocked” still occurs. If it does, proceed to the next fix.
Fix 2: Allow Chrome or Other Browser Through the Firewall
In the situation, when the Windows Firewall might be blocking the internet connection on Chrome or other browser, we need to allow the program to bypass the Firewall rules. Here are the steps in the process.
- Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. From the left menu select Windows Security and then Firewall & network protection
3. Click on Allow an app through firewall
4. Click on Change settings and locate Chrome in the list of programs
5. If you can’t find Chrome in the list, click on Allow another app…
6. Click on Browse and follow this path C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
7. Click on Add
8. Click Ok
Now, check if the error still occurs.
Fix 3: Add Chrome to the Exclusion List of Virus & Threat Protection
As stated in the error message “Firewall or antivirus software may have blocked the connection.” So, we have already taken care of the Firewall and if the issue is not fixed, it’s time to look at the other aspect of the Windows security software – the Virus & Threat Protection. It’s another application that could be potentially blocking internet connectivity in Chrome. Hence, you need to set an exception for Chrome or Opera on the application. Here are the steps you can follow to resolve “Your Internet access is blocked.”
- Press Windows Key + I and select Update & Security
2. From the left menu select Windows Security and then select Virus & threat protection
3. Click on Manage settings link
4. Scroll-down and locate Exclusions, click on Add or remove exclusions
5. Click on the plus sign with Add an exclusion and select Folder
6. Browse the path C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome, select Chrome and click on Select Folder
Now check if the error still occurs. If it does and you are using a third-party antivirus such as Kaspersky, Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, or others, you will have to take care of those software as well.
Fix 4: Set Avast to Default
Most users who encountered this problem were using the Avast antivirus software. Avast has been known to cause problems on Windows so we will first attempt to set Avast to default and if that does not work, disable the antivirus software altogether. If you are using any other antivirus, you could do the same for that software.
To set Avast to default, go to Settings > Troubleshoot > Reset all settings > Reset To Default. That’s it
If still the problem occurs, simply disable the antivirus and check if the “Your Internet Access Is Blocked” on Chrome (Windows 10) error is fixed.