How to Fix Websites Not Loading (But Internet Is Working)

First: is it just one site?

If one site won't load but others work, check downforeveryoneorjustme.com — the site may simply be down. If it's up for others, continue below.

Step 1: Try another browser or device

Loads on your phone but not the PC (same WiFi)? The problem is your PC/browser. Fails on every device? It's the router or ISP.

Step 2: Restart the router

Sixty seconds off, modem first, then router. Stale DNS caches in routers cause exactly this "some sites work, some don't" symptom.

Step 3: Flush your DNS

Open Command Prompt as admin:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns

Then restart the browser. This clears corrupted cached lookups.

Step 4: Change DNS servers

ISP DNS servers are a common failure point. Set 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8 on your PC (see our no-internet guide) or directly in the router for the whole house.

Step 5: Clear browser cache and cookies

Corrupted cache entries break specific sites. Clear data for the problem site (padlock icon → site settings → clear data) before nuking everything.

Step 6: Check extensions and settings

• Try the site in a private/incognito window — if it loads, an extension (ad-blocker, VPN proxy) is blocking it.
• Disable extensions one by one to find the culprit.
• Check proxy settings: Settings → Network & internet → Proxy — should be Off unless you use one deliberately.

Step 7: Check your hosts file

Malware sometimes redirects sites via the hosts file. Open Notepad as admin → File → Open → C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Lines below the comments that point domains to IPs (other than 127.0.0.1 localhost) should be deleted.

Step 8: Check security software

Over-aggressive antivirus/firewalls (or leftover VPN software) block sites silently. Temporarily disable the firewall and test; if that fixes it, add the site to exclusions.