Microsoft Edge, while being the second most widely used desktop browser following Chrome, is not without its technical issues.
A common error encountered is the message: “Hmm, we can’t reach this page.” Although restarting the browser may resolve the problem, there are several alternative solutions to consider if the issue persists.
Basic Troubleshooting Recommendations
Prior to attempting any advanced fixes, it is advisable to start with these fundamental troubleshooting steps.
1. Address Edge’s High RAM Consumption
At times, Microsoft Edge can exhibit excessive RAM usage. If feasible, assess and rectify the high memory consumption associated with Edge.
2. Clear Cache and Browsing History
In certain instances, clearing the cache and removing browsing history can enhance the overall performance of the browser.
3.
Test in an InPrivate Window
Consider accessing the website through an InPrivate window. To do this, click on the three-dot menu located in the upper right corner of Edge and select New InPrivate Window.
4. Investigate Other Technical Issues
Additionally, it is prudent to ascertain whether the problem is isolated to a specific web page. Verify this by visiting other websites in Edge and attempting to access the same site in a different browser or on another device using Edge
.
If the issue pertains to a specific website, it may be due to one of the following reasons: the website is experiencing technical difficulties, its server is currently down, or the website owner has restricted access based on your IP address or geographical location.
In the event of a technical malfunction with the website—evident when the site fails to load across all devices and browsers—patience is required until the issue is rectified. To eliminate this possibility, consider utilizing a VPN or reaching out to the website administrator to request the unblocking of your IP address.
Should the problem manifest on multiple pages on a specific computer, further investigation is warranted.
2. Verify Your Internet Connection
If you frequently encounter the "can’t reach this page" error in Edge, the issue may lie with your internet connection. Ensure that you are properly connected to the internet.
One method to confirm this is to disconnect and then reconnect to your Wi-Fi network; however, a wired connection may provide more stability.
Additionally, you can assess whether the internet is the source of the problem by conducting a speed test. This can be easily accomplished by entering "speed test" into a search engine. Notably, some search engines, including Google and Bing, offer the capability to perform the test directly within the search results without the need to navigate to a separate website.
A potential reason for the "can’t reach this page" error in Microsoft Edge may be related to the configuration of your DNS server. Adjusting your DNS server settings could resolve this issue.
Typically, you are utilizing a DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP). Switching to a DNS server operated by Google or Cloudflare could not only rectify the problem but may also enhance your browsing speed.
Although you have the option to select any DNS server of your choice, the following instructions illustrate how to substitute your current DNS with that of Cloudflare.
Windows 10
If you’re on Windows 10, follow these steps to change your DNS:
2. Select Change adapter settings from the left sidebar.
3. Right-click on the desired network connection and choose Properties.
4. In the Networking tab, locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and double-click it.
5. Select the option for Use the following DNS server addresses.
6. Input “1.1.1.1” in the Preferred DNS field and “1.0.0.1” in the Alternate DNS field.
For users operating on Windows 11, the following steps outline the process for modifying your DNS settings:
Windows 11
If you’re on Windows 11, here’s how to change your DNS:
2. Locate the DNS option and select the Edit button linked to it.
3. Enable IPv4 and input “1.1.1.1” and “1.0.0.1” in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS fields.
The following are the primary and alternate DNS settings provided by Cloudflare, Google, and OpenDNS that can be utilized for your new DNS server:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Verify if these DNS configurations resolve the Edge error.
4. Disable IPv6
IPv4 (32-bit) and IPv6 (128-bit) represent the two principal types of IP addresses. When a browser attempts to connect to a website, it initially searches for IPv6 addresses. If none are found, it defaults to IPv4 addresses. Although IPv6 is generally faster than IPv4, its unavailability can result in delays and may cause your Edge browser to crash, leading to ongoing discussions regarding the preference for IPv4 or IPv6.
To deactivate IPv6 on Windows 11, please adhere to the following instructions:
1. Press Windows + I to access the Windows Settings application
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2. Select Network & Internet.
3. In the left sidebar, choose Wi-Fi (if you are connected wirelessly) or Ethernet (if you are using a wired connection).
4. Click on Hardware properties.
5. Next to IP Assignment, select Edit > Manual, and then switch IPv6 to the off position.
For Windows 10, please complete steps 1 to 3 as mentioned above before proceeding with the subsequent actions.
1. Access the Network and Sharing Center by clicking on it.
2. In the left sidebar, select the option to Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click on your network connection and choose Properties.
4. Within the Networking tab, deselect the checkbox for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPV6).
5. Confirm the changes by clicking OK.
Additionally, it is possible to disable IPv6 on macOS devices, and the procedure is generally simpler on a Mac.
After disabling IPv6, restart Microsoft Edge and attempt to connect to the problematic page to check if the issue has been resolved.
5. Disable Microsoft Edge Extensions
Consider disabling all browser extensions, also referred to as Microsoft Edge Add-ons, particularly ad-blockers or any extensions that may directly interfere with the browser's scripts.
To disable add-ons in Edge:
- Click on the three-dot menu button in Microsoft Edge.
- Select Extensions and then Manage extensions.
- Toggle off any extensions you wish to disable.
Browser extensions consume computing resources and may also impact network bandwidth, thereby affecting internet connectivity and overall browser performance.
5. Reset Microsoft Edge
If necessary, reset Microsoft Edge to restore all settings to their default state. The steps to do this are as follows:
1. Launch Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu located in the upper right corner.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
3. In the sidebar, choose Reset Settings.
4. Click on Restore settings to their default values.
5. Confirm by clicking Reset in the popup window.
Resetting your browser settings to their default configuration typically addresses the majority of issues encountered. Please restart Edge to determine if you can now access the desired page. However, if the "can’t reach this page" error persists in Edge, it may be advisable to consider using an alternative browser.
Transitioning from Microsoft’s browser may be challenging for dedicated Edge users, yet there are several other viable options available. Firefox provides a focus on privacy, as do DuckDuckGo and Tor. Additionally, Opera and Chrome are commendable alternatives. Furthermore, there is an increasing variety of AI-driven web browsers to explore.
