How to Fix ‘The Requested URL was Rejected’ Error Message

The ‘The requested URL was rejected’ error message when visiting a webpage typically occurs when browser extensions or corrupted site data interfere with the web connection.

The Requested URL was Rejected Error Message
The Requested URL was Rejected Error Message

This error message can also be triggered by a network connection that has been flagged; changing the network should help you bypass this issue. In this article, we present methods to resolve the error message that are simple to employ.

1. Turn off Browser Extensions

To begin with, disable the third-party extensions in your browser, as they can interrupt web connections and lead to various issues.

To test if extensions are the culprit, use the incognito or private window feature in your browser, where third-party extensions are disabled by default.

Disable your browser extensions by clicking on the More icon at the top-right corner and selecting Extensions. From there, you can choose to disable or remove them.

Chrome Extensions Menu
Chrome Extensions Menu

2. Use a Different Connection

A problematic network connection might also cause the error message. Trying an alternate network connection, such as switching to mobile data, can help ascertain if the issue lies with your current network.

A flagged network connection could prevent web servers from communicating properly. If the error does not recur on a different connection, the problem may be related to network configuration.

If changing the connection solves the issue, consider resetting your network settings as explained later in this article.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache and cookies in your browser can lead to difficulties when accessing websites, as they rely on this data for various functions.

You can clear the browser cache and cookies by following the provided link and instructions for your respective browser.

3.1. Google Chrome

  1. Click on the More menu at the top-right corner.
  2. Select the Clear browsing data option.
    Opening Clear Cache Menu
    Opening Clear Cache Menu
  3. Check all the checkboxes and select All Time as the Time range.
  4. Click Clear data.
    Clearing Cache in Chrome
    Clearing Cache in Chrome

3.2. Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click the hamburger icon in the top right, then select Settings.
    Opening Firefox Settings
    Opening Firefox Settings
  2. Access the Privacy and Security tab.
  3. Click the Clear Data option.
    Opening Clear Cache Menu in Firefox
    Opening Clear Cache Menu in Firefox
  4. Ensure both checkboxes are selected, then click Clear.
    Clearing Cache in Firefox
    Clearing Cache in Firefox

3.3. Microsoft Edge

  1. Click the More menu at the top right, then Settings.
    Opening Edge Settings
    Opening Edge Settings
  2. Navigate to the Privacy, search, and services tab.
  3. Unclick the Choose what to clear option.
    Opening Clear Cache Menu in Microsoft Edge
    Opening Clear Cache Menu in Microsoft Edge
  4. Select All Time from the Time Range menu and check all the checkboxes.
  5. Click Clear now.
    Clearing Cache in Microsoft Edge
    Clearing Cache in Microsoft Edge

4. Reboot Router

Sometimes the error message is prompted by problems with the router in your network. Inconsistencies within the router’s parameters might lead to inapt request processing.

Rebooting the router should reinitialize its parameters and may clear up such inconsistencies. To restart it, press the Power button on the router’s back twice or unplug and re-plug the power cable.

5. Reset Network Settings

If the issue persists, it’s likely caused by your network configuration. In that case, you should reset your network settings to default.

  1. Open the Settings app with Win key + I.
  2. Navigate to Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Network Reset.
    Navigating to Network Reset
    Navigating to Network Reset
  3. Click the Reset now button.
    Resetting Network Settings in Windows
    Resetting Network Settings in Windows
  4. Wait for the process to complete and your PC to restart.
  5. Check if the error persists after the reboot.

Following these steps should help you resolve the The requested URL was rejected error message on your PC. Should the problem continue, it’s recommended to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator for additional support.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.