SOLVED: Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
They are still a large number of users using Internet Explorer, and many of them have reported getting the error Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage when they try to access a website on IE. This error stops Internet Explorer from accessing any websites. Since the error doesn’t indicate why it cannot open the site, we’ll have to make some assumptions and proceed with its troubleshooting. The issue behind this error can be a software issue isolated to Internet Explorer or a connectivity issue affecting your entire system.
Before you proceed with the methods below, make sure that your Internet Connection is WORKING, and there are no VPNs running on your system. Additionally, it would be best to disable any antivirus or firewall software until the issue is fixed. The methods listed in this guide are in the most effective order to save you time and effort. If the issue is resolved by any method, then you don’t need to follow the remaining methods.
Method 1: Reset Internet Explorer
This will reset all settings and custom options set in Internet Explorer. Your bookmarks will not be deleted.
Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.
Click on the Advanced tab. Click on the Reset button below. Place a check next to Delete Personal Settings and click Reset. Internet Explorer will now be reset to its default settings.
After Internet Explorer has been reset, re-open it and test. To restore the Bookmarks Bar, hold the CTRL + SHIFT + B keys.
Method 2: Verify Proxy Settings
Invalid proxy settings can cause Internet Explorer to deviate from the right path, thus giving this error. To verify the settings, close Internet Explorer.
Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.
Go to the Connections tab. Once on the tab, click on the LAN settings button.
Make sure there is a check next to Automatically detect settings and the other two checkboxes are unchecked. Click OK and close all windows. Restart Internet Explorer.
Method 3: Check IP Address
IP address conflicts and incorrect settings can restrict access to the Internet, which can also trigger the “cannot display webpage” error. To fix it,
Hold the Windows Key and press R. In the Run dialog, type ncpa.cpl and click OK.
Right-click on Local Area Connection if you are using a wired connection or right-click on Wireless Network Connection if you are using Wi-Fi. Click on Properties in the drop-down menu.
Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select Obtain an IP address automatically. Select Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click OK > OK and close all windows. Restart your system. If the problem still persists, move on to the next solution.
Method 4: Reboot Router/Modem
Your router may have a glitch with establishing a connection with your ISP. However, if your other devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other computers are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to this router, then the router is getting the internet. A reboot of the router is still preferred.
To do this, turn off your router and unplug it from the power adapter.
After 30 seconds, plug the adapter back into your router and turn it on.
Now test and see if the issue is fixed.
Method 5: Reset Windows Socket TCP/IP Stack
Windows Socket is the program responsible for handling all the network incoming and outgoing requests by programs like Internet Explorer. If there is an issue with it, resetting it can fix it easily.
To do so, press the Windows key and type cmd, right-click cmd and choose Run as administrator.
In the black command prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
nbtstat -R
nbtstat -RR
netsh int reset all
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
Reboot your system for the changes to take effect.
Method 6: Disable Enhanced Protected Mode (For Windows 8)
In Windows 8, Enhanced Protected Mode was added to Internet Explorer 10, which increases security but is known to cause such types of browsing issues.
Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK. Go to the Advanced tab. Locate Enable Enhanced Protected Mode under Settings and uncheck it. Click OK. Restart Internet Explorer and check if the issue is resolved.
