If an IP address is flagged for spam or malicious activity, any request from that address may receive an access denial—regardless of the user’s intentions. This can also help you avoid regional blocks or network-based filtering. In such cases, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you bypass these restrictions. If you can access it, your firewall or antivirus was the cause. Consider switching to another security solution—see our recommendations for the best antivirus programs for Windows. Remember to reactivate your firewall and antivirus immediately after testing, to keep your device secure.
A safer alternative is to add the website to your antivirus’s whitelist, which allows access without compromising security. If the issue continues, resetting Chrome to its default settings can eliminate any misconfigured options that might be causing the problem. Trying a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data, can also determine whether the issue is network-related. The “Access Denied on This Server” error can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from server-side restrictions to problems on your end. Understanding these causes is the first step toward resolving the issue. In this guide, we’ll break down the reasons behind this error and provide clear, actionable steps to resolve it.
Websites and servers may block specific IP addresses for security, compliance, or operational reasons. Common causes include IP blocking, browser issues, security software settings, and VPN or proxy interference. The website admin can provide critical information or assistance, such as server log checks, error message interpretation, or clarification about access restrictions. If clearing the cache and disabling extensions do not resolve the issue, restoring your browser to its default settings can often eliminate persistent problems. This process removes any harmful settings, residual data, or problematic configurations.
Get daily tips, tricks, guides, and special offers delivered right to your inbox. If your site is still unreachable, your computer’s DNS servers may not be working correctly. In this case, change to alternate DNS servers to fix your problem.
Kristian is a seasoned DevOps Engineer with over 6 years of experience in architecting, automating, and optimizing mission-critical AWS deployments. With 4 AWS certifications, Kristian brings a wealth of expertise to DevOps processes, including configuration management and CI/CD pipelines. Known for breaking down complex technical workflows into accessible insights. Join our External Writers Program and share your know-how with the global UptimeRobot community. Craft practical monitoring tutorials, earn competitive payouts for every accepted article, and let us deliver your insights to the readers who need them most. If your issue persists after relaunching the browser, your Windows or Mac machine may have a minor problem.
With the LAN proxy server disabled, restart your browser and attempt to access the website again. When this error occurs on a specific website, your first step should be to identify whether the issue is on your end or with the website itself. This can be done by visiting a service like Downdetector and searching for the affected website. In this case, you can use alternate DNS servers to resolve your issue. These servers work the same way as your original ones, causing no difference in how your internet-enabled apps work.
If you or someone else has set incorrect date and time settings on your PC, that may be why you can’t access your site. In this case, fix your PC’s date and time, and your issue will be resolved. In this case, you can change your public IP address by turning on a VPN or proxy server on your PC. This allows you to get a new IP address, letting you access your site.
If you are on your organization’s computer, an enabled proxy can be the reason behind the error. Proxy creates a channel between your PC and the Internet so that your organization’s admin can know which sites you are visiting and monitor the Internet activities. If you use third-party VPN applications or extensions in your browser, disable it and try accessing the website afterward. Steps to disable the extensions depend upon the browser you are using. Fixing this error is of the utmost importance since you can not visit that particular website until you solve it.
While VPNs are great for privacy, many websites block VPN traffic to prevent people from bypassing geographic restrictions. If you’re using a VPN when you get an access denied message, this might be the culprit. As automated browsing continues to rise, so too will the complexity of security measures employed by websites. The trajectory suggests an ongoing evolution, where websites develop more nuanced systems for distinguishing between legitimate users and bots. Seamless user experiences may intertwine with sophisticated security technologies, utilizing AI-driven solutions that adapt dynamically to user behaviors. Temporarily disabling antivirus software can pose security risks, as it leaves your system vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
If you have an active VPN connection on your PC, it may be preventing you from accessing the website. This wikiHow teaches you what to do when you can’t access a particular website. JavaScript is integral to many websites for creating dynamic content and user interactions. A browser with JavaScript disabled or blocked can be mistaken for a bot. Websites may deny access to such users, interpreting disabled JavaScript as a sign of automation, thus limiting legitimate access to content.
Many reputable VPN services offer servers specifically designed to avoid blocks, so consider upgrading if you need VPN access. When you see an Access Denied on server message, it means the website’s server has blocked your request to view the page. Think of it like trying to enter a building where the security guard stops you at the door – the website exists, but something is preventing you from getting in. You can run it and see if it identifies the issue with the denied access error. If you are bound to use VPN, consider using the premium version. Free VPNs have blacklisted IPs that are blocked from accessing many websites.
In that case, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below to address the error. Your computer’s antivirus program may have blocked your access to your specific site. If you’re sure you can trust the site, you can disable your antivirus protection and see if you can launch your site. Performing a Network Reset helps solve many problems with Internet connections. If any network adapter settings Website Access Denied were misconfigured, it would be reverted back to the factory defaults, and you should not face the access denied issue.