Internet works in one browser but not another on Windows 11?

howtosimply.com/guides/internet-works-in-one-browser-but-not-another-on-windows-11/ · Checked October 2026 · Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC

6 of 7 steps with real screenshots · 2 official sources below

Device

Windows

Shown on

Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC

App

Settings

Real screenshots

6 of 7 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

2 official, linked below

Step by step

1. Rule out the browser first

   Open a private window in the failing browser and load a page. In Edge, this is an InPrivate window, marked InPrivate at the top right.

   If the page loads there, an extension or a browser setting is the likely cause: skip to the extension step.

   Done

2. 

   Open the Proxy settings

   Open Settings, Network & internet, Proxy.

   On our Cloud PC, Automatically detect settings is On and Use setup script is Off, which is usual for a home PC.

   Done

3. 

   Switch off a proxy you did not set up

   Under Manual proxy setup, Use a proxy server should say Off unless your workplace gave you one.

   A proxy added by unwanted software can block some browsers. Click Set up and switch it off.

   Done

4. 

   Check the DNS setting

   Open Network & internet, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, then your network.

   On our Cloud PC, both IP assignment and DNS server assignment show Automatic (DHCP).

   Click Edit next to DNS server assignment.

   Done

5. 

   Set DNS back to Automatic

   In the Edit DNS settings box, choose Automatic (DHCP) from the list and click Save, unless you set a DNS server on purpose.

   On our Cloud PC, the list offers two choices: Automatic (DHCP) and Manual.

   If the box shows Manual, Microsoft says the DNS server addresses were typed in by hand; picking Automatic (DHCP) lets the router set them.

   Done

6. 

   Switch off the browser's extensions

   In Edge, go to edge://extensions and switch off every extension under Installed extensions, then try again. A VPN or ad blocker extension is a common cause.

   On our Cloud PC, the list shows Microsoft Multimedia Redirection and Google Docs Offline, both switched off, and the page says Managed by your organization.

   Done

7. 

   Check the browser's secure DNS

   In Edge, open Settings, Privacy, search, and services and scroll to Use secure DNS. If it is on with a provider you did not choose, switch it off and try again.

   A briefcase icon next to the switch means your organisation controls it.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Your PC uses Wi-Fi Microsoft says to open Wi-Fi, Manage known networks and choose your network to reach its IP and DNS settings, instead of the Ethernet page in our pictures. Sources: Use a proxy server in Windows, Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows
• Use a proxy server is On on a work PC Microsoft says some companies require a proxy server and give out its details. Leave it on and ask your IT department. Sources: Use a proxy server in Windows, Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows
• Use secure DNS cannot be changed A briefcase icon next to the switch means your organisation manages it, as on our Cloud PC. Ask your IT department.

If this does not work

• Use setup script is on and you did not add it Microsoft says a setup script is only needed when your organisation uses one. Click Set up next to Use setup script and switch it off. Sources: Use a proxy server in Windows, Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows
• Only the VPN connection fails The Proxy page on our Cloud PC says its settings don't apply to VPN connections. Microsoft says a VPN has its own: Network & internet, VPN, select the connection, Advanced options, then Edit next to Proxy settings for this VPN connection. Sources: Use a proxy server in Windows, Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows
• Edit DNS settings already shows Automatic (DHCP) DNS is not the cause. Click Cancel to close the box without changing anything and go on to the browser steps.
• Extensions page says Managed by your organization Some extensions and settings may be locked by your organisation, as on our Cloud PC. Ask your IT department before removing them.

About this guide

When Chrome works but Edge does not, or the other way round, Windows itself is online. People on Microsoft Q&A asked about exactly this in late September 2026. The usual causes are a proxy, a DNS setting, or something inside the one browser that fails.

The screenshots are our own, taken on Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 running as a Microsoft Cloud PC, a Windows PC that runs in the cloud. Edge on our Cloud PC is managed by an organisation, so some of its settings are locked.

Good to know

Security software can block one browser. If you run another antivirus besides Windows Security, check its web protection or firewall list for that browser.

Nothing works in any browser? Start with Ethernet not working on Windows 11: 6 fixes to try.

In short: Private window first. Then Settings, Network & internet, Proxy: no unknown proxy. DNS server assignment: Automatic (DHCP). Then the browser's extensions and its Use secure DNS setting.

📷 Camera Lab: the same 6 scenes photographed with 11 phones, side by side.