It can be frustrating when you try to access a website and receive an “Access Denied on This Server” error. 

This issue can be caused by several factors, including proxy or VPN settings, firewall or antivirus interference, browser misconfigurations, or problems with the website itself.

Below are steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Possible Solutions to Fix the Error

1. Use a Different Browser

Your current browser may be causing the issue due to incorrect settings or cached data. Try opening the website in a different browser to see if the problem persists.

If the site loads properly in another browser, the issue likely lies with your original browser’s configuration.

2. Check Other Websites

Determine whether the issue is limited to one website or affects multiple sites.

If only one website is giving you trouble, the problem might be with its server, which could be down for maintenance or overloaded. 

You can check website status using tools like Downdetector or downforeveryoneorjustme.com.

3. Restart Your Browser

A minor glitch in your browser may prevent access to certain sites. Close your browser completely, then reopen it and try accessing the website again.

4. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, system glitches can interfere with internet access. Restart your computer to refresh system settings and see if the issue is resolved.

5. Scan for Malware

Malware can disrupt your internet connection or block access to websites. Run a full system scan using a reputable antivirus program to detect and remove any potential threats.

6. Disable Your VPN

A VPN may cause conflicts with certain websites, especially if they restrict access based on geographic location. 

Disable your VPN and check if the issue persists. If you regularly use a VPN, consider using a premium service that offers a dedicated IP address to reduce the chances of being blocked.

7. Turn Off Your Firewall

Your firewall settings may be preventing access to specific websites. If you use a third-party firewall or a router-based firewall, disable it temporarily and see if the site loads.

Disabling Firewall on Windows:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and search for Windows Security.
2. Click Firewall & network protection.
3. Select your active network and toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall off.
4. Repeat for all network types.

Disabling Firewall on Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Go to Network > Firewall.
3. Toggle the firewall off.

8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Some websites contain scripts that antivirus software may mistakenly flag as threats.

If you trust the website, try disabling your antivirus program and then reloading the page.

Disabling Windows Defender Antivirus:

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Click Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
3. Toggle Real-time protection off.

9. Clear Site Data

Corrupt or outdated cookies may be causing access issues. Deleting site data for the affected website can help.

Clearing Site Data in Chrome:

1. Open Settings and go to Privacy and Security.
2. Click Site settings > Third-party cookies.
3. Click See all data and permissions.
4. Find the affected site and click the trashcan icon.

Clearing Site Data in Firefox:

1. Open History from the menu.
2. Right-click the affected website and select Forget this site.

Clearing Site Data in Edge:

1. Open Settings and go to Cookies and site permissions.
2. Click Manage and delete cookies and site data.
3. Find the affected site, click the drop-down menu, and delete the cookies.

Clearing Site Data in Safari:

1. Open Safari and go to Settings > Privacy.
2. Click Manage Website Data.
3. Select the site and click Remove.

10. Reset Browser Settings

A misconfigured setting or browser extension could be blocking access. Resetting your browser to its default state can resolve the issue.

Resetting Chrome:

1. Open Settings and click Reset Settings.
2. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Click Reset settings.

Resetting Firefox:

1. Open the menu and go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox… and confirm.

Resetting Edge:

1. Open Settings and go to Reset Settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their default values and confirm.

Resetting Safari:

1. Open Settings and go to the Advanced tab.
2. Enable Show Developer menu.
3. Open the Develop menu and select Empty Caches.

11. Disable Proxy Settings

Incorrect proxy settings may block access to certain websites. Disable them to see if that resolves the issue.

Disabling Proxy in Windows:

1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet.
2. Click Internet Options > Connections.
3. Select LAN Settings.
4. Ensure Automatically detect settings is checked and uncheck Use a proxy server for LAN.
5. Click Apply and exit.

Disabling Proxy on Mac:

1. Open System Settings and go to Network.
2. Select your network and click Proxy.
3. Ensure Auto proxy discovery is enabled.
4. Turn off Web proxy (HTTP) and Secure web proxy (HTTPS).

12. Renew Your IP Address

If your IP address is misconfigured, you may have trouble accessing websites. Renewing it can fix the issue.

Renewing IP on Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt and run the following commands one by one:
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • ipconfig /registerdns

Renewing IP on Mac:

1. Open System Settings and go to Network.
2. Select your network connection and click Details.
3. Navigate to the TCP/IP tab and click Renew DHCP Lease.

Final Thoughts

If none of these solutions work, the issue may be with the website itself.

You can try accessing it later or contacting the website’s support team for further assistance.