The Bing AI Chatbot is seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft Edge browser, offering a convenient way to obtain answers to your inquiries. Powered by ChatGPT, this tool proves valuable for research, obtaining answers, and completing assignments.
However, if you encounter the message ‘Sorry, looks like your Network Settings Are Preventing Access To This Feature’ due to internet issues, it may hinder your use of the Bing AI Chatbot or limit access to specific features. Let’s explore various solutions to address this problem.
Common Causes Of ‘Sorry, Looks Like Your Network Settings Are Preventing Access To This Feature’ Issue
The error message ‘Sorry, looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ on Bing AI Chatbot may arise for several reasons, such as:
- Slow or poor internet connection.
- Firewall settings blocking Bing or Microsoft Edge.
- Corrupted cache and cookies in the browser.
- Server outage on Bing.
- Outdated browser.
- Incompatible or problematic browser extensions.
- Geographic or regional restrictions.
- VPN connection or proxy server issues.
- Incorrect DNS configuration.
- Account restrictions.
Fix ‘Sorry, Looks Like Your Network Settings Are Preventing Access To This Feature’ Bing AI
Below are the steps you can take to address the ‘Sorry, looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ issue:
Restart Browser
If you encounter the ‘Sorry, looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ message, browser bugs may be the cause. Resolve this by restarting Microsoft Edge to eliminate bugs and glitches:
- Open the Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination.
- If not already on it, navigate to the Processes tab.
- Select Microsoft Edge and click on End Task.
- Relaunch Microsoft Edge.
- Attempt to use Bing AI Chatbot again to check if the issue persists.
Clear Cache And Cookies On Microsoft Edge
If you encounter this problem, it may be due to corrupted cache and cookies on your Microsoft Edge browser. To resolve this issue, you need to clear the browser cache. Follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the address bar at the top.
- Navigate to the following address:
edge://settings/clearBrowserData - Under the Time Range, click on the drop-down menu and select “All Time.”
- Check the checkboxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
- Click the “Clear Now” button to clear the cookies and cache.
Check Your Internet
To address the ‘Sorry, looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ issue, ensure your internet connection is stable. If you’re experiencing slow internet, follow these steps:
- Close any unnecessary apps on your PC that you’re not currently using.
- Disconnect other devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Enable and then disable flight mode on your PC. Reconnect to Wi-Fi to check for the issue.
- If the problem persists, attempt to connect to another Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, connect your PC to the router using a LAN cable if possible.
Turn Off Metered Connection
A metered connection restricts the upload and download speed of your internet. If this setting is active for your connected network, it can lead to slow internet and potential issues with the Bing AI chatbot. To resolve this problem, disable the metered connection using the following steps:
- Click the Start icon to open the Start Menu, then select the Settings icon.
- In the Settings sidebar, click on Network & Internet.
- Now, choose WiFi or Ethernet, depending on your network type.
- Next, click on the [Connection name] Properties option. Note: Replace [Connection name] with the name of your Ethernet or WiFi network.
- Locate the Metered Connection option and switch off the toggle next to it.
Reset Network Settings
Attempt resetting the network settings on your PC to address not only the unstable internet but also potential network configuration issues causing the ‘Sorry, it looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ problem. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + I key combination to open Settings.
- Click on Network & Internet in the left sidebar, then select Advanced Network Settings.
- Now, click on the Network Reset option.
- Click the Reset Now button and confirm by clicking Yes.
- Restart your PC to save the changes.
Disconnect From VPN Or Proxy Network
The problem may also arise from using a VPN or proxy network. Typically employed for private browsing and accessing geo-restricted content, these networks can lead to the issue. To resolve it, disconnect from the VPN or proxy network you’re currently linked to and check if the problem persists.
Disable Extensions On Edge
The ‘Sorry, it looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ error message may be attributed to third-party extensions installed on your PC. To troubleshoot, try disabling the extensions on your browser:
Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the following address: edge://extensions/.
You’ll find a list of all installed extensions.
Turn off the toggle for each extension one by one to identify which one is causing the issue.
If disabling a specific extension resolves the problem, click on the Remove button to uninstall that extension.
Update The Browser
Encountering this problem may also result from using an outdated browser. To address this, update your browser to the latest version and check if the issue persists. Follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge on your PC.
- Click on the Menu icon located in the top right corner.
- Hover over Help and Feedback in the menu.
- Select About Microsoft Edge.
- Microsoft Edge will check for available updates. If updates are found, proceed to install them on your PC.
Turn Off Firewall
Another troubleshooting step involves disabling the firewall on your system, as it might hinder the proper functioning of Bing AI Chatbot. Follow these steps to turn off the Firewall, specifically for Windows Firewall users:
- Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Start icon.
- In the Start Menu, type “Windows Security” and press Enter to open it.
- Click on “Firewall & network protection.”
- Within this section, you’ll find three networks: Domain Network, Private Network, and Public Network.
- Click on the “Public Network.”
- Turn off the toggle under “Microsoft Defender Firewall.”
- In the UAC Prompt that appears, click “Yes.”
- Similarly, disable the firewall for Private Networks and Domain Networks.
- If you have a third-party antivirus or firewall on your PC, disable it using Windows Security.
Change DNS
You can attempt to change the DNS as an additional troubleshooting step. Follow these instructions:
- Open Settings by pressing the Windows + I key combination.
- On the left sidebar, click on Network & Internet.
- Now, click on WiFi or Ethernet.
- Click on Hardware Properties.
- Click on the Edit button next to the DNS Server Assignment.
- Click on the drop-down menu and select Manual.
- Turn on the toggle under IPv4.
- Set Preferred DNS as 8.8.8.8 and Alternative DNS as 8.8.4.4.
- Click on Save to apply the changes.
Note: The DNS values mentioned above belong to Google’s DNS. You can opt for a different DNS if desired.
Conclusion
Following the steps outlined above should assist in resolving the ‘Sorry, looks like your network settings are preventing access to this feature’ problem with the Bing AI chatbot. Occasionally, the issue may be attributed to a server outage, beyond individual resolution. In such instances, patiently waiting for a while before attempting to use Bing AI again is the recommended approach to address the issue.