reddit, facebook and other apps do not load

Because pictures fail across several apps and browsers, run the Windows 11 Network and Internet troubleshooter first, then reset the network stack rather than reinstalling individual apps.

1. Run Windows network diagnostics

1. Open Start, search for Get Help, and open it.
2. Search for Network and Internet troubleshooter.
3. Run the diagnostics and apply any recommended fix.
4. Restart the affected apps and test whether pictures load.

Microsoft recommends this automated troubleshooter as the first Windows 11 connectivity check.^1^

2. Determine whether the PC or home network is responsible

Connect the PC temporarily to a different network, such as a phone’s mobile hotspot.

• Pictures load on the hotspot: restart the home modem/router by unplugging it for at least 30 seconds, then reconnect. Also check the router for content filtering or parental controls.
• Pictures still do not load: continue below; the issue is likely on the Windows PC.
• Other devices also fail on the home network: investigate the router or contact the Internet service provider.

If the router offers separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, testing the other band can also isolate a Wi-Fi connection problem.^1^

3. Check for traffic filtering

Open Settings → Network & internet → Proxy:

• Leave Automatically detect settings enabled.
• Turn off Use a proxy server unless the proxy is intentionally required.

Temporarily disconnect any VPN. If third-party antivirus or firewall software is installed, update it first; then briefly pause its web/network protection only long enough to test. Re-enable protection immediately afterward. Proxy, VPN, and security filtering can affect multiple applications even while Windows reports that Wi-Fi is connected.^2^

Also check Settings → Time & language → Date & time and correct the clock if it is wrong, because inaccurate time can interfere with secure website connections.^2^

4. Reset TCP/IP and DNS

Right-click Start, select Terminal (Admin), approve the prompt, and run these commands in order:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart Windows afterward and test Reddit or Facebook again. These commands reset Winsock and TCP/IP, obtain a fresh address, and clear the DNS resolver cache.^1^

5. If only Edge remains affected

If images now load in other apps or browsers but not Edge:

1. In Edge, open Settings and more → History → Open history page.
2. Select Delete browsing data.
3. Set Time range to All time.
4. Select Cached images and files, then Clear now.
5. Check for updates at Settings and more → Settings → About Microsoft Edge.

If that fails, close Edge and go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Microsoft Edge → Modify → Repair. Repair should preserve Edge data and settings.^3^

6. Last resort: Windows network reset

Use this only if all apps and browsers remain affected:

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.
2. Select Reset now → Yes.
3. Wait for Windows to restart, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and test again.

Network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and returns their settings to defaults. VPN clients or virtual networking software might need to be configured again afterward.^4^

If the problem continues, note whether text loads while only pictures fail, whether the mobile-hotspot test works, and any displayed error code. Those details distinguish DNS/filtering problems from graphics or website-specific failures.

References

1. Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
2. Internet not working for several applications and websites - Microsoft Q&A
3. What to do if Microsoft Edge isn't working | Microsoft Support
4. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-ethernet-connection-problems-in-windows#on-your-pc)