msftconnecttest.com this site can’t be reached
You just arrived at a Hilton property hotel. You need to log on to the Internet, but your browser shows an error This site can’t be reached. www.msftconnecttest.com’s server IP address could not be found. Don’t worry, you just found the solution.
Why does this happen?
When using a Wi-Fi network that mandates user registration or agreement to terms of service, internet access will be restricted until the individual fulfills these requirements on a designated webpage, commonly known as a captive portal.
In your Windows computer is trying to test the network connectivity. Your computer is using a secure request to the network router. But, the router does not respond correctly. Windows gives you the “site can’t be reached” message. Disabling the secure DNS requests will correct this problem.
Google Chrome Fix
- Click on three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Click on the Settings near the bottom of the list.
- Next select Policy and security
- Scroll down to below the Advanced heading.
- Turn off the switch for Use secure DNS.
Microsoft Edge Fix
- Click on the horizontal three dots in the top right corner of the window.
- Expand the list to select the Settings link.
- In the search bar type in the word Security.
- In the search results locate Use secure DNS. Turn this off.
Microsoft Edge has a built-in free VPN that allows you to browse 5G bytes of data each month. This is more than enough to check your email, but not enough to view a movie online.
There is a reddit post about this issue with other solutions. From the reddit post this issue has been seen for the last 6 years at Hilton properties. Locations that could have this issue are Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, and Spark by Hilton.
Technical Details
The Microsoft Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) plays a crucial role in identifying whether a network connection is available and whether it leads to the Internet or is confined to local access. This system was created to relieve applications from the intricate process of figuring out network settings independently. Without NCSI, every action taken over the network would necessitate ongoing monitoring to confirm that connectivity remains intact.
This failure occurs because your computer sends a Secure DNS request to find the current location of http://www.msftconnecttest.com. The Internet gateway at the hotel does not respond to the “tell me where” request to reach the msftconnecttest site. When an unencrypted DNS request is sent from your computer everyone along the path to the Microsoft connection test works together perfectly. Unencrypting this request means anyone world wide monitoring the hotel Internet address can see that your machine tried to connect to Microsoft. Please make you next click to open a virtual network connection to cloak your activity from the prying eyes out on the Internet.
