Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.

Here’s a quick step by step guide that will allow you to access the Advanced built-in Firewall settings and enabling the correct outbound rule: But keep in mind that the outbound rule that needs to be enabled will be different if you’re encountering the issue with an ethernet connection. Some affected users have managed to fix the issue by accessing the Advanced Security suites of Windows Firewall and enabling the problematic outbound rule. This scenario is most encountered on a Wi-Fi connection.Īccording to some affected users, this particular issue can occur due to an Outbound rule called ‘ Connected Devices Platform – Wi-Fi Direct Transport (TCP-Out)‘. Method 1: Enabling Connected Device Platform rule in Windows FirewallĪs it turns out, the ‘socket error’ when running an Internet speed test with your browser can be caused by your firewall – even if you’re using the built-in firewall (Windows Firewall).

If all else fails, you should consider using a different speed testing tool that is more permissive with your Internet connection. If this scenario is applicable, disable the real-time syncing feature of your cloud solution and see if the issue is resolved. However, cloud solutions like Onedrive or Google Drive are also reported to trigger the ‘ Socket Error‘. Additionally, you should look to disable the real-time protection or uninstall the 3rd party suite altogether. In this case, you can resolve the problem by enabling the outbound rule from the Advanced settings of the Windows Firewall.īut if you’re using a 3rd party AV or Firewall, you might need to whitelist the domain of the SpeedTest tool that you’re using in order to allow the test to complete.

If it’s disabled, you AV might not allow connections with speed test utilities. Socket Error On SpeedTestĪs it turns out, one of the most common instances that will produce the Socket Error is an outbound rule ( Connected Devices Platform – Wi-Fi Direct Transport (TCP-Out)) belonging to Windows Firewall. In most cases, this issue is reported to occur with SpeedTest. Some Windows users are trying to run a speed test on their Internet connection, but every online tool that they try to use will end up displaying the ‘ Socket Error‘ message.

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