Quick Fixes for DNS Server Not Responding Windows Errors

Key Highlights

• The “dns server not responding” error can stop you from getting on the internet with your Windows computer.
• To start, try some fast fixes. Check if your connection is working. Restart your router. You can also try using a different browser.
• On a Windows computer, you can flush the domain name system (dns) cache. You can also reset your network adapter.
• A quick way that helps many people is to change the dns server to a public one like Google’s. This step can get you internet access right away.
• But, if these fast steps do not work, look at your network settings. Update your drivers. You may want to use safe mode to test things as well.
• If the error stays on Windows, the problem may come from your internet service provider.

Introduction

Seeing a “dns server not responding” error is a common issue. It can keep you from getting on the internet. The domain name system, or DNS, works much like a phonebook. It helps your computer turn a domain name into an address it can read. When this happens, your computer cannot reach the online phonebook. If you run a small business, this means you may not get on email, use cloud apps, or read any web page. This guide shows some easy steps to fix these Windows problems. It will help your small business get back online and fix your internet access.

Quick Fixes for DNS Server Not Responding Errors on Windows

When you see a dns error, you do not need to be a computer expert to start fixing it. The best way to solve the problem is often through some easy checks. Many times, these checks can get rid of most of the common problems. Before you change your network settings or move to another preferred dns server, try to find the simple things that might cause the dns error.

These first steps are quick and easy to do. You do not have to know much about computers. You will check your default browser. You will also reset your network adapter. The steps below can help you see what is wrong and how to fix the problem fast.

1. Confirm Your Internet Connection Is Working

Before you do anything, you need to check if your internet connection is working. A dns error can happen when there is no internet access. Go to your computer’s taskbar and find the WiFi or Ethernet icon. Look at it to make sure you are connected. If you use a cable, look at the ethernet cable and check if it is plugged in well at your computer and at your router.

If it seems like the connection is fine but things still do not work, you can use the tool that comes with Windows. This tool can help you find the problem. Checking this should be one of the first network settings you look at.

• Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
• Click Troubleshoot problems.
• Select Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter.

Windows will look for any connectivity issues and try to fix them. If the system tells you there is a problem but it can not fix it, or if it says there are no issues, you should go to the next step.

2. Try Accessing Websites with a Different Browser

Sometimes, the issue may not be in your network. It can be your default browser that has a problem. A broken cache or a bad extension in your browser can stop it from going online. This might show up as a false dns error. You can test this in a simple way. Switch to other web browsers and see if it works.

If you often use Google Chrome, you can try to open the same site in Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox. If the website opens with no trouble in another browser, then there is a problem with your main one.

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox

If you notice that a different browser works well, the problem might be with your default browser. To fix this, start by clearing its cache and cookies. If it does not help, turn off its extensions one by one. If you still see issues, reinstall the browser to get a fresh start.

3. Restart Your Computer to Clear Temporary Glitches

Restarting your computer may seem easy, but it can solve many problems. It can help fix troubles with your internet access. Sometimes the operating system gets small problems. Things working in the background can also make things not work right. When you restart, it clears the memory. This gives the system and your internet access a fresh start.

Instead of just pressing the power button, you should do a full restart. Go to the Start Menu. Click the Power icon. Then pick “Restart.” This makes all the system services stop and start again when Windows starts up.

Restarting your device can be a good way to fix some problems in the operating system. These problems could keep DNS requests from working right. If you do not see the error message after you restart, then it was probably just a short-term issue. If the error message is still there, try the next steps to fix it.

4. Reboot Your Router or Modem for a Fresh Connection

Your internet router or modem can be where DNS errors begin. These devices have their own software and store information in a cache. Over time, this cache can go bad. When you restart your internet router, it will clear the cache and reset the network settings. This makes it start a new connection with your service provider. Doing this is often a good way to fix common problems.

To do this the right way, unplug the power cable from the back of your router or modem. Do not just use the power button to turn it off. Wait at least 30 seconds. This lets all the parts inside shut down and the power get out.

After you wait, plug the power cable back in. Wait for the lights on the device to stop blinking. This might take one or two minutes. When the lights show there is an internet connection, try to open a website on your computer. A simple reboot like this can fix problems with DNS or the internet connection.

5. Disconnect and Reconnect to Your WiFi Network

If you use a WiFi connection and see a DNS error, try leaving the WiFi and then joining again. This may help fix the problem. When you join back, your computer will get new network settings from the router. This can help with small things that may go wrong with how the connection is set. It is a good first step if you have DNS issues while on WiFi.

To do this on Windows, find the WiFi icon in the system tray on the taskbar. Click on it, then choose your current WiFi network. Click the “Disconnect” button. Wait a bit. After that, click on the network name again and pick “Connect.” If your computer did not save your password, you will need to type it in.

If you want to start over, you can make your device forget the WiFi network. Right-click the WiFi icon. Go to “Network & Internet settings.” Choose “WiFi” and then pick “Manage known networks.” Find your WiFi network. Click on it and choose “Forget.” After this, connect to the network again as if it is new. This helps your device not use any old or wrong settings.

6. Disable and Re-enable Your Network Adapter

Your computer has a network adapter. The network adapter lets you connect to a network. If you turn the network adapter off and then on again in Windows, it works like a soft reset for the hardware and its drivers. This can help fix some network issues when starting your computer again or joining the network again does not work.

To do this, you need to open your network settings. The first step is to go to the Control Panel. Then, pick Network and Internet. Now, open Network and Sharing Center. On the left side, you will see an option called Change adapter settings. Click on that.

You will see a list with your network connections like “Wi-Fi” and “Ethernet.” Right-click the one you use now and choose Disable. Wait about 10 seconds so it can close fully. Next, right-click it again and pick Enable. Your computer will set up the network connection again. This can help fix the DNS error.

7. Flush DNS Cache in Windows

Your computer keeps the dns cache. This is a small spot where it stores the names and IP addresses of websites you have just visited. It lets the dns resolution be fast. But, if this dns cache is old or has wrong info, your computer might go to the wrong website. This can make the “dns server not responding” error show up. If you flush the dns cache, you tell your computer to clear out this old memory. After that, the computer has to get up-to-date info from the dns server. This can help solve many problems with dns resolution.

To clear the dns cache in Windows, you first need to open the command prompt. Make sure you run it as an admin. This way is simple and works well to fix the problem.

• Click the Start button. Type cmd.
• When you see Command Prompt in the list, right-click on it. Choose Run as administrator.
• A black window will come up. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

You will see a message that tells you the DNS Resolver Cache is now cleared. After this, try to visit a website again and see if the problem is still there.

8. Change DNS Server Settings to Google or OpenDNS

By default, your computer connects to the dns server addresses from your internet service provider. But if their dns server is down or busy, you might see a dns error. You can fix this problem by changing the dns server settings on your device. Try using a good public option like Google DNS. This can keep you online and help avoid errors from your internet service provider.

You can change the dns server and alternate dns server settings on your computer by hand. This can help if you have any issues with the servers from your internet provider. A lot of people use this way, and it helps fix many problems. Here are the addresses for two well-known public dns server options:

• Google DNS: The numbers are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• OpenDNS: The numbers are 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

To make these changes on Windows, open Network Connections by typing ncpa.cpl in the Start menu search. Right-click your active connection. Pick Properties. Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties. Click on “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the new dns server addresses. This is how you set up a new dns server using the internet protocol in network connections.

9. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software

Your security software, like the Windows Defender Firewall or other antivirus tools, helps keep you and your computer safe. These programs stop bad files and threats from getting into your system. But if the security is set too high, it can sometimes block good network traffic by mistake. This might even stop DNS requests that you need. If you turn off the Windows Defender Firewall or your security software for a short time, you can check if this is what is causing the problem.

To turn off Windows Defender Firewall, follow these steps. Make sure you switch it back on when you finish testing.

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Firewall & network protection.
• Click on your active network profile. This can be Private or Public. Next, turn the firewall off.

If you use third-party antivirus software, open the app to look for how to switch off its firewall or threat protection for a while. If turning off the security software makes the dns error go away, you will need to change the settings so it does not block your connection next time. Always remember to turn the security software back on after you are done checking for problems.

10. Turn Off IPv6 Protocol on Windows

The internet is switching from Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). This change is still going on. Not every network or website uses the new internet protocol yet. Because of this, there can be compatibility issues or DNS errors. If you turn off IPv6 on your Windows computer, it can help fix these problems.

You can switch off this protocol by watching your network adapter settings. First, open the panel where you see your network connections. To do this, type ncpa.cpl in the Start menu search bar and press Enter. This will show you a list of all your network adapters.

Right-click on your active connection. This can be WiFi or Ethernet. Then choose Properties. A list will open. Scroll down and find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Uncheck the box next to it. Click OK. Your computer will now use only IPv4. IPv4 is more common and works well for most people. If the error is gone, the internet protocol version issue with IPv6 was likely why you had a problem.

11. Remove Any Unused or Extra Network Connections

When you have more than one network connection turned on in Windows, it can make things not work well. For example, you might have WiFi and an ethernet connection working at the same time. You might even have virtual network adapters from a VPN. Your computer might not know which way to send this traffic when you do this. If you want to fix dns issues, turn off network connections you do not use. This can help your network work better.

To check your network connections, open the Network Connections panel. You can do this by typing ncpa.cpl in the Windows search bar. This will let you see all network adapters in your system now.

Look at the list of network adapters on your device. You may see some you do not need. For example, if you connect with WiFi, there could be an old ethernet connection. You may also see adapters made by VPN apps or software used for virtualization that you do not use now. Right-click on every network adapter you do not use and choose Disable. This will make sure only your main and active network adapter handles the traffic. This can also help take away problems caused by having too many connections.

12. Update Your Network Adapter Driver

The network adapter driver is a type of software. It lets your computer’s operating system work with the network adapter. If the network adapter driver is out-of-date, does not work right, or has some problem, this can make you get many connection problems. These problems can even be DNS errors. It is a good idea to check that you have the latest version of your network drivers. This is one important step when you want to fix issues with your connection.

You can update your driver with the Windows Device Manager. To do this, right-click the Start button. Then pick Device Manager. A window will come up. Look for the Network adapters group and click to open it. You will see all your hardware listed there.

Right-click on the network adapter you use. This could be your WiFi or your Ethernet adapter. Then click Update driver. Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search for the latest version. If Windows finds a new one, it will install it. If there is an update, restart your computer. After that, check if the DNS problem is now fixed.

13. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

If you feel that a third-party app or driver is causing the DNS error, you can use Safe Mode to check. Safe Mode turns on the operating system with only the files and drivers it needs. If you pick “with Networking” in Safe Mode, you also get internet access. This way, you can test if the problem is still there or not.

To use safe mode, hold down the Shift key and choose Restart from the Power menu. You will then see the “Choose an option” screen. After that, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and select Restart. When your computer turns on again, press the F5 key to pick Safe Mode with Networking.

When you are in safe mode, try to use the internet. If you do not see the DNS error, it means that a program you have added is the reason for the problem. A safe mode check helps you find if an antivirus, firewall, or VPN is behind this. These can change your network settings. You can start by removing any new apps to see which one is causing trouble.

14. Test with Another Device to Check If Issue Is Local

A big step when you face a problem is to check how big the problem is. You should know if the dns error is just on your computer or if someone else on the same network gets it too. A good way is to try the internet connection on a different device using the same WiFi or Ethernet network.

Try to open the website on another computer. You can also use a smartphone or a tablet. Make sure you have all these devices on the same network.

• If the other device can get on the internet with no errors, then the problem is with your Windows computer. You should keep fixing things with your network drivers, any software issues, or check your system settings.
• If the other device cannot get online too, then your computer is not the problem. The issue might be with your router, modem, or your internet service provider.

This simple test helps you see if the problem is with your computer or from outside. You do not have to spend your time working on the computer if that is not where the issue is. This way, you know what to do and can fix the issue in the best way.

15. Contact Your Internet Service Provider if Problems Persist

If you have done all the steps to fix the dns server not responding problem and it is still there, you should talk to your internet service provider. If the dns server is not working on more than one device, the problem might be with their dns service. This can happen when the internet service provider’s dns server is down or has a problem.

When you call your ISP, tell them the error message you see. Let them know what you did to try to fix it. This can help their team find out if there is a dns server issue or another network issue in your area. They will be able to check for any problems with their dns server to help you.

The problem could be something that you can’t fix on your own. Only the ISP can help with that. They can reset your connection or tell you if there is an outage near you. The ISP can also help you with any modem or router settings that work just for their service.

Understanding Why DNS Server Not Responding Happens on Windows

The “DNS server not responding” error message means your computer tried to connect to the Domain Name System but did not get any answer. Your device wants to go to a website, but the dns server that has the website address does not reply. This can happen because you have a small network problem. It can also happen if there is a big problem, like an outage at your internet provider.

For people who use Windows, there are some things that can lead to problems. Some common causes are wrong network settings, an old dns cache, firewalls giving trouble, or broken network drivers. The next parts will talk about these common causes and why dns settings are so important for your connection.

Common Causes for DNS Server Not Responding Errors

The dns error message can show up for different reasons. It might start in your own computer or be somewhere else in the network. When you know the common causes, it can help you figure out what is wrong faster. A dns error may happen if the dns server address in your network settings is not right. There might also be a short dns server outage that causes the problem. At times, software on your PC can block the connection and make the error message appear.

Sometimes, there can be compatibility issues between your system and the network. A common reason for this is when the internet protocol version does not work well with your device. If your browser can’t turn a domain name into an IP address, you will not be able to connect. That is why you get the error.

Here is a breakdown of the most frequent culprits.

How DNS Server Settings Impact Connectivity

Your dns server settings help your computer get online fast. They tell your device which dns server you need to use when you want to get the right ip address for a website. If the preferred dns server is slow or not working, your dns connections can stop. Your computer may not find the websites you want if the dns server is down or there is a problem.

This is why changing your DNS settings can make a big difference. When you choose a public and trusted DNS server on your own, you do not use the default DNS settings from your internet provider. The servers from your provider could be the reason for the problem.

• A preferred DNS server is the main dns server that your computer goes to first. It uses this dns server when it needs to find something.
• An alternate DNS server is the backup dns server. Your computer goes to this one if the preferred dns server is not up.

If you set up both the right way, your internet connection will have a backup. This means your service can work better and not stop often. If the default DNS settings do not work, you can switch to a public one that most people use. This is a fast way to fix the problem and get things working again.

Advanced Tips for Persistent DNS Server Issues

If you are still having dns issues after trying the basic fixes, you can try some advanced steps. If network diagnostics do not fix the network issues, you may use an alternative dns server. There are special tools you can use to get more info on what is causing the problem. This may help you find the root cause of the dns issues.

These tips are for when the problem is more than a small glitch. The issue could be something big with the setup. It may also mean there is a problem with your dns service.

Using Third-Party DNS Tools for Troubleshooting

You can do more than just switch your dns server addresses. You can use third-party dns server tools to find and fix problems. A public dns server like Google DNS can be a good and fast choice instead of the one your internet provider gives you. A public dns server will often give you better and faster dns resolution. You should check if the problem is with your provider’s dns. This is why many people use Google DNS to see if the problem is in their own network.

If you change your dns settings to one of these services and the connection works right away, then the problem is with your ISP’s servers. There are also some good servers from other companies that you can try.

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

Using a public dns server is something a lot of people in IT support do. These dns server addresses can fix internet issues and help to keep your connection steady. If your normal dns settings are not working, people often try these addresses first. It is one of the things that can help you get back online fast.

Checking for Network-Wide Outages or ISP Problems

If you notice this problem on more than one device, it shows that it is not just a problem with your own network. You should check if there is a bigger problem in the network or find out if your internet service provider is having an outage. At times, your internet service provider can face technical problems that cause trouble for many people near you.

A quick way to see if it works is to use mobile data on your phone. Be sure WiFi is off. Look up something by using mobile data on your phone.

• Go to your ISP’s official website or check their social media pages. They often tell people about any outages that are going on.
• Look at third-party outage tracking websites like Downdetector. Here, people share if they are having trouble with their service.

If you see there is a big problem, you can’t really do much except wait for your ISP to fix it. This is good because you do not have to check things by yourself when the trouble comes from outside your home.

Conclusion

Running into a dns server not responding error can feel annoying, but it does not have to stop you for long. First, check your internet connection to see if there is a problem. Then, turn your devices off and on. Next, try to change the dns server and update your network settings. These steps often help you get back online fast and fix most of the trouble.

If the same error is still there, see if it is an issue with your internet service provider. A step-by-step plan lets you get back online quicker and helps you learn about your network settings. If you still cannot fix the issue or if the problem is big, get help from your internet service provider. This way, you can still use the internet and keep everything running well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does flushing the DNS cache do in Windows?

Flushing the DNS cache in Windows will take out all the saved links from a domain name to an IP address. You can do it fast using a command in Command Prompt. When you use this command, your computer will check the DNS server addresses again to get the right information. This helps your computer do proper DNS resolution. You will get the most up-to-date info and will not use old data from your computer about the DNS server.

Does changing my DNS server improve reliability?

Yes, when you change your DNS settings, it can help your network connections work better. The DNS server you get from your internet company may be slow or have problems. You can choose a different DNS server, like Google or Cloudflare, as your preferred DNS server. A lot of people do this to fix local DNS issues. Using a new DNS service can give you a faster and more steady connection. This is a good way to fix many DNS problems and make things work well.

Should I disable IPv6 to fix DNS server not responding errors?

If you turn off the IPv6 protocol, it can help for a short time if you get a dns error. This may happen because your network adapter does not work well with an old network. But this is not a good fix if you want to solve the problem forever. IPv6 will be very important for the internet in years to come. Use this way only to see if there are any compatibility issues or something out of place with your network.