Ever had your internet on, but a message says the DNS server isn’t working? This problem can mess up your online time and make you wonder what’s going on. But, fixing a DNS not responding error is easier than you might think.
In this article, we’ll show you easy fixes for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. Whether it’s a quick glitch or a long-term issue, we’ve got steps to get you back online.
If your WiFi is connected but nothing opens, check this too: WiFi Connected But No Internet: Fix
Key Takeaways
- The DNS server not responding issue can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps.
- Understanding what DNS does helps in recognizing why these errors occur.
- Quick fixes like restarting your router can resolve common DNS problems on Windows 10 and 11.
- Advanced solutions may involve updating network drivers or checking router settings.
- Being aware of temporary solutions can save you from prolonged internet downtime.
What DNS Does (In Simple Words)
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like a phonebook for the internet. It changes easy-to-read domain names, like example.com, into numbers that computers understand. Knowing how DNS works helps us understand why you might see dns problem windows 11 errors.
When you see a dns server not responding fix message, it means there’s a problem. This problem is usually with your DNS server’s ability to find domain names. Common reasons include server downtime, internet connection issues, or wrong DNS records. It’s important to figure out if the problem is in your local network or with the DNS provider.
Why DNS Errors Happen
Even if the internet seems to work, you might still see dns error messages. Several things can cause these errors, including:
- Server Unavailability: The DNS server might be down or too busy.
- Connectivity Issues: Problems with your internet connection can cause DNS errors.
- Incorrect Settings: If your DNS settings are wrong, the server won’t work right.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before looking into more complex solutions, start with some quick fixes. Simple changes can often solve the dns not responding windows 10 issue quickly.
Restart Router and PC
Power cycling your router can fix temporary glitches. Unplug your router for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. After that, restart your PC.
Try Another Browser
Try accessing the site in a different browser. This can help figure out if the problem is with the browser. Each browser has its own cache, which can cause DNS lookup issues. Switching browsers might fix the dns problem windows 11.
Turn Off VPN Temporarily
If you’re using a VPN, try disabling it. Some VPNs can cause DNS issues, leading to the dns not responding windows 10 error. Turning off the VPN might fix your connection.
| Step | Description | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Restart Router | Unplug for 30 seconds and reconnect. | Clears temporary glitches in DNS. |
| Try Another Browser | Use a different browser to access the site. | Identifies if the issue is browser-specific. |
| Disable VPN | Turn off your VPN connection temporarily. | Resolves possible DNS routing issues. |
Safe Fix Steps
If quick fixes didn’t solve your DNS problems, try these safe steps. They can help fix the dns server not responding issue effectively.
Flush DNS Cache (Step-by-Step)
Flushing your DNS cache may solve issues with outdated or corrupted records. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key and type “cmd” to open the command prompt.
- Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.”
- In the command window, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
For Mac users, open the terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Press Enter, and your DNS cache should be flushed.
Set DNS to a Reliable Provider
Changing your DNS settings can make your browsing better. Reliable public DNS servers can speed up and stabilize your internet. To change dns windows:
- Open Network and Sharing Center via Control Panel.
- Select your active connection.
- Click on “Properties” and highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
- Click “Properties” again, and select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
- Enter 8.8.8.8 for the preferred DNS server and 1.1.1.1 for the alternate server.
- Click “OK” and restart your connection.
Reset Network Adapter (Warning)
Resetting your network adapter can refresh your network settings. This method might erase some custom configurations. To reset:
- Open the command prompt as an administrator.
- Type netsh int reset all and hit Enter.
- Restart your PC to complete the reset process.
Remember, this action might remove customized settings. Keep a backup if necessary.
Advanced Fixes
If you’re still having dns problem windows 11, it’s time for advanced steps. You should update your network driver and check your router’s DNS settings.
Update Network Driver
An old network driver can cause many problems, like DNS issues. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Open the Device Manager on your Windows 11 PC.
- Find the “Network adapters” section and expand it.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
- Install any updates that are found.
Updating your network driver can fix many issues, like slow internet or disconnections.
If your laptop’s WiFi is also slow compared to your phone, this guide may help after DNS is fixed: WiFi Slow on Laptop But Fast on Phone: Fix It
Router DNS Settings Check
Now, check your router’s DNS settings. Wrong settings can mess up the internet for everyone. Here’s how to do it:
- Type your router’s IP address in your browser to access its settings.
- Use your admin login to get in.
- Go to the DNS settings section.
- Make sure it uses good DNS servers, like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).
- Save your changes and restart the router.
FAQs
Q: What does it mean if my DNS server is not responding?
A: It means your device can’t reach a DNS service to translate website names into IP addresses. The cause is usually a router glitch, a bad DNS setting, a VPN/proxy, or a temporary issue with the DNS service.
Q: How can I change my DNS settings on Windows?
A: Open Network and Sharing Center, click your connection, open Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then enter the DNS addresses you want to use and reconnect.
Q: What steps should I take if flushing the DNS cache does not resolve my issue?
A: Try restarting the router, disabling VPN temporarily, changing DNS to a reliable provider, and then resetting Winsock/IP if needed. If the issue affects all devices, check router DNS settings.
Q: Why does my internet work but I get a DNS error?
A: Your WiFi or mobile signal can be connected while DNS is failing. That means the connection is “up,” but name lookups are broken due to DNS settings, VPN/proxy, or DNS service problems.
Q: How do I flush DNS on Windows?
A: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns, then try your browser again.
Q: How can I fix a DNS problem in Windows 11?
A: Start with router restart, then flush DNS, then switch DNS to a reliable provider. If it still fails, reset Winsock/IP and update the network driver.
Q: Can I use a third-party DNS server for better performance?
A: Yes. Public DNS providers can be faster or more reliable than ISP DNS in some areas. If a DNS change makes things worse, switch back to automatic DNS.
Conclusion
DNS server not responding errors are usually caused by a glitch in the router, VPN, or cached DNS data, so quick steps like restart and flush DNS often fix it.
If the problem keeps coming back, changing DNS or resetting the network stack is a solid fallback before you assume your ISP is down.
Further Reading
DNS errors often show up together with “connected but no internet” and random Wi-Fi dropouts. These quick guides help you fix the root cause instead of repeating the same reset loop:
Browse more router and internet troubleshooting here: Wi-Fi & Networking
