DNS server not responding windows

The “DNS server not responding” error on Windows 11 prevents accessing websites, streaming content, or performing online tasks. This issue typically indicates that your device cannot connect to the Domain Name System (DNS) server, which translates domain names (such as google.com) into IP addresses (like 172.217.160.142) that your computer uses to access the internet. It prevents your device from accessing websites and online services, even if your internet connection appears to be working. Problems with network configuration, faulty DNS settings, or connectivity issues are some of the possible reasons behind this. In this article, we’ll explain what DNS is, why DNS Server Not Responding error occurs, and share the most effective solutions to fix this error and get back online quickly.

What Is a DNS Server and Why Is It Important?

DNS stands for Domain Name Server is an end-to-end service that translates and then fetches the address of your required website to enable your access to it. When you type a web address like www.microsoft.com, your DNS server translates it into a machine-readable IP address such as 13.107.42.16. This process is essential for loading any website.

This allows computers to find and communicate with each other on the internet.

Why is DNS important?

  • Human-friendly interface: DNS allows us to use memorable domain names instead of complex IP addresses
  • Internet communication: It’s essential for computers to find and communicate with each other on the internet.
  • Ubiquitous and essential: The internet would not function without DNS.
  • Efficient web browsing: DNS helps users access websites and services quickly and efficiently.
  • Distributing information: DNS acts as a distributed database, constantly updating and evolving to ensure accurate translations.

Well, if for some reason your DNS server isn’t responding, your browser can’t find the website, even if your internet is technically working. This results in errors like:

  • “DNS server isn’t responding.”
  • “This site can’t be reached”
  • “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG”

What Causes the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error

This can happen due to various reasons, including network issues, a faulty router, problems with your DNS server itself, or even issues with your browser or antivirus software.

  • Incorrect DNS settings: Misconfigured DNS addresses can prevent your device from resolving website names to IP addresses.
  • Network connectivity issues: Problems with your router, modem, or internet connection can trigger this error.
  • Firewall or antivirus interference: Overzealous security settings may block DNS requests.
  • Outdated network drivers: Old or corrupted drivers can disrupt DNS functionality.
  • ISP issues: Your internet service provider’s DNS servers may be down or experiencing issues.

Restart Your Router and Computer

A simple restart of your PC and router can resolve temporary network issues or glitches that might be causing the DNS error.

  • Turn off your router and modem, wait for 30 seconds, then power them back on.
  • Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking Start > Power > Restart.
  • Once both devices are back online, check if the internet is working.

In addition, Disconnect VPN (If connected) and try to access any webpage.

Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP

Your system stores DNS lookups in a temporary cache to speed up browsing. However, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, causing your computer to request the wrong IP addresses or fail altogether. Flushing the DNS cache is a quick and effective way to fix DNS-related errors.

  • Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  • Run the command ipconfig /flushdns and wait for the confirmation message: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
  • In addition, run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew commands to release your current IP address and request a fresh IP and DNS settings from the network.

How to flush DNS cache windows 11

It resets the network’s name resolution process, ensuring your system uses the most recent and accurate DNS data. Reboot your computer and check if the internet connection is restored.

Change DNS Server Settings

Again, switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare can resolve issues with your ISP’s DNS servers. It also improves web performance and protects against DNS hijacking or tracking.

  • Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
  • Right-click your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  • Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Change DNS address

  • Click OK, then restart your connection.

Alternatively, use Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) for faster and more secure browsing.

Restart the DNS Client Service

The DNS Client service in Windows 11 manages and caches DNS lookups. If it crashes or freezes, even valid DNS queries may fail. Restart the DNS Client Service, refreshes the core Windows DNS processes, and even fixes temporary DNS-related issues.

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc and ok
  • This will open the Windows services console,
  • Scroll down and look for DNS client service,
  • If it’s running, right-click DNS service and select restart.
  • If it’s not started, right-click and select start.
  • Click apply and ok now check if the internet is working properly.

DNS client service

Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Network adapters rely on driver software that allows Windows to communicate with your network hardware. Outdated or corrupted network drivers can interrupt DNS queries or cause unstable internet behavior. Updating or reinstalling the driver fixes bugs that may interfere with DNS and ensures your hardware performs optimally on Windows 11.

Steps to Update Drivers:

  • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  • Expand Network adapters, right-click your network adapter, and select Update driver.
  • Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
  • Restart your PC after updating.

Update WiFi or Network Adapter Driver on Windows 11

Steps to Reinstall Drivers

  • In Device Manager, right-click the network adapter and select Uninstall device.
  • Restart your PC, and Windows 11 will automatically reinstall the driver.

Alternatively, you can visit the device manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest network adapter driver. Or use a third-party driver update tool to scan and update drivers automatically.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Some antivirus programs and firewalls include network protection modules that block suspicious DNS traffic. Temporarily disabling security Software helps identify if a security app is blocking DNS resolution.

  • Press Win + S, type Windows Security, and open the app.
  • Go to Firewall & network protection and select your active network (e.g., Private or Public).
  • Toggle off Microsoft Defender Firewall.
  • If using a third-party antivirus, disable it temporarily via its settings.
  • Test your internet connection.

Norton firewall

Reset Network Settings

If all else fails, Resetting network settings clears all network configurations and restores them to default. It gives you a clean slate to troubleshoot from, eliminate misconfigurations that other steps may miss.

  • Note: You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks after the reset
  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Navigate to Network & Internet> Advanced network settings > Network reset.
  • Click Reset now and confirm.
  • Your PC will restart, and network settings will be restored.

How to Reset Windows 11 Network Settings

Change Physical Address

Also, Some Users report that entering the Physical address in the Network adapter settings helps them to resolve DNS Server is not Responding problem.  You can also fix this issue by changing the physical address of your domain name system server.

  • Open the command prompt as administrator,
  • Then type ipconfig /all and hit the enter key to execute the command.
  • Here, look for the physical Address And Note down the same.

For Me its: FC-AA-14-B7-F6-77

ipconfig All Command

  • Now Press win + R Type ncpa.cpl And hit the enter key.
  • Right-click on the network connection and select its “Properties.”
  • Then Select “Configuration” to proceed further.

click on Configure

  • Now, move the “Advanced” tab, select Network Address.
  • Here you will see a category “Value” where you need to enter the physical address you got from the Command Prompt.
  • Click “OK” to save the changes.

Add the Physical Address

Now, try to connect again after rebooting the system. This time, it will work for sure.

If none of the above solutions work, the issue may lie with your ISP’s DNS servers.

  • Contact your ISP’s customer support and report the “DNS server not responding” error.
  • Ask if their DNS servers are experiencing outages or issues.
  • Request alternative DNS server addresses if needed.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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