The error message “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” typically appears when a device cannot connect to the Domain Name System (DNS) server. The DNS server is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. When this error occurs, you will experience no internet access, difficulties in accessing websites, sending emails, using web applications, and even playing online games. Problems with network configuration or the Router, Incorrect DNS settings, or Firewall or Security Software blocking the port used for DNS communication are common reasons for this error. Whatever the reason, here is how to fix the “Your DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” issue in Windows 11 and 10.
What Is DNS?
DNS, short for Domain Name System, is a crucial component in computer networking. It helps translate web addresses (domain names) into IP addresses ( and vice versa), which allows your computer to reach a website’s server. This process is crucial for internet connectivity. If, for some reason, your device can’t communicate with the DNS server, you won’t be able to access the internet. This issue often arises from incorrect DNS server addresses, a corrupted DNS cache, or malware infections.
DNS ensures that when you type a website address, your computer knows where to find it on the internet.
Your DNS Server Might Be Unavailable why?
The reasons that might cause the DNS system error are various, issues within network configurations, server operations, and security measures are common.
- Problems with physical connections, such as loose or damaged cables, or issues with wireless signal strength and stability.
- Outdated entries in your local DNS cache can lead to this error. Flushing the cache may resolve it.
- A faulty network adapter can prevent communication with the DNS server.
- Malware can alter DNS settings, redirecting your requests to malicious servers.
- Incorrect DNS settings on your router can cause this error.
- Issues with your Internet Service Provider’s DNS server can disrupt connectivity.
Restart Your Router and Modem
Sometimes, simply power cycling your router and modem can resolve temporary connectivity issues.
- Unplug the power cords from both your router and modem.
- Wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Plug the modem back in and wait for all the lights to stabilize.
- Then, plug in the router and wait for it to fully power up.
- Try connecting to the internet again.
In addition, restart your PC to restart the running process and clear temporary glitches that might prevent internet access on your device.
Restart DNS client service
The DNS Client service is responsible for caching DNS records and providing DNS name resolution services. And restarting the DNS Client service can help resolve DNS-related issues, including the “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” error.
- Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services window.
- Scroll down to find “DNS Client” in the list of services.
- Right-click on “DNS Client” and select “Restart” from the context menu.
Alternatively, you can double-click on “DNS Client” to open its properties window, then click on the “Restart” button.
After restarting the DNS Client service, check if the DNS-related issue has been resolved.
Flush DNS cache
The DNS cache contains records of recent DNS lookups. Sometimes, these records can become outdated or corrupted, leading to connectivity problems. Flushing the cache essentially clears these records, forcing your computer to perform fresh DNS lookups.
Press the Windows key and type “cmd.” Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator” to open an elevated command prompt.
In the command prompt window run the following commands.
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /registerdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt
Close the command prompt and restart Windows 10. Now check if internet access is restored on your PC.
Run Network troubleshooter
The network troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows that can automatically detect and resolve various network problems. Running the network troubleshooter can be an effective way to diagnose and fix common connectivity issues, including those related to DNS.
- Click on the Start button and go to Settings.
- Go to system then Troubleshoot and click on Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to the network adapter and select WiFi or ethernet option to diagnose network adapter problems.
- The troubleshooter will attempt to identify and fix any issues related to your internet connection, including DNS server problems.
Next, run the Internet troubleshooter there and restart your PC to check if Internet access is restored on your PC.
Obtain DNS Address Automatically
Set your device to obtain DNS addresses automatically, it allows your computer to receive the DNS server information from your network or Internet Service Provider (ISP) through DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This can resolve issues related to incorrect or conflicting DNS server configurations.
- Press the Windows key + R, type “ncpa.cpl,” and press Enter. This will open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your current connection (e.g., “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”) and select “Properties.”
- Scroll down until you find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click the “Properties” button.
- In the new window, ensure that both “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
This setting allows your computer to automatically discover the correct DNS server needed for your configuration.
- Click “OK” and restart your computer. Once the system fully boots up, check if your internet connection has been restored.
Use Google DNS or OpenDNS
Both Google DNS and OpenDNS are alternative DNS servers that are often more reliable and faster than the default DNS servers provided by your ISP. And using Google DNS or OpenDNS can be an effective troubleshooting step for DNS-related issues.
- Again open network connection using ncpa.cpl, Click on your active network connection and choose Properties.
- Choose “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list and click “Properties.”
- In the General, tab, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Now enter 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as an Alternate DNS server.
- Alternatively, you can use 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123 instead.
- Also, checkmark on validate settings upon exit.
- Now click OK to save changes.
Update Network Drivers
Ensure that your network drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connectivity problems.
- Open Device Manager (you can search for it in the Start menu).
- Expand the “Network adapters” section.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the prompts to search for and install any available updates.
Sometimes, this problem can be an issue with your ISP. In that case, contact the support center and explain your problem. They will take steps to fix the problem that your DNS server might be unavailable.
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