The error message “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” typically appears when a device is unable to establish a connection 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 Router, Incorrect DNS settings, or Firewall or Security Software blocking the port used for DNS communication are some common reasons behind this error. Whatever the reason, here is how you can fix the Your DNS Server Might Be Unavailable issue in Windows 11 and 10.
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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 allow 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 factors like incorrect DNS server addresses, 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.
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- Outdated entries in your local DNS cache can lead to this error.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 Router and Computer
Restarting your device can be a simple yet effective way to automatically resolve various issues on Windows computers. Power cycling your Windows device, along with your router and modem, helps reset their static memories. This process has the potential to fix problems like the “DNS server not responding” or “DNS server might be unavailable” issue.
- To do this, first press the power button on your router, and then unplug the power cable
- Wait for approximately 30 seconds,
- Plug the router back into the power outlet, and press the power button to initiate the restart.
- At same time restart your Windows 11 PC as well.
This action helps resolve the issue and restore Internet access for most users.
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 or Reset DNS Settings
If you’re still encountering the “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” issue after power cycling both your computer and router, you can try flushing the DNS cache or Reset DNS Settings. Flushing the DNS cache essentially clears out any outdated or incorrect entries that might be causing connectivity problems. Resetting the TCP/IP resolves any underlying issues with how your computer communicates with the network.
To resolve the “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” issue, you can follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on “Command Prompt” in the search results, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
- Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
- ipconfig /flushdns (This command flushes and resets the contents of the DNS client resolver cache.)
- ipconfig /registerdns (This command registers all related DNS entries.)
- ipconfig /release (This command releases the current IP address.)
- ipconfig /renew (This command obtains a new IP address from the DHCP server.)
- netsh Winsock reset (This command resets the Winsock catalog back to its default setting or a clean state.)
- Once you’ve executed these commands, type “exit” to close the Command Prompt.
- Finally, restart your Windows computer. This will allow the changes you made through the commands to take effect.
Run Network troubleshooter
Another effective method to address the “DNS server unavailable” error is by running the Network Connections Troubleshooter. This tool is a built-in feature in the Windows system specifically designed to diagnose and fix internet-related problems.
- 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.
Switch to Google DNS
Switching to open DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS addresses can often help resolve DNS-related issues, including the “DNS Server Unavailable” error. These open DNS servers are known for their reliability and speed. By using them, you bypass your Internet Service Provider’s default DNS servers, which may sometimes be less responsive.
- Press the Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your active connection (e.g., “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”) and select Properties.
- Find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on Properties.
- Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following DNS server addresses:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
- Click OK and restart your computer.
Alternatively, you can use the Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1, and Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1 to use Cloudflare DNS. These DNS servers provide a more reliable and faster internet connection, as well as help resolve DNS-related errors.
In addition, Temporarily turn off your antivirus or security software to check if it’s causing the DNS error. Ensure your network driver is up-to-date. Outdated drivers can lead to connectivity issues. You can Visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver updates. Again Resetting network settings can resolve configuration conflicts causing the DNS error.
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