How to fix DNS Server not responding Error on your computer

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error is a common issue that prevents accessing webpages or access Internet. This error usually occurs when the Domain Name System (DNS) fails to translate a website’s address into its corresponding IP address, making it impossible to load web pages. If you’re experiencing this issue on your Windows PC, don’t worry, this article explores what is Domain Name System (DNS), various solutions to fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” error and restore your internet connection.

What is a DNS Server and How It Works?

A DNS (Domain Name System) server is responsible for translating human-readable website names (e.g., www.google.com) into numerical IP addresses (e.g., 142.250.190.14) that computers use to identify each other on the internet. Every time you enter a URL into your web browser, your device contacts a DNS server to retrieve the corresponding IP address and connect to the website.

However, if for some reason DNS server fail to respond, your device cannot resolve domain names, resulting in the “DNS Server Not Responding” error.

• Incorrect DNS Settings – If your DNS configuration is incorrect, it can prevent proper internet access.
• ISP Issues – Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be facing technical problems.
• Network Connection Issues – Problems with your router or Wi-Fi can trigger the error.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference – Security software may block DNS connections.
• Outdated Network Drivers – Old or corrupt network drivers can disrupt internet access.
• Cache and Temporary Files – Corrupt DNS cache can lead to DNS resolution problems.

Restart Your Router and PC

Sometimes, network issues can be resolved by a simple restart.

• Turn off your modem and router.
• Wait for 5 minutes and turn them back on.
• Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

In addition, check if the Internet is working on your other devices and whether DNS errors appear on them too;

Restart DNS Client Service

The DNS Client service helps with DNS resolution. Restarting it can fix connection problems.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Find DNS Client in the list.
• Right-click it and select Restart.
• Check if the error persists.

Flush the DNS Cache and Reset IP Configuration

Flushing the DNS cache can help clear any corrupted entries causing the issue.

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as administrator.

• netsh winsock reset
• netsh int IP4 reset
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /registerdns
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew

Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Change DNS Server Address (Use Google DNS)

Switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can often resolve the issue.

• Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok to open the network connections window,
• Select your network adapter and right-click on it and go to Properties
• Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Select the radio button, Use the following DNS server addresses option
• And set your DNS here, Use Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 and Alternative DNS 8.8.4.4

• You also can use Open DNS. That is 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220.
• Checkmark on validating settings upon exit.
• Restart Windows and check if the problem is resolved or not.

Here are some of the free DNS providers and addresses you can use:

• Google: 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4
• OpenDNS Home: 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1
• AlternateDNS: 76.76.19.19 | 76.223.122.150
• AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112

If changing DNS didn’t fix the problem, then open Command Prompt.

• Type IPCONFIG /ALL and press enter.
• Now you will see your Physical Address right down it. Example: FC-AA-14-B7-F6-77.

Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and ok to open the network connections window.

• Right-click on your active network adapter, select properties.
• Under the advanced tab find Network Address in the property section and select it.
• Now mark on the value and type your physical address without dashes.
• Example: My physical address is FC-AA-14-B7-F6-77. So I’ll type FCAA14B7F677.
• Now click on OK and restart your PC.

Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or faulty network drivers can cause connectivity issues.

• Press Windows + R, type “devmgmt.msc” and ok to open device manager.
• Expand Network adapters,
• Right-click on the installed network adapter and select Update Drivers.
• Select the option “Search automatically for updated driver software”
• Let Windows check for the latest driver update, if available, this will down and install automatically.
• Restart Windows and check there are no more Network and internet connection problems.

If the above didn’t work then go to the manufacturer’s website and install the latest updated driver. Reboot to apply changes, and check the problem is fixed or not.

Disable IPv6

Some users report disable IPv6 to help them to fix the DNS server problem.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and ok,
• Right-click on active network/WiFi adapter select properties,
• Here uncheck the option Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IP)
• Click OK then click Close. Reboot your PC to save changes.

In addition, start Windows 11 in clean boot state and check if there is no more problem access the internet on your device.

Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Security software can sometimes block DNS requests. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall to check if they are the cause.

• Open Windows Security (Press Win + I, then navigate to Privacy & Security > Windows Security).
• Click Firewall & network protection.
• Temporarily turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
• Check if the internet starts working. If it does, add your network as an exception in the firewall settings

Use a Different Web Browser

The issue might be browser-related. Try opening websites on a different browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

• If websites load properly on another browser, reset or reinstall your default browser.
• If the error persists across all browsers, proceed with other troubleshooting steps.