Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10
Alright, so you’re getting that annoying "DNS server not responding" error on your Windows 10 computer, and it’s driving you nuts, right? No worries, fixing it is easier than you might think! You’ll just need to tweak a few settings, and you’ll be back online in no time. Let’s dive into the steps to solve this pesky issue.
How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk you through several steps to fix the "DNS server not responding" error on Windows 10. These steps range from simple troubleshooting to more advanced network configuration tweaks.
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
First things first! Restarting your router and modem can often solve the problem.
Unplug your router and modem from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Allow the devices to fully restart before checking if the issue persists.
Step 2: Clear DNS Cache
Sometimes, the DNS cache can get corrupted and cause issues. Let’s clear it.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click and select "Run as Administrator"), then type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter. This command will clear your DNS cache and may help resolve the issue.
Step 3: Change DNS Server Address
If the default DNS server is having issues, changing it to a public DNS can help.
Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on your network connection and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties. Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 and alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google’s public DNS). Click OK to save changes.
Step 4: Disable IPv6
Disabling IPv6 can sometimes resolve the DNS server error.
Go back to the network connection properties (as in Step 3). This time, uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Click OK to save changes.
Step 5: Reset TCP/IP
Resetting the TCP/IP stack can resolve many network issues.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then type netsh int ip reset and press Enter. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Step 6: Update Network Adapter Driver
An outdated network adapter driver can cause DNS issues.
Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the list. Find your network adapter under "Network Adapters," right-click it, and choose "Update driver." Follow the prompts to update your driver.
Step 7: Disable Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, a firewall can block network connections. Try disabling it temporarily.
Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. Select "Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)" for both private and public networks. Check if the issue is resolved, then turn the firewall back on.
After completing these steps, your DNS server should be responding properly, and you should regain access to the internet.
Tips for Fixing DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10
- Always restart your computer after making network changes to ensure they take effect.
- Keep your network drivers updated to prevent similar issues in the future.
- Use a reliable DNS service like Google’s or Cloudflare’s for better stability.
- If you’re still having trouble, contact your ISP to make sure it’s not an outage.
- Consider using a wired connection if you frequently experience Wi-Fi issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a DNS server?
A DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access websites by their names instead of numerical IP addresses.
Why is my DNS server not responding?
The issue could be due to several reasons, including a bad DNS cache, outdated network driver, incorrect DNS server settings, or even issues with your ISP.
Can I use any DNS server?
Yes, you can use public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). These are generally reliable and fast.
Is it safe to disable the firewall?
Disabling the firewall temporarily for troubleshooting is generally safe, but always turn it back on once you identify the issue to maintain security.
How often should I update my network drivers?
It’s a good practice to check for updates at least once a month, or whenever you experience connectivity issues.
Summary
- Restart Your Router and Modem
- Clear DNS Cache
- Change DNS Server Address
- Disable IPv6
- Reset TCP/IP
- Update Network Adapter Driver
- Disable Firewall Temporarily
Conclusion
And there you have it! Fixing the "DNS server not responding" error on Windows 10 isn’t as complicated as it might seem at first. By following these steps, you can quickly get back to browsing the web without any hassles. Remember, technology can sometimes throw us a curveball, but with a bit of patience and know-how, you can usually solve most issues on your own. If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance, but these steps should cover most common problems. Happy browsing!
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.