Windows 11 keeps a local DNS cache so it does not have to look up the same website addresses over and over. When a site moves to a new server or a cached entry goes bad, that cache can send you to the wrong place or cause page-not-found errors. Flushing it forces Windows to fetch fresh records, and it takes one command.
Quick Answer
Open Terminal or Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns, and press Enter. Windows should reply that it successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
How to Flush DNS on Windows 11
- Right-click the Start button and choose Terminal. Choosing Terminal (Admin) also works and avoids permission issues on some managed PCs.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- Look for the confirmation message that the DNS Resolver Cache was flushed.
- Optional: type ipconfig /displaydns to confirm the cache is now nearly empty.
- Close and reopen your browser, then try the website again.
Useful DNS Commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| ipconfig /flushdns | Clears the Windows DNS cache |
| ipconfig /displaydns | Lists cached DNS entries |
| ipconfig /release then /renew | Requests a new IP address from the router |
| ipconfig /registerdns | Refreshes DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names |
Troubleshooting
- The command is not recognized: make sure there is a space before the slash and that you are in Command Prompt or PowerShell, not the Run box.
- The site still fails: browsers can keep their own DNS cache, so fully close the browser or clear its cache too.
- If the whole connection is flaky, try resetting the network adapter.
- On an older PC, see how to clear the DNS cache on Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to flush the DNS cache?
Yes. Windows simply rebuilds the cache as you browse. The only effect is that the first visit to each site may take a fraction of a second longer.
Do I need to restart after flushing DNS?
No. The change takes effect immediately.
How often should I flush DNS?
Only when you have a problem, such as a site not loading after a change. There is no need to do it routinely.
Summary
- Open Terminal or Command Prompt.
- Run ipconfig /flushdns.
- Confirm the success message.
- Restart your browser and test the site.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.