Is your Windows 10 or 11 computer plagued by the dreaded "DNS Server Not Responding" error? Frustrating websites and unreachable servers are a thing of the past! This guide offers the quickest and most effective solutions to resolve this common network problem. We'll walk you through simple fixes, from restarting your network to advanced troubleshooting steps, ensuring you're back online in minutes. Let's get connected!
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Access Network Connections
- Right-click the Start icon, then click on 'Run'. Type 'ncpa.cpl' and click OK.
Access Network Connections -
Select Network Adapter
- Select your network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and right-click, choosing 'Properties'.
Select Network Adapter -
Configure DNS Settings
- Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'.
- Change DNS Server Addresses:
- 1.1.1.1 and alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS).
- Click 'OK' to save changes and close all windows.
Configure DNS Settings -
Flush and Register DNS
- Flush and Register DNS:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter.
- Type 'ipconfig /registerdns' and press Enter. This step is optional but recommended.
Flush and Register DNS -
Restart or Refresh Network Adapter
- Restart your computer (or disable and re-enable your network adapter in ncpa.cpl).
Restart or Refresh Network Adapter
Tips
- Always run Command Prompt as administrator for these commands to work effectively.
- Using Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS is known for its speed and reliability.
- If restarting isn't convenient, try disabling and re-enabling your network adapter as an alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrectly Configuring DNS Server Addresses
Reason: Entering wrong DNS server IP addresses (e.g., typos, using outdated addresses) prevents your computer from reaching the correct DNS servers.
Solution: Double-check the IP addresses for your preferred DNS server (like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS) and ensure they are entered correctly in your network adapter settings.
2. Ignoring the Network Adapter's Issues
Reason: A faulty network adapter or driver issues can disrupt the connection to the DNS server, even with correct settings.
Solution: Update your network adapter driver or try using a different network connection to see if the problem persists.
3. Overlooking Firewall or Antivirus Interference
Reason: Firewall or antivirus software might mistakenly block DNS requests, thus preventing your system from communicating with DNS servers.
Solution: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to check if it's interfering with DNS resolution, then reconfigure it to allow DNS traffic if necessary.
FAQs
Why am I getting the 'DNS server not responding' error?
This error usually means your computer can't communicate with a DNS server to translate website addresses (like google.com) into IP addresses (numbers your computer understands). This can be caused by various issues, including network problems, incorrect DNS settings, or problems with your internet service provider (ISP).
My problem still isn't fixed after trying the solutions. What should I do?
If the basic troubleshooting steps (like restarting your modem/router and flushing your DNS cache) don't work, the problem might be more complex. Consider contacting your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance. They can check for issues on their end, such as DNS server outages. You might also consider running a network diagnostic tool or checking for malware on your computer.