How Do I Fix DNS Server Is Not Available Windows 10?

If you are encountering the dreaded “DNS Server is Not Available” error on your Windows 10 computer, don’t panic! This issue can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to get your internet connection up and running smoothly again.

What is a DNS Server?

Before we delve into the fixes, let’s first understand what a DNS server is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as a phonebook for the internet. When you type in a website address (e.g., www.example.com), the DNS server translates that name into an IP address (e., 192.168.0.1) that your computer can understand.

Without a functioning DNS server, your computer won’t be able to connect to websites by their domain names, causing the “DNS Server is Not Available” error.

Fixes for DNS Server Is Not Available in Windows 10

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

A simple yet effective fix is to restart your router and modem. Sometimes, these devices encounter temporary glitches that can disrupt the DNS connection. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Locate your router and modem.
2. Unplug both devices from the power source.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds.
4. Plug them back in.

This action will clear any temporary issues and allow your devices to establish a fresh connection with the DNS server.

2. Change Your DNS Servers

If restarting your router and modem didn’t solve the problem, you can try changing your DNS servers manually. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the network icon in your taskbar.
2. Select “Open Network & Internet Settings. “
3. Click on “Change adapter options. “
4. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.

   “

5. Locate and double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). “
6. In the pop-up window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses. “
7. Enter the following DNS server addresses:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.4.4

Note: The above DNS servers are provided by Google, but you can also use other reliable DNS servers like OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.220.220) or Cloudflare (1.1.1 and 1.1).

If you prefer an automatic configuration, you can select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” instead.

3. Flush Your DNS Cache

If changing your DNS servers didn’t help, flushing your DNS cache might do the trick.

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “cmd,” and hitting Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.

This command will clear your computer’s stored DNS cache and force it to fetch new IP addresses from the DNS server.

4. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or faulty network drivers can also cause the “DNS Server is Not Available” error. To update your network drivers:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network adapters” section.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update.

5. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software can interfere with your computer’s connection to the DNS server. Temporarily disabling them can help determine if they are causing the issue.

Note: Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall after troubleshooting.

Conclusion

The “DNS Server is Not Available” error in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but with these fixes, you should be able to resolve it and get back online in no time. Remember to restart your router and modem, change your DNS servers if necessary, flush your DNS cache, update your network drivers, and temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software as needed. If none of these solutions work, it may be worth contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.

I hope this article has helped you fix this issue! Happy browsing!