How Do I Fix DNS Server Is Unavailable Windows 10?

If you’re encountering the “DNS Server is Unavailable” error on your Windows 10 computer, don’t worry! This issue can be frustrating, but with a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can get your internet connection up and running again. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of fixing the DNS Server is Unavailable error in Windows 10.

What is DNS?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand what DNS is. DNS stands for Domain Name System and is responsible for translating domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers understand. It acts as a phone book for the internet, allowing you to access websites by typing their domain names instead of remembering complicated IP addresses.

Possible Causes of DNS Server Unavailability

There are several reasons why you might encounter a DNS Server Unavailable error. Some common causes include:

• Network connectivity issues: Your computer may not be properly connected to the network.
• Incorrect DNS settings: The DNS settings on your computer may be incorrect or misconfigured.
• DNS server issues: The DNS server you’re trying to connect to may be down or experiencing problems.

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Check Network Connectivity

The first step in resolving the “DNS Server is Unavailable” error is to check your network connectivity. Here’s what you can do:

1. Restart your router and modem: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix network connectivity issues. Power off both your router and modem, wait for a few seconds, and then turn them back on.
2. Check physical connections: Ensure that all cables are properly connected. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure you’re within range of your router.

If the issue persists after checking your network connectivity, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings can also cause the “DNS Server is Unavailable” error. Follow these steps to check and update your DNS settings:

1. Open Network Connections: Press Win + X keys together and select “Network Connections” from the menu that appears.
2. Select your network adapter: Right-click on your active network adapter and choose “Properties”.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the list of items, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button.
4. Use automatic DNS settings: Ensure that both the “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” options are selected. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Step 3: Use an Alternative DNS Server

If the previous steps didn’t resolve the issue, you can try using an alternative DNS server. Here’s how:

1. Open Network Connections: Press Win + X keys together and select “Network Connections” from the menu that appears.
2. Use alternative DNS server: Select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option and enter the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers such as Google DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.220.220).

Conclusion

Encountering a “DNS Server is Unavailable” error can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue on your Windows 10 computer. Remember to check your network connectivity, verify your DNS settings, and try using alternative DNS servers if necessary.

By understanding how DNS works and having a few troubleshooting tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any DNS-related issues that may arise in the future.