How Do I Fix DNS Server Might Be Unavailable Windows 10?
Are you experiencing issues with your internet connection on your Windows 10 computer? One common problem that can disrupt your browsing experience is the “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” error.
This error indicates that your computer is unable to connect to the Domain Name System (DNS) server, which translates domain names into IP addresses. In this article, we will explore several troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue and get back online.
Step 1: Restart Your Router
The first step in resolving the “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” error is to restart your router. Sometimes, the issue can be temporary and easily fixed by power cycling your router. To do this:
- Locate the power button on your router.
- Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the device powers off.
- Wait for about 10-15 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
Step 2: Flush DNS Cache
If restarting your router didn’t solve the problem, you can try flushing your DNS cache. The DNS cache stores information about previously visited websites, and sometimes it can become corrupted or outdated, leading to connectivity issues. Here’s how you can flush the DNS cache:
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + X and selecting “Command Prompt” from the menu.
- In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
- You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.
Step 3: Change DNS Server Settings
If restarting your router and flushing the DNS cache didn’t work, you can try changing your DNS server settings. By default, your computer uses the DNS server provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
However, these servers can sometimes be unreliable. To change your DNS server settings:
- Open the Control Panel by pressing Windows key + X and selecting “Control Panel” from the menu.
- In the Control Panel window, click on “Network and Internet”, then “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left side of the window.
- Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties”.
- In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties“.
- In the next window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses“.
- Enter a public DNS server address such as Google’s DNS server: Preferred DNS server – “8.8.8“, Alternate DNS server – “8.4.4“.
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
Step 4: Disable VPN or Proxy
If you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy server, it’s possible that they are causing conflicts with your DNS settings. Try disabling your VPN or proxy temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
Step 5: Update Network Drivers
Outdated or faulty network drivers can also cause DNS-related problems. To update your network drivers:
- Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network adapters” category.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver“.
- Choose to automatically search for updated driver software online.
- If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Restart your computer after the driver update is complete.
Conclusion
The “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” error can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to the internet on your Windows 10 computer. Remember to restart your router, flush your DNS cache, change DNS server settings if needed, disable VPN or proxy if applicable, and update your network drivers. If all else fails, you may need to contact your Internet Service Provider for further assistance.
I hope this article helps you fix the DNS server error on Windows 10 and improve your internet browsing experience!