How Do I Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error on Windows 10?

If you are experiencing issues with your DNS server on Windows 10, you may encounter the “DNS server not responding” error. This error can prevent you from accessing the internet and can be quite frustrating. However, there are several steps you can take to fix this problem and get back online.

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it’s important to ensure that your internet connection is working properly. Make sure that your modem and router are powered on and connected correctly. You can also try restarting them if necessary.

Step 2: Flush DNS Cache

One of the first steps to resolve DNS-related issues is to flush the DNS cache on your Windows 10 computer. The DNS cache stores information about previously visited websites, and clearing it can help resolve any conflicts or outdated entries.

To flush the DNS cache:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

This command will clear the DNS cache on your computer.

Step 3: Change DNS Server Settings

If flushing the DNS cache doesn’t solve the problem, you can try changing your DNS server settings. By default, Windows uses automatic settings to obtain DNS server information from your internet service provider (ISP). However, these settings may not always be reliable.

To manually change your DNS server settings:

1. Open Network Connections: Press Windows key + X and select “Network Connections.”
2. Right-click on your active network connection: This could be either “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi,” depending on your setup.
3. Select “Properties”: A new window will open with the properties of your network connection.
4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”: Click on it and then click the “Properties” button.
5. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”:

Now, you need to enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1 and 1.0.1).

Note: Write down your current DNS server addresses before changing them, in case you need to revert back to them later.

Step 4: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

In some cases, firewall or antivirus software may interfere with DNS resolution, leading to the “DNS server not responding” error on Windows 10.

To temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Type “Windows Security” in the Start menu search bar:
2. Select “Windows Security” from the search results:
3. Click on “Firewall & Network Protection”:
4. Select your active network connection:
5. Toggle the switch under “Windows Defender Firewall” to turn it off:

Remember to re-enable the firewall once you have tested whether it was causing the issue.

Step 5: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can also cause DNS server errors. To update your network adapter drivers:

1. Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”:
2. Expand the “Network adapters” category:
3. Right-click on your network adapter:
4. Select “Update driver”:
5. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”:

If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Conclusion

In most cases, following these steps should resolve the “DNS server not responding” error on Windows 10. Remember to restart your computer after making any changes and check if the issue persists. If you are still experiencing problems, you may need to contact your ISP for further assistance.

I hope this guide has been helpful in troubleshooting and fixing the DNS server error on your Windows 10 computer. Happy browsing!