How Do I Fix My DNS Server Might Be Unavailable?

How Do I Fix My DNS Server Might Be Unavailable?

If you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection and seeing the error message “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable,” don’t worry! This is a common problem that can be easily resolved. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix this issue and get your internet connection up and running again.

What is a DNS Server?

A DNS (Domain Name System) server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to access websites by their human-readable names. When you type a URL into your web browser, the DNS server retrieves the corresponding IP address, allowing your device to establish a connection with the website’s server.

Possible Causes of “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” Error

There are several reasons why you may encounter this error:

• DNS Server Issues: The DNS server you are using may be experiencing technical problems or could be temporarily unavailable.
• Network Connectivity Issues: Your network connection may be unstable or not properly configured.
• Firewall or Antivirus Settings: Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking the DNS requests, preventing proper communication with the DNS server.
• Incorrect Network Configuration: Incorrect network settings on your device can also lead to this error.

Methods to Fix “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” Error

Method 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

The first step in resolving any network-related issue is to power cycle your networking devices. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug in your modem and wait for it to establish a connection.
4. Once the modem is connected, plug in your router and let it boot up.

This simple step can often resolve temporary network glitches and refresh the connection between your devices and the DNS server.

Method 2: Change DNS Server Settings

If restarting your router and modem didn’t solve the issue, you can try changing your DNS server settings. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.
2. Select “Network and Internet” or “Network and Sharing Center. “
3. Click on “Change adapter settings. “
4. Right-click on your active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties. “
5. In the properties window, scroll down to find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).”

   Select it, then click on “Properties. “

6. In the new window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses. “
7. Enter a public DNS server address like Google’s public DNS: Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8, Alternate DNS server: 8.4.4
8. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

This will switch your device’s DNS resolution to a different server, bypassing any issues with your current DNS server.

Method 3: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes interfere with DNS requests. Temporarily disable them to check if they are causing the issue. Remember to re-enable them after troubleshooting.

Note: Disabling your security software may expose your computer to potential threats, so proceed with caution.

Method 4: Reset Network Settings

If none of the above methods worked, you can try resetting your network settings to default. “

This will reset all network-related settings to their default state, which can resolve any misconfigurations causing the DNS server error.

Conclusion

The “DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” error can be frustrating, but by following these methods, you should be able to resolve it and restore your internet connection. Remember to troubleshoot one method at a time and test your connection after each step. If all else fails, contacting your internet service provider (ISP) for further assistance may be necessary.