How Do I Flush My DNS Server?

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Angela Bailey

Flushing your DNS server is an essential troubleshooting step that can help resolve various network issues. Whether you’re experiencing slow internet connectivity or encountering problems accessing certain websites, flushing your DNS cache can often provide a quick and effective solution.

What is a DNS Server?
A DNS (Domain Name System) server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Whenever you visit a website, your computer sends a request to the DNS server to retrieve the IP address associated with the domain name. This process allows you to access websites by typing their easy-to-remember domain names rather than remembering complex IP addresses.

Why Should I Flush My DNS Server?
Over time, your computer’s DNS cache can become outdated or corrupted. This can lead to various issues such as incorrect IP address resolutions or difficulty in accessing certain websites. Flushing the DNS server clears this cache, forcing your computer to fetch updated and accurate information from the DNS server.

How to Flush Your DNS Server:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

To begin, open the Command Prompt on your Windows computer. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R, typing ‘cmd’, and hitting Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt window.

Step 2: Run the Appropriate Command

Type one of the following commands based on your operating system:

  • For Windows:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
  • For macOS Catalina and later:
    • sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  • For macOS Mojave and earlier:
    • sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
    • sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
  • For Linux:
    • sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Step 3: Confirm the Flush

After running the appropriate command, you should see a confirmation message indicating that the DNS cache has been flushed successfully. You can now close the Command Prompt window.

Note: Flushing your DNS cache may temporarily impact your internet browsing speed as your computer rebuilds its cache with updated information. However, this is a normal and temporary side effect.

Conclusion:
Flushing your DNS server is a simple yet powerful troubleshooting step that can resolve various network-related issues. By clearing your computer’s DNS cache, you ensure that it fetches fresh and accurate information from the DNS server, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted web browsing.

Remember, if you encounter any persistent network problems, it’s always a good idea to consult with your internet service provider or a professional technician to ensure a comprehensive resolution.

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