Are you facing issues with DNS server not responding on your Windows 10 computer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This common problem can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several solutions that can help you resolve it. In this article, we will explore different troubleshooting steps to fix the DNS server issue on Windows 10.
What is a DNS Server?
Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand what a DNS server is. DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. In other words, it acts as a directory for the internet by connecting domain names to their respective servers.
Why Does the DNS Server Not Respond?
There could be several reasons why your DNS server is not responding. Some common causes include:
- Internet Connection Issues: Check if your internet connection is working properly. A faulty connection can lead to DNS server problems.
- DNS Cache Issues: Your computer may have stored incorrect or outdated information in its DNS cache, causing conflicts with the actual server.
- Firewall or Antivirus Settings: Sometimes, firewall or antivirus settings can block the communication between your computer and the DNS server.
- Misconfigured Network Settings: Incorrect network settings on your computer can also result in DNS server issues.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix DNS Server Not Responding
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Computer
If you encounter a DNS server problem, start by restarting your router and computer. This simple step can often resolve temporary network glitches and refresh the DNS settings.
Step 2: Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable to rule out any wireless connectivity issues.
Step 3: Flush DNS Cache
To clear any incorrect or outdated DNS information stored in your computer’s cache, you can flush the DNS cache. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
This will flush the DNS resolver cache and may resolve the server not responding issue.
Step 4: Change DNS Server Settings
If flushing the DNS cache didn’t work, you can try changing your DNS server settings. Instead of using your Internet Service Provider’s default DNS servers, you can switch to public DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS. Here’s how:
- Go to Network Settings: Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings and navigate to Network & Internet.
- Select Your Network Connection: Choose the network connection you are currently using.
- Change Adapter Options: Click on “Change adapter options”.
- Select Your Network Adapter: Right-click on the network adapter you’re using and choose “Properties”.
- Select IPv4 Properties: Scroll down and locate “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” in the list. Select it and click on “Properties”.
- Change DNS Server: In the properties window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses (like 8.8.8 for Google DNS) and click “OK”.
By changing your DNS server settings, you can bypass any potential issues with your ISP’s DNS servers and improve your network connectivity.
Step 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
If you have a firewall or antivirus software installed on your computer, they might be blocking the connection to the DNS server. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are causing the issue.
Step 6: Reset TCP/IP Configuration
If none of the above steps worked, you can try resetting the TCP/IP configuration on your computer. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the following commands one by one:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
Restart your computer after executing these commands, and it should reset the TCP/IP configuration to its default state.
In Conclusion
If you encounter a DNS server not responding issue on Windows 10, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve it. From restarting your router to changing DNS server settings, these solutions can help you get back online quickly. Remember to diagnose and identify any potential network or software conflicts that might be causing the problem.
Note: If you’re still experiencing issues after trying all these steps, it’s recommended to contact your Internet Service Provider for further assistance.