Are you experiencing issues with your internet connection on Windows 10? One common problem that users encounter is when the DNS server isn’t responding. This can be frustrating, but understanding the root cause and how to fix it can help resolve the issue quickly.
What is a DNS Server?
A DNS (Domain Name System) server is responsible for translating domain names (such as www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. It acts as a phone book for the internet, allowing your computer to connect to websites by translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.
Why Does the DNS Server Stop Responding?
There are several reasons why the DNS server may stop responding on Windows 10:
- Internet Connection Issues: If you’re experiencing problems with your internet connection, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal or intermittent connectivity, it can affect the DNS server’s ability to respond.
- Incorrect Network Configuration: Incorrect network settings or misconfigured TCP/IP settings can also lead to DNS server issues.
- Firewall or Antivirus Restrictions: Sometimes, overzealous firewall or antivirus settings can block communication with the DNS server.
How to Fix “DNS Server Isn’t Responding” Error in Windows 10
If you’re encountering the “DNS server isn’t responding” error on Windows 10, don’t worry! There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The first step is to ensure that your internet connection is working correctly.
Check if other devices are able to access the internet without any issues. If they can, then the problem might be specific to your Windows 10 computer.
2. Restart Your Router and Modem
Restarting your router and modem can help resolve temporary glitches that may be causing the DNS server issue.
Simply unplug both devices from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in. Give them a few minutes to restart, and then check if the problem persists.
3. Flush DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS cache on your Windows 10 computer can help resolve DNS server-related issues.
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command: ipconfig /flushdns. Press Enter to execute the command, and then restart your computer.
4. Change Your DNS Server
If flushing the DNS cache doesn’t work, you can try changing your DNS server to a public one like Google’s DNS (8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1). To change your DNS server, go to Network Settings in Windows 10, select your network connection, click on “Properties,” select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.
5. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
If you suspect that your firewall or antivirus software is causing the issue, try disabling them temporarily to see if it resolves the problem. If it does, you may need to adjust their settings or whitelist certain programs for proper communication with the DNS server.
Conclusion
The “DNS server isn’t responding” error on Windows 10 can be frustrating but is usually fixable by following these troubleshooting steps. By checking your internet connection, restarting your router and modem, flushing the DNS cache, changing your DNS server, and disabling the firewall or antivirus temporarily, you can often resolve the issue and regain access to the internet.
Remember, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of the problem to prevent it from happening again in the future. By staying proactive and keeping your network settings up-to-date, you can minimize the chances of encountering DNS server-related issues on your Windows 10 computer.