How to Fix "DNS Server Not Responding" Error in Windows 11
Is your browser failing to load websites? Learn how to flush your DNS and change your adapter settings to fix this common connectivity bug.
Understanding the DNS Error
When you type a URL into your browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates that human-readable address into an IP address. If the "DNS Server Not Responding" error pops up, your device is failing to communicate with this crucial directory.
# Checking Your Connection
Before diving into advanced settings, make sure to restart your router. This simple step resolves the issue 50% of the time.
If this fails, you can follow this excellent YouTube tutorial on flushing DNS or read on for the specific commands.
# How to Flush Your DNS
1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
3. Then type:
ipconfig /registerdns
4. Finally, release and renew your IP:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
# Changing Your DNS Server
Sometimes your ISP's default DNS is down. You can switch to a reliable public DNS like Google or Cloudflare.
Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More network adapter options. Right-click your connection, hit Properties, and edit the IPv4 settings to use 8.8.8.8 as your preferred DNS.
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