How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error in Windows PC

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The “DNS Server Not Responding” error is a common issue that can disrupt your internet connection, preventing you from accessing websites. This error typically indicates that your computer is unable to connect to the DNS server, which translates domain names into IP addresses. Fortunately, there are several solutions to fix this problem and restore your internet connectivity. This guide will walk you through effective methods to resolve the "DNS Server Not Responding" error in Windows.

Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error in Windows 10/ 8.1 / 7

1. Restart Your Router and Computer

Restarting your router and computer is a simple yet effective way to resolve many network-related issues, including DNS errors.

  1. Power Cycle the Router:

    • Turn off your router by pressing the power button or unplugging it from the power source. Wait for about 30 seconds before turning it back on.

  2. Restart Your Computer:

    • Close all programs and restart your computer to refresh the network settings.

  3. Check Your Connection:

    • After both devices have restarted, try accessing a website to see if the DNS error is resolved.

2. Change DNS Server Addresses

Sometimes, the default DNS server provided by your ISP might be unreliable. Switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS, can resolve the issue.

  1. Open Network Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Network & Internet" and select "Change adapter options."

  2. Access Network Adapter Properties:

    • Right-click your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select "Properties."

  3. Set a Custom DNS Server:

    • In the list, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties." Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the following:
      • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
      • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
    • Click "OK" to save the changes.

  4. Restart Your Connection:

    • Disable and re-enable your network connection to apply the changes. Check if the DNS error is resolved.

3. Flush the DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can cause connectivity issues. Flushing the DNS cache can clear outdated information and resolve the error.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

  2. Flush the DNS Cache:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      ipconfig /flushdns
    • You should see a confirmation message that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.

  3. Restart Your Browser:

    • Close and reopen your web browser, then check if the issue is resolved.

4. Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus software or firewall settings can interfere with your network connection and cause the DNS Server Not Responding error.

  1. Access Antivirus Settings:

    • Open your antivirus software and look for an option to temporarily disable it.

  2. Turn Off the Firewall:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security" > "Windows Security" > "Firewall & network protection." Turn off the firewall for your active network.

  3. Check Your Connection:

    • Try accessing the internet with your antivirus and firewall disabled. If the error is resolved, consider adjusting the settings or contacting support for further assistance.

  4. Re-enable Security Features:

    • After testing, remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall to protect your system.

5. Reset Your Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can help resolve various connection issues by restoring your network configuration to its default state.

  1. Open Network Reset:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Network & Internet" > "Status." Scroll down and click "Network reset."

  2. Reset Network Settings:

    • Click "Reset now" and confirm your choice. Your computer will restart automatically.

  3. Reconnect to the Network:

    • After the restart, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and check if the DNS error is resolved.

6. Disable Secondary Connections

Having multiple network connections enabled simultaneously can cause conflicts and lead to DNS errors. Disabling unused connections may help.

  1. Open Network Connections:

    • Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

  2. Disable Unused Connections:

    • Right-click on any inactive or secondary network adapters (e.g., Bluetooth, VirtualBox, etc.) and select "Disable."

  3. Check Your Internet Connection:

    • Ensure only your active network connection is enabled. Test your internet connection to see if the DNS error is resolved.

7. Update or Roll Back Network Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause DNS issues. Updating or rolling back the drivers may fix the problem.

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."

  2. Update Network Adapter Drivers:

    • Expand the "Network adapters" section, right-click your network adapter, and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."

  3. Roll Back Drivers (if necessary):

    • If the issue began after a recent update, go to "Properties," select the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver."

  4. Restart Your Computer:

    • After updating or rolling back the driver, restart your computer and check if the DNS error persists.

Conclusion

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be resolved quickly. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can restore your internet connectivity and prevent the issue from recurring. Whether it's changing DNS servers, flushing the DNS cache, or adjusting network settings, these methods are designed to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem effectively. Regular maintenance of your network and system settings can help you avoid similar issues in the future.