More and more PC users are experiencing the “DNS server not responding” error message in Windows. It often happens that computer users receive this error message after installing a Windows update.
If the DNS server is not responding, an error message appears in Windows, then you may no longer have a connection to the internet or a network. The DNS server not responding problem is therefore a network related error message. The DNS server error message can occur from a lot of different functions within Windows.
A DNS error message in Windows means that the DNS server can no longer convert the IP address to a domain name. A computer only recognizes IP addresses and the translation of an IP address into a domain name (a www address, for example) is done by a DNS server. DNS stands for Domain Name Server. Read more about DNS.
In this article, I provide you with several tips to help you identify and resolve the “DNS server not responding” error. After each tip, check whether the problem has been solved.
DNS server not responding error message
Temporarily disable antivirus software
If you use antivirus software then I recommend you start with it temporarily disable of the installed antivirus software.
Sometimes you can antivirus software block the network connection, possibly resulting in the DNS server being no longer reachable.
So check by temporarily disabling antivirus software to see if the DNS server is not responding error message disappears.
VPN Disable connection
Do you use a VPN to connect to the Internet via a secure connection? Then temporarily disable the VPN to check if the DNS error message now disappears.
A DNS may be blocking a connection to your provider's DNS server. In most cases, a DNS uses its own DNS server to convert IP addresses to a domain name (hostname).
Delete DNS cache
If an IP address is converted to a domain name on your computer, cache (temporary files) created. It is recommended to empty this DNS cache in Windows to resolve the DNS server not responding problem.
In the Windows search bar type: Command Prompt. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and choose Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window type:
ipconfig /flushdns
You have now cleared the temporary DNS cache in Windows. Check if the DNS server not responding error message is resolved.
Start or restart DNS Client service
To translate an IP address to a domain name, Windows uses the “DNS Client” service to build a cache. Starting or restarting this “DNS Client” service can resolve issues with a DNS server.
In the Windows search bar type:
services.msc
Open the Service application.
Check whether the “DNS Client” service is started. If the “DNS Client” service is already started, right-click on the “DNS Client” service name and choose Restart. If the “DNS Client” service has not yet been started, select “Start”.
Set up alternate DNS
To solve a DNS server problem, you can do a lot on your own computer. However, if the problem lies with the DNS server (in most cases with your internet provider), there is nothing you can do to change it at this time. Setting up a DNS from another DNS server such as Google's can then solve the “DNS server not responding” problem.
In the Windows search bar type:
ncpa.cpl
Open the NCPA.cpl result.
You will now see your active internet connections. If you are connected to a network or the Internet by cable with the right mouse button on Ethernet. If you connected via WiFi then choose WiFi or Wireless adapter. Choose properties from the menu.
Click on “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the Properties button.
Important: Make a note of your current DNS server settings. For example, make a screenshot of the DNS settings so that you can restore them later!
Click on “Use the following DNS server addresses”. In the preferred DNS you enter: 8.8.8.8 and in the Alternative DNS server you enter: 8.8.4.4.
These are Google's public DNS servers. These Google DNS servers are generally faster than your current internet provider DNS servers.
Click OK and restart your computer. Make a note of the website address of this website to return if it still doesn't work.
Restore DNS server settings
If that doesn't work, it is possible to reset the DNS server settings in Windows. This means that all settings will be lost and Windows will rebuild the DNS server settings.
In the Windows search bar type: Command Prompt. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and choose Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window type the following, confirming each command with an ENTER key.
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
Restart your computer when you have finished running the DNS reset commands.
Perform a clean restart in Windows
A clean restart of Windows can be used to identify if there are conflicts between software and the DNS. If a particular application is blocking access to the DNS server, a clean restart of Windows may allow you to identify which software is affected and disable or uninstall the program.
I hope this resolves the “DNS server not responding” issue. Thank you for reading!
Hey Stefan,
I have come to your site several times before, very nice! So first thanks.
Unfortunately I can't do it this time. After a Windows update, I am no longer able to get internet on networks that I could use before the update. Other computers and smartphones work fine and from the error check it appears that it is indeed the DNS.
I followed all (first six) solutions above. However, for the 4th and 6th I don't seem to have the authority: at 4 the options are gray and at 6 it says that I don't have the authority. Even when I run as Administrator. My account is the only one on the computer and is also an Administrator account. I don't understand and I'm disappointed. Maybe you have tips?
Hello, if you are sure it is due to a Windows update, you can uninstall it:
https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/3-manieren-om-een-windows-update-te-verwijderen/
You can also restore a restore point:
https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-herstelpunt-maken-en-terugzetten-uitgebreide-instructie/
Also check third-party software, e.g. a “security package”, “firewall”, “antivirus”. If you have made any recent changes, revert them.
I recommend that you perform a “clean restart” at the bottom of this instruction. This helps to determine if the problem is in this PC.
Success!
Thanks Stefan,
Ultimately, due to maintenance (replacing both drives), I had a new Windows installation and everything works properly again. But just wait until I install Windows 11 again 😉
Great of you to take the time to help the lesser gods in the Windows system.
It started working after 1 minute. But suddenly no Internet again.
I have used both of your solutions. 🤔
Thank you ! By setting the DNS server and alternative DNS server to 8888 and 4444 respectively, everything worked again.
Glad I could help. Thank you for your message!