How to fix and resolve 'DNS server not responding' errors

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix and resolve 'DNS server not responding' errors. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

A "DNS server not responding" error means your device cannot reach the Domain Name System (DNS) servers that translate website names (like google.com) into IP addresses. When this fails, web pages won't load even though your internet connection may appear active. This guide walks you through flushing your DNS cache, switching to alternative DNS servers, and checking your network adapter settings on Windows to restore connectivity.

Quick Fix Steps

Try these steps in order. Most customers resolve the issue within the first few steps.

1. Restart your modem and router. Power them off, wait 30 seconds, then power them back on. Allow two minutes for the connection to re-establish.
2. Restart your computer. This clears temporary network glitches and refreshes your network adapter.
3. Flush your DNS cache. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns.
4. Try a different browser or device. This helps determine whether the issue is device-specific or network-wide.
5. Switch to a public DNS server such as Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

Detailed Instructions

Flush the DNS Cache on Windows

1. Press Windows key + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
4. You should see the message: "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."
5. Try loading a website again.

Switch to a Public DNS Server on Windows 11

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on your connection type.
4. For Wi-Fi: click your connected network, then click DNS server assignment and select Edit. For Ethernet: click DNS server assignment and select Edit.
5. Switch the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
6. Toggle on IPv4.
7. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS addresses:
   • Google DNS: Preferred 8.8.8.8, Alternate 8.8.4.4
   • Cloudflare DNS: Preferred 1.1.1.1, Alternate 1.0.0.1
8. Click Save.
9. Restart your browser and test the connection.

Reset the Network Adapter on Windows

1. Press Windows key + X and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • ipconfig /flushdns
3. Restart your computer when finished.

Disable IPv6 (Optional Workaround)

Some older routers and DNS configurations handle IPv6 poorly, which can cause "DNS server not responding" errors even when IPv4 is working.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet.
2. Click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Find the IPv6 setting and toggle it Off.
4. Test your connection.

Troubleshooting

Check Your Network Connection

• Confirm Wi-Fi or Ethernet is connected and shows full signal strength.
• Try a wired Ethernet connection to rule out Wi-Fi instability.
• Verify other devices can access the internet on the same network.

Check Your Modem and Router

• Look at the status lights on your modem. The internet light should be solid green or blue (not flashing or red).
• If the internet light is off or red, contact your ISP or Open a Ticket for assistance.
• Try connecting your computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable to bypass the router.

Temporarily Disable Security Software

Third-party antivirus or firewall software can sometimes block DNS traffic. To test this:

1. Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray.
2. Look for an option such as Disable Protection or Pause Firewall.
3. Select a short duration (10–15 minutes) and test your connection.
4. Re-enable protection immediately after testing.

Check for Windows Updates

Outdated network drivers can cause DNS resolution failures.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates, including optional driver updates.
4. Restart your computer when prompted.

Verify Date and Time Settings

Incorrect system time can interfere with DNS security checks.

1. Open Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
2. Ensure Set time automatically is toggled On.
3. Click Sync now if available.

When to Escalate

If you have tried all the steps above and DNS errors persist across multiple devices, the issue is likely with your modem, router, or upstream provider. At this point, you may need to:

• Factory reset your router (note: this will erase custom settings such as Wi-Fi names and port forwarding rules).
• Contact your internet service provider to check for an outage in your area.
• Open a support ticket with 220 so our team can investigate further.

For related guidance, see our article on How to connect to Wi-Fi.

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