DNS Server Not Responding — Windows Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: ipconfig /flushdns — this clears the local DNS cache and fixes most DNS errors. If that doesn't work, switch to Google DNS: network adapter properties → IPv4 → use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Restart your router too — a router DNS cache issue can cause this on every device on the network.

Affected Models

Windows 11
Windows 10
Windows 8.1

Common Causes

Local DNS cache corrupted or containing stale entries
ISP DNS server down or slow
Router DNS configuration incorrect
Windows DNS Client service stopped or crashed
VPN or firewall overriding DNS settings

How to Fix It

Flush the DNS cache

Open Command Prompt as Administrator → type: ipconfig /flushdns → press Enter. You should see 'Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache'. Open the browser and test.
Restart the DNS Client service

Press Win + R → services.msc → find 'DNS Client' → right-click → Restart. If it is stopped, right-click → Start. The DNS Client service caches DNS lookups — if it crashes, all DNS resolution fails.
Switch to Google or Cloudflare DNS

Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options → right-click your adapter → Properties → IPv4 → Properties → use these addresses: Preferred 8.8.8.8, Alternate 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare). Click OK.
Restart the router

Unplug the router for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait 2 minutes. If the DNS error is on multiple devices, the router's DNS table is corrupt — a restart clears it.
Reset network settings

Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Run: netsh winsock reset → netsh int ip reset → ipconfig /flushdns → ipconfig /registerdns. Restart the PC.

When to Call a Professional

DNS errors are always software or network related. No hardware service is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

DNS not responding only on one website — why?

That specific domain's DNS record may be propagating or the website may be down. Test by opening a different website. If other sites work, the issue is that specific domain, not your DNS.

DNS not responding after connecting a VPN — how to fix?

VPNs often override DNS settings and can cause DNS leaks or failures. Disconnect the VPN and test. If it works without VPN, configure your VPN client to use its own DNS server, or set a static DNS in your VPN app.

DNS server not responding on Wi-Fi but works on Ethernet — why?

The Wi-Fi adapter may have a different DNS configuration than the Ethernet adapter. Check both adapters' DNS settings: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections → right-click each adapter → Properties → IPv4.