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Windows

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error

This error means your computer can’t reach the service that turns website names into addresses. Restart your router, flush the DNS cache, and switch to a public DNS like 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8. That fixes most cases.

Updated
Time
10 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Applies to
Windows

By Published Oct 6, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1 Restart your router and computer.
  2. 2 Run ipconfig /flushdns in Terminal.
  3. 3 Change DNS to 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
  4. 4 Temporarily disable VPN or third-party firewall to test.
  5. 5 Update your network adapter driver.
On this page
  1. Before you start
  2. Restart and flush
  3. Switch to a public DNS server
  4. Check software and drivers
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. Frequently asked questions

Before you start

  • A Windows PC (steps also apply to Mac with small changes)

Method 1 Restart and flush

  1. Step 1: Restart the router

    Unplug the router (and modem) for 30 seconds, then plug back in.

  2. Step 2: Flush DNS

    Open Terminal and run ipconfig /flushdns.

  3. Step 3: Test another device

    If phones also can’t browse, the issue is the router or provider; if only the PC fails, keep going.

Method 2 Switch to a public DNS server

  1. Step 1: Open DNS settings

    Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) > Hardware properties > DNS server assignment > Edit.

  2. Step 2: Set manual DNS

    Choose Manual, enable IPv4, and enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google). Save.

Method 3 Check software and drivers

  1. Step 1: VPN and security software

    Disconnect any VPN and temporarily disable third-party firewall/antivirus web protection to test.

  2. Step 2: Update the network driver

    Device Manager > Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi/Ethernet adapter > Update driver, or install the latest from your PC maker.

  3. Step 3: Reset the network stack

    In Terminal (Admin) run netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset, then restart.

  4. Step 4: Disable IPv6 as a test

    In Control Panel > Network Connections, open your adapter’s properties and untick IPv6. If it fixes the issue, your router or provider has an IPv6 DNS problem.

Commands (Terminal as administrator)
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Troubleshooting

All devices show DNS errors

Set DNS on the router itself, or contact your provider: their DNS may be down.

Only one browser fails

Clear that browser’s host cache (chrome://net-internals/#dns) and disable its built-in secure DNS setting to test.

Frequently asked questions

What does DNS do?

It translates names like example.com into IP addresses computers use.

Is changing DNS safe?

Yes. Cloudflare, Google and Quad9 are reputable public DNS services.

Summary

Restart the router, run ipconfig /flushdns, and switch to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8. If it persists, check VPN/firewall software, update the network driver and reset Winsock.

Sources

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Written by

James Chambo

Founder

James is the Founder and Senior Editor of OnlineHow with more than 20 years of experience in internet publishing.