How To Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Windows 10

Fix the DNS server not responding errors efficiently by following the step-by-step instructions below.

The internet has become an essential part of our day-to-day lives, and a working DNS server is required. Sadly, few users have reported facing DNS server unavailable errors on their Windows 10 PC. Therefore, here we explain workable solutions to help deal with DNS server error codes like DNS server not responding on Wi-Fi, DNS server not responding on Windows 10, Windows 11 DNS server not responding, etc.

What is DNS?

A Domain Name System (DNS) is a directory of domain names that helps translate them into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Due to this functionality, users can easily access the website by just typing in the name of the website. Therefore, a working DNS server is required to access a website, and without one, you encounter a DNS server not responding error.

Causes for DNS Server Not Responding

Insufficient Cache Memory – As the list of IP addresses DNS store is saved in the cache memory when it is low, the DNS server being unavailable error occurs.

Malware – Phishing malware designed to manipulate DNS and re-direct users to the malicious site are also responsible for DNS error codes.

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DNS Error – How to Fix It

Before you start following the different ways to fix the DNS error, try restarting modem+router and PC and see if it helps. If it doesn’t follow the fixed given below:

Method 1 – Switch to an Alternate Browser

If your default browser or browser is given a DNS server unavailable message, try switching to an alternate browser.

• Launch another browser and try to visit the site. Meanwhile, update the default browser.

If this doesn’t work, move to the next step.

Method 2 – Install the latest Network Adapter Driver

Manually Update Driver

• Press Windows + R > to open the Run window.
• Type devmgmt.msc
• Double-click Network adapters and locate the network adapter you are using.
• Right-click > Uninstall the device.

• Confirm the action by selecting the option Delete driver software for this device and hitting Uninstall.

• Restart the PC to install the default driver and solve the problem.

Update Driver Automatically

Alternatively, you can use Advanced Driver Updater to update the driver without risk. The tool installs only the drivers provided by the manufacturer and is safe to use. To use it, follow these steps:

• Download and install Advanced Driver Updater.

• Run the scan.

• Click Update driver next to the network driver to update it. If you are a registered user, you can use the Update All feature to update all drivers at once.

• Restart the computer to apply changes.

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Method 3 – Disable Antivirus and Firewall

There are chances that your security application is preventing the browser from loading external data. In such a case, disable antivirus and firewall and see if it works. If you are using Windows Defender Firewall, follow these steps:

• In the Windows search bar, type Windows Defender Firewall and open it.

• Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall > click on it.

• Click Change Settings.

• Select the browser you are using and check the boxes next to it.

• Now try revisiting the website. This should help.

Method 4 – Restart Router

Even after temporarily disabling the antivirus and giving access to the browser in the Firewall, you face a problem. Try restarting the router; it will help fix any problem caused due to data traffic.

Method 5 – Update Router Firmware

If you are facing a DNS server not responding error when using Wi-Fi, you need to update the router firmware.  To do so, you can check the router manual. However, please ensure that you follow instructions exactly as given, as a mistake can cause damage.

Method 6 – Change DNS Server

DNS not responding results from a traffic load on the router. To fix it, try using public DNS servers.

• In the Windows search bar, type Network.
• Click Network and Sharing Center.

• Depending on the way you connect to the internet, you will see the option. Click on the Wi-Fi or Ethernet option.

• Click Properties > navigate to IPv4 > select it and click on the Properties button.

• You will get a new window here; in the Preferred DNS server, enter 8.8.8.8, and in the Alternate DNS server, enter 8.8.4.4.

• Confirm the settings > click Ok.
• Open the browser and try to access the website.

Method 7 – Clear DNS Cache

• Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
• Type cmd> ok
• Enter ipconfig/flushdns command and press Enter.

• This will clear the DNS cache for you.

Method 8 – Use the netsh command

• Run Command prompt as administrator.
• Type the following commands one after the other by pressing enter key after each command:

netsh int ip reset
netshwinsock reset
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew

• Restart the PC.

Method 9 –  Set Your MAC Address Manually

Find the physical address of your PC.

• Run elevated Command Prompt. Type Command Prompt in Windows search > right-click > Run as administrator.
• Type ipconfig /all> press Enter.
• You will now get a list of information; find the Physical Address and note it down.

Configure Network Connection

• Launch the Network connection window.
• Right-click the name of the connection you are using > select Properties.
• Click Configure.

• Click Advanced tab > Network Address > select Value and enter the Mac address you copied from the Command Prompt window.

• Click Ok.

Method 10 –  Disable Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter

• Open Device Manager.
• Click View tab > Show hidden devices.

• Find Microsoft Virtual Wi-Fi Miniport Adapter > right-click > Disable. Do this for the available Miniport adapter.
• Reboot the PC and check if the problem is resolved or not.

Method 11 – Disable IPv6

• Open Network Connections.
• Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) > ok.

Method 12 – Disable Additional Connections

If multiple connections are available on the PC, disable them, as sometimes they can cause interference.

• Go to Network Connection and disable the connection you don’t use.
• Right-click the connection > select Disable.

Method 13 – Disable The peer-to-peer Update Feature

Windows 10 offers a great feature for downloading Windows updates using peer-to-peer technology. However, sometimes it can cause DNS failure. To fix this issue, using follow these steps:

• Press Windows + I and go to Windows Settings.
• Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Advanced options > Delivery Optimization > toggle off the button underneath Allow downloads from other PCs.

• Reboot PC.

FAQ

Q1. How can I reset my DNS server?

1. Press Windows + S to access the Start Menu.
2. Enter CMD into the text box > select the best search results and in the Command Prompt window > type ipconfig /flushdns and press ENTER (please note: there is a space between ipconfig and /flushdns)
3. Restart the PC.

Q2. Why does my internet say the DNS server not responding?

There are multiple reasons for the problem. However, DNS errors are generally caused by problems on the user end, like not working network or internet connection, misconfigured DNS settings, an outdated browser, or an outdated driver update.

Q3. How do I fix the DNS server that isn’t responding to Windows 10?

To fix the error, try the following methods:

1. Method 1: Use a Different Browser.
2. Method 2: Disable Antivirus Firewall.
3. Method 3: Restart Router.
4. Method 4: Change DNS Server.
5. Method 5: Clear DNS Cache.
6. Method 6: Update Network Driver.

That’s all; you can fix DNS error codes using these different ways. We hope that you were able to fix the issues and were able to reaccess the websites. Do you have any questions, share them in the comments below.