The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

DNS server errors prevent your device from connecting to websites even when your internet connection works. This happens when your DNS resolver can't translate domain names into IP addresses.

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
15 minutes

Step by step

  1. Restart your network connection

    Disconnect from Wi-Fi and reconnect, or unplug your ethernet cable for 10 seconds and plug it back in. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. On Mac, turn Wi-Fi off and on in System Preferences > Network.

    Note: Use the network troubleshooter in Windows by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting 'Troubleshoot problems'.

  2. Flush your DNS cache

    Open Command Prompt as administrator on Windows and run 'ipconfig /flushdns'. On Mac, open Terminal and run 'sudo dscacheutil -flushcache'. On Chrome, go to chrome://net-internals/#dns and click 'Clear host cache'.

    Note: Restart your browser after clearing DNS cache for immediate effect.

  3. Change your DNS server settings

    Go to Network Settings and change DNS servers to Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). On Windows, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > right-click connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS.

    Note: Test multiple DNS servers to find the fastest one for your location using online DNS benchmark tools.

  4. Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily

    Turn off Windows Defender Firewall by going to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. Disable antivirus protection temporarily through its settings. Test internet connection, then re-enable immediately.

    Note: Add exceptions for your browser in firewall settings instead of disabling completely for better security.

  5. Reset network settings to defaults

    On Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and run 'netsh winsock reset' followed by 'netsh int ip reset'. Restart your computer. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select your connection, click Advanced > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease.

    Note: Create a system restore point before resetting network settings in case you need to revert changes.

  6. Update network adapter drivers

    Right-click Start button and select Device Manager on Windows. Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter, and select 'Update driver'. On Mac, check System Preferences > Software Update for macOS updates that include driver updates.

    Note: Download drivers directly from your network adapter manufacturer's website for the latest versions.

  7. Restart your router and modem

    Unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds. Plug in the modem first and wait for all lights to stabilize. Then plug in the router and wait for full startup. Test your connection after all devices finish booting.

    Note: Check for firmware updates for your router through its admin interface, usually accessed at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.