Fix 'DNS Server Not Responding' Error

DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet’s phonebook — it translates website names like “example.com” into the IP addresses computers use to connect. When DNS stops responding, websites appear broken even though your actual internet connection is working fine.

Step 1: Restart Your Router

Many DNS errors are temporary glitches in the router’s own DNS resolver. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait 60 seconds, and try again. This fixes the problem more often than any other step.

Step 2: Flush the DNS Cache

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for cmd, right-click, choose Run as administrator).
2. Type the following and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see a message saying the DNS Resolver Cache was flushed. Test your browser again.

Step 3: Switch to a Public DNS Server

Your ISP’s DNS servers can go down or get slow. Switching to a well-maintained public DNS server often solves the problem permanently.

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, press Enter.
2. Right-click your active network adapter and choose Properties.
3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
5. Enter 1.1.1.1 as the preferred server and 8.8.8.8 as the alternate.
6. Click OK and test your connection.

Step 4: Disable Any VPN or Proxy

VPNs and proxies route your DNS queries through different servers. If those servers are down or misconfigured, you’ll get DNS errors. Temporarily disable your VPN and test.

Step 5: Try a Different Browser or Safe Mode

Browser extensions (particularly ad-blockers or privacy tools) sometimes intercept DNS requests and break them. Test in a private/incognito window or a different browser. If that works, a browser extension is the culprit.

Step 6: Check for Malware

Some malware hijacks DNS settings. Run a scan with Windows Defender (Settings → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan). If it finds something, let it quarantine it, then reconfigure your DNS settings as above. If you’re still stuck, ask us.