This step-by-step guide with screenshots will explain the top 5 methods to fix the ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ Error in Windows 10.:
The Internet has turned vital for us, as all our daily chores and work depend on it. But have you ever given it a thought that how frustrating it would be if someday your Internet stops working and shows a reload error?
In this article, we will talk about DNS Server and the methods which can fix the error, i.e. “DNS Server Not Responding”. We will also discuss some frequently asked questions related to the topic.
What You Will Learn:
What is DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System and to understand what DNS is, and how does it work, let us take an example of telephone lines. There were times when telephones were the most used form of communication and remembering everyone’s telephone number was almost an impossible task, so everyone had a telephone directory at their home.
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These telephone directories used to have the name and contact number of all the town people, and people used to look for the name in the list and place the call. On the same structure, the Internet works, and in the Internet model, the directory is DNS.
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The DNS has the simple task of collecting the requests from the user’s end and sending them to the website. When the website responds to the request, the connection is established between the user and the website.
In the following section, we will talk about different ways to fix DNS, not responding to errors.
Reasons for DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 10
DNS contains a list of all the IP address user requests, and this data is saved in the form of a cache. There are only two possible reasons, which are the major reason for DNS server not responding errors in Windows 10.
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They are as follows:
- Insufficient Cache Memory: Whenever a user requests any page, then its address is saved in the cache memory so that if the user wants to revisit the website, it will not have to follow the lengthy procedure again.
- Phishing Malware: Some viruses are specifically designed for specific tasks of data stealing. Phishing is the data-stealing technique in which the DNS cache is manipulated, and the user is navigated to fake website pages.
Now, when we have understood DNS and the reasons for error in DNS, let’s look for ways to correct it.
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Recommended OS Repair Tool – Outbyte Driver Updater
Outbyte Driver Updater could be the only solution you need to solve a ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ error.
The software is known for its robust PC optimizing capabilities, wherein the tool suggests and performs certain tweaks at your behest like changing DNS server, clearing DNS cache, disabling anti-virus firewall, etc. to fix the aforementioned error for good.
Features:
- PC Performance Optimizer
- Automatic Driver Updater
- Scan Scheduler
- Run System Diagnostics
Methods to Fix the DNS Server Isn’t Responding
Method 1: Switch To Different Browser
If your browser gives unable to reload or DNS not responding error, then it’s the best option that you should try switching to another browser.
- Switch to a different browser, and if necessary, update your default browser to the latest version.
- If you are seeing a DNS server not responding error, then the first thing to do is update your web browser if there are any new updates.
- You can also try switching your web browser. Even after that, if the error continues, go for other mentioned methods.
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Method 2: Disable Antivirus Firewall
There might be a possibility that your antivirus firewall is not allowing the browser to load external data, and in such cases, it’s best suited to disable data access through the firewall.
The steps to do the same are mentioned below:
#1) If your browser screen shows any error or the screen as shown in the image below, then it is termed as a DNS error.
#2) Press the “Start” button and in the search bar type “Windows Defender Firewall” as shown in the image below and click on the “Windows Defender Firewall” option.
#3) A window will open as shown in the image below.
#4) There will be an option “Allow an app or feature through the Windows Defender Firewall” as shown below. Click on it.
#5) A dialog box will open as shown in the image below.
#6) Click on the “Change Settings” option on the “Allowed Apps” window.
#7) Search for the browser you are using as shown in the image below.
#8) Both the columns would be blank, click on them to tick them.
#9) Now go back to the browser and reload the page, and the page will open as shown in the image below.
Method 3: Restart Router
Even after switching the browser and giving the firewall access, the issue isn’t resolved. Try restarting your router, as data traffic may be the reason for DNS errors.
Method 4: Change DNS Server
Sometimes there’s a lot of data traffic on a router which generates this issue of the DNS server not responding. There is an alternative to using the public DNS servers provided by Google and many other companies which can be used.
#1) Click on the “Start” button in Windows and search for Control Panel.
#2) Control Panel window will open as shown in the image below.
#3) Click on the “Network and Internet” option.
#4) A dialog box will open as shown in the image below. Click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
#5) A dialog box will now open. Click on the “Ethernet” option present. There can be other options too if the system uses other ways to access the network.
#6) A dialog box will appear as shown in the image below. Click on the “Properties’’ option present.
#7) Properties dialog box will now open as shown below.
#8) Navigate down the list and look for Internet Protocol Version 4 or IPv4 as shown in the image below. Click on the “Properties” button present.
#9) A dialog box will open as shown in the image below. In the Preferred DNS server, type “8.8.8.8” and in the Alternate DNS server, type “8.8.4.4”.
#10) Check the “Validate settings upon exit” checkbox and click on “OK” as shown in the image below.
#11) Try Reloading your web browser now and it will function normally.
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Method 5: By Clearing DNS Cache
Sometimes the main reason for your DNS error can be the extra insertion of DNS cache memory in the system and to remove the error it is extremely necessary to clear the cache.
Follow the mentioned steps to clear the DNS cache:
#1) Click on “Start” and search for Command Prompt and the following window will open.
#2) Type in the Command Prompt “ipconfig/flushdns” as shown in the image below, and all DNS cache will be cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) How do I check my DNS Cache?
Answer: Open CMD and type “ipconfig/displaydns” and press enter to check the DNS Cache.
Q #2) How do I flush my DNS Cache?
Answer: Open CMD/Command Prompt and type “ipconfig/flushdns” and press enter.
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Q #3) How do I reset DNS on Windows 10?
Answer: Open Command Prompt and type the command “ipconfig/flushdns.”
Q #4) What does flushing a DNS do?
Answer: Flushing a DNS clears the cache memory of the IP address.
Q #5) Is flushing DNS bad?
Answer: Flushing a DNS clears the cache of the IP address, but it speeds up the Internet.
Q #6) How long does a DNS cache last?
Answer: A DNS cache lasts for about a day.
Q #7) Is changing DNS good?
Answer: Changing DNS is good as it sets up a new IP directory.
Q #8) Is Changing DNS dangerous?
Answer: No changing DNS isn’t dangerous; it is safe and reliable for your system.
Q #9) How do I reset my IP settings?
Answer: Open Command Prompt and type “ipconfig/release,” and press ‘’Enter’’.
Q #10) What should I set my DNS to?
Answer: 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222 are Google DNS, and they are reliable and safe.
Q #11) Does reboot flush DNS?
Answer: Router reboot would flush the DNS files in the router. Hence you need to flush those cache from your system too.
Q #12) Should private DNS be off?
Answer: Yes, you should shut down any private DNS or VPN which you might be using.
Q #13) How to Troubleshoot an IP address?
Answer: Open Command Prompt and type “ipconfig/all”, and press ‘’Enter’’.
Conclusion
DNS is responsible for quickly loading the content requested by the users. It also ensures the smooth flow of content over the Internet. One must remember to flush the cache as it increases the network’s speed. But the server has to again request for an IP to access the website and establish a connection between the user and server.
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In this article, we have discussed the methods following which you can avoid the DNS server not responding to errors on Windows 10. We have also discussed DNS and what can be the possible reasons for the DNS server not responding error.
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