DNS Server Not Responding Fix (Step-by-Step Guide)

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DNS Server Not Responding Fix is usually needed when your device cannot translate website names into IP addresses, which prevents websites from loading even if your internet is connected.

In this guide, you’ll learn simple step-by-step solutions to fix DNS issues and restore normal internet access.

Quick Fix

Restart your router and your computer. This often resolves DNS issues immediately.

Try This First

  • Websites are not loading but internet is connected → flush DNS
  • All devices have no internet → restart router
  • Only some websites fail → change DNS server

If the issue is not resolved, follow the detailed fixes below.

What is DNS Server Not Responding?

If you see “DNS Server Not Responding”, it means your device cannot communicate with a DNS server to resolve website addresses.

This issue can appear as websites not loading, browser errors, or messages like “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET”.

What Causes DNS Server Not Responding?

  • DNS server issues
  • Incorrect DNS settings
  • Router problems
  • Firewall or antivirus blocking connection
  • ISP-related problems
  • Temporary system glitches

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding

Try the following solutions one by one until your internet works properly.

Restart Your Router and Modem

Restarting network devices can fix DNS-related issues.

  1. Turn off your router and modem
  2. Unplug them from power
  3. Wait at least 60 seconds
  4. Plug the modem back in first
  5. Wait until all lights stabilize
  6. Plug in the router
  7. Wait for connection to restore
  8. Try opening a website

Restart Your Computer

Restarting clears temporary system problems.

  1. Click Start
  2. Select Power → Restart
  3. Wait for your device to restart
  4. Try accessing a website

Flush DNS Cache

Clearing DNS cache removes outdated or corrupted entries.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
  4. You should see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
  5. Close Command Prompt
  6. Try opening a website

Reset IP Configuration

Resetting IP settings can resolve DNS conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. A black window called Command Prompt will open
  4. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
  5. Wait a few seconds until the process completes
  6. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter
  7. Wait until the process finishes
  8. Close the Command Prompt window
  9. Try opening a website

Change DNS Server Address

Switching to a public DNS server can fix DNS issues.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
  3. Right-click Ethernet or WiFi
  4. Click Properties
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
  6. Click Properties
  7. Select Use the following DNS server addresses
  8. Enter the following:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  9. Click OK
  10. Close all windows
  11. Restart your computer
  12. Try opening a website

If websites start loading after changing DNS, your previous DNS server was likely causing the issue.

Check DNS Server Automatically Assigned

Incorrect manual DNS settings can prevent internet access.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
  3. Right-click your active connection (Ethernet or WiFi)
  4. Click Properties
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
  6. Click Properties
  7. Make sure Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected
  8. Click OK
  9. Restart your connection
  10. Try opening a website

If the issue continues, follow this guide: WiFi Connected But No Internet Fix

Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Security software can block DNS connections.

  1. Open your antivirus or firewall application
  2. Temporarily disable it
  3. Try accessing a website
  4. If it works, re-enable protection
  5. Add your browser or network as an exception

Disable VPN (If Enabled)

A VPN can interfere with DNS resolution.

  1. Check if a VPN application is active
  2. Disconnect or disable the VPN
  3. Try accessing a website again

Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows can automatically detect DNS problems.

  1. Click Start → Settings
  2. Go to Network & Internet
  3. Click Status
  4. Click Network Troubleshooter
  5. Follow the instructions
  6. Apply suggested fixes

Check for ISP Issues

Your internet provider may be having DNS problems.

  1. Use mobile data on your phone
  2. Search for your ISP name + outage
  3. Check if there are reported issues
  4. If there is an issue, wait until it is resolved

How to Prevent DNS Issues

  • Use reliable DNS servers
  • Restart your router regularly
  • Keep your system updated
  • Avoid unstable VPN connections

Frequently Asked Questions

What does DNS server not responding mean?

It means your device cannot connect to a DNS server to translate website names into IP addresses.

Can I fix this myself?

Yes, most DNS issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps.

Is this a serious issue?

No, it is usually temporary and easy to fix.

You may also want to check our guides on WiFi Connected But No Internet Fix, Ethernet Connected But No Internet Fix, Limited Access Network Fix and DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Fix for related network issues.