DNS Could Not Be Found Windows 10

If you're encountering the error message "DNS Could Not Be Found" on Windows 10, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check your internet connection by connecting to a different network or restarting your modem/router.
2. Flush your DNS cache by opening the Command Prompt and running the command "ipconfig /flushdns".
3. Disable any VPN or proxy services that might be interfering with your DNS settings.
4. Reset your DNS settings by going to Network Connections, right-clicking on your network adapter, selecting Properties, and then clicking on "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)". Choose "Obtain DNS server address automatically" and click OK.
5. Update your network adapter drivers by going to Device Manager, locating your network adapter, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Update driver".

By following these steps

Understanding DNS Could Not Be Found Error on Windows 10

The "DNS Could Not Be Found" error is a common issue encountered by Windows 10 users. It occurs when the Domain Name System (DNS) server is unable to resolve a specific website's IP address. This error prevents users from accessing the desired website and can be frustrating to deal with. In this article, we will explore various aspects of the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10 and discuss possible solutions to resolve it.

Causes of DNS Could Not Be Found Error

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10. Understanding these causes can help in finding an appropriate solution for the problem. Here are some common reasons behind the error:

• Incorrect DNS configuration: In some cases, the DNS settings on your Windows 10 computer may be misconfigured, leading to the error.
• Network connectivity issues: If there are problems with your network connection or router, it can result in the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error.
• DNS cache corruption: The DNS cache on your computer may become corrupted or outdated, leading to difficulties in resolving website addresses.
• Malware or security software interference: Certain malware infections or security software settings can interfere with the DNS resolution process, causing the error.

Troubleshooting DNS Could Not Be Found Error

When encountering the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10, there are several troubleshooting steps that you can follow to resolve the issue. Here are some solutions to consider:

1. Restart DNS Client Service

The first step in troubleshooting the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error is to restart the DNS Client service on your Windows 10 computer. To do this:

• Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type services.msc and click OK to open the Services Manager.
• Scroll down and locate the DNS Client service.
• Right-click on DNS Client and select Restart.

After restarting the DNS Client service, check if the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error is resolved.

2. Clear DNS Cache

Clearing the DNS cache on your Windows 10 computer can also help in resolving the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error. Here's how to do it:

• Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type the following command: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
• Wait for the message confirming the successful flushing of the DNS resolver cache.

After clearing the DNS cache, check if the error is resolved and you can access the desired websites.

Alternative Solutions for DNS Could Not Be Found Error

If the above troubleshooting steps do not resolve the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error, here are some additional solutions you can try:

1. Change DNS Server Settings

Changing your DNS server settings can sometimes help in resolving DNS-related issues. You can switch to a different DNS server such as Google DNS or OpenDNS. Here's how to change the DNS server settings:

• Press Win + X and select Network Connections.
• Right-click on your active network connection and choose Properties.
• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
• Choose the option to Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the preferred DNS server addresses. For example, you can use 8.8.8.8 as the preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the alternate DNS server (for Google DNS).
• Click OK and restart your computer.

2. Disable Proxy Settings

If you are using proxy settings on your Windows 10 computer, disabling them can help in resolving the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error. Here's how to do it:

• Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Network & Internet and click on Proxy in the left-hand menu.
• Disable the Automatically detect settings option and turn off the Use a proxy server option if it is enabled.

After disabling the proxy settings, check if the error is resolved.

3. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or faulty network drivers can sometimes cause DNS-related errors. Updating your network drivers to the latest version can potentially resolve the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error. Here's how to update network drivers:

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Network Adapters category.
• Right-click on your network adapter and choose Update Driver.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

Once the network drivers are updated, check if the error is resolved.

Dealing with DNS Could Not Be Found Error on Windows 10

Another aspect of the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10 is related to browser-specific issues and third-party software conflicts. Let's explore some additional troubleshooting steps for dealing with this error:

Clearing Browser Cache and Cookies

Browser cache and cookies can sometimes become corrupted and cause conflicts with DNS resolution. Clearing the cache and cookies can help in resolving this issue. Here's how to do it in commonly used browsers:

1. Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to More tools and select Clear browsing data.
• Choose the Time range for which you want to clear the data.
• Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
• Click on Clear data.

2. Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox and click on the three-bar menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to Options and select Privacy & Security.
• Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section.
• Click on Clear Data.
• Select Cached Web Content and Cookies.
• Click on Clear.

3. Microsoft Edge

• Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to Settings and select Privacy, search, and services.
• Scroll down to the Clear browsing data section.
• Click on Choose what to clear.
• Select Cookies and saved website data and Cached data and files.
• Click on Clear.

Disabling Browser Extensions and Add-ons

Browser extensions and add-ons can sometimes interfere with the DNS resolution process, leading to the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error. Disabling these extensions can help in identifying and resolving the issue. Here's how to disable extensions in popular browsers:

1. Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to More tools and select Extensions.
• Toggle off the switch next to each extension to disable them.

2. Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox and click on the three-bar menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to Add-ons.
• Click on the Extensions tab.
• Toggle the switch to disable each extension.

3. Microsoft Edge

• Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to Extensions.
• Toggle off the switch next to each extension to disable them.

Once the extensions are disabled, check if the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error persists. If the error is resolved, you can enable the extensions one by one to identify the problematic one.

In conclusion, the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10 can be caused by various factors such as incorrect DNS configuration, network connectivity issues, DNS cache corruption, or security software interference. By following the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article, you can resolve the error and regain access to the desired websites. Remember to check your DNS settings, clear the DNS cache, and consider alternative solutions such as changing DNS server settings or disabling proxy settings. Additionally, clearing browser cache and cookies, as well as disabling browser extensions and add-ons, can also help in resolving the error. By systematically addressing each possible cause, you can overcome the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error and ensure a smooth browsing experience on Windows 10.

Troubleshooting DNS Errors in Windows 10

If you are experiencing the error message "DNS could not be found" on your Windows 10 computer, it indicates a problem with your internet connection's Domain Name System (DNS). DNS is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access websites. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Check your Internet Connection

First, ensure that your internet connection is active and stable. Restart your router and modem, and try connecting to different websites to see if the error persists.

2. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing your DNS cache can help resolve DNS errors. Open the Command Prompt as administrator and type "ipconfig /flushdns" to clear the cache.

3. Change DNS Server

Try changing your DNS server to a different provider, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare. This can be done through your network settings.

4. Disable Proxy Settings

If you are using a proxy server, disable it temporarily to see if the DNS error is resolved.

These steps should help you troubleshoot and fix DNS errors on your Windows 10 device, ensuring a seamless browsing experience. If the issue persists, consider contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

DNS Could Not Be Found Windows 10 is a common error message that users encounter when trying to access websites. This issue could be caused by various factors, including DNS settings, network connectivity issues, or problems with the website itself. In this FAQ, we will address some of the most commonly asked questions about DNS errors on Windows 10.

1. What does it mean when I see the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10?

When you see the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10, it means that your computer is unable to connect to the DNS server to resolve the domain name of the website you are trying to access. This could be due to a problem with your DNS settings, network connectivity issues, or an error on the website's end.

This error message typically appears in your web browser when you try to access a website, and it prevents you from loading the website's content. It's important to troubleshoot and resolve this issue to regain access to the website.

2. How can I fix the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10?

Here are a few steps you can take to fix the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10:

1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that your device is connected to the internet and that there are no network connectivity issues.

2. Clear your DNS cache: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command "ipconfig /flushdns" to clear the DNS cache.

3. Change your DNS server: Consider using a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS, by adjusting your network settings.

3. Why am I experiencing the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10 only for certain websites?

The "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10 may only occur for certain websites due to website-specific issues. It is possible that the website's DNS records are not properly configured or there might be temporary issues with the website's server.

If you are experiencing this error for a specific website, you can try accessing the website from a different device or network to determine if the issue is localized to your Windows 10 computer.

4. Can a firewall or antivirus software cause the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10?

Yes, a firewall or antivirus software installed on your Windows 10 computer can potentially cause the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error. These security programs might block access to certain websites or interfere with the DNS resolution process.

To troubleshoot this issue, you can temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and check if the error persists. If the error disappears, you may need to adjust the settings of these programs to allow access to the affected websites.

5. What should I do if none of the above solutions fix the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10?

If none of the above solutions fix the "DNS Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 10, you can try the following additional steps:

1. Restart your modem and router: Power off your modem and router, wait for a few minutes, and then power them back on. This can help refresh your network connection and resolve any temporary issues.

2. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP): If the issue persists, it is recommended to get in touch with your ISP to check if there are any known issues with your internet connection or DNS services.

To wrap up, if you are encountering the 'DNS Could Not Be Found' error on Windows 10, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, try restarting your router and modem to refresh the network connection. If that doesn't work, you can try flushing DNS cache using the Command Prompt by typing 'ipconfig /flushdns'. Additionally, you can change your DNS server settings to Google DNS or OpenDNS to see if that solves the problem. Remember to restart your computer after making any changes to ensure they take effect.

If the issue persists, it may be a good idea to check your antivirus or firewall settings, as they can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. Disable them temporarily or add exceptions for your web browser to see if that makes a difference. If all else fails, you can always reach out to your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance, as they may have specific troubleshooting steps for your network setup. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you get rid of the 'DNS Could Not Be Found' error and get back to browsing the web smoothly on your Windows 10 device.