How To Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10

Having trouble with your DNS server not responding on Windows 10? It can be frustrating to encounter this issue, especially when you're trying to browse the internet or access certain websites. But fear not, there are solutions to fix this problem and get your DNS server up and running smoothly again.

When it comes to fixing a DNS server not responding on Windows 10, it's crucial to understand the underlying causes. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, or problems with your ISP. By troubleshooting and implementing the right solutions, you can resolve this issue and restore your internet connection in no time.

Introduction

If you're experiencing issues with your DNS server not responding on Windows 10, it can be frustrating and disrupt your internet connection. The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access websites and other network resources. When the DNS server stops responding, you may encounter errors like "DNS server not responding" or "DNS probe finished no internet." In this article, we will explore various methods to fix the DNS server not responding issue on Windows 10.

1. Check Network Connectivity

The first step in troubleshooting the DNS server not responding issue is to check your network connectivity. Ensure that your Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection is stable and working properly. You can try connecting to a different network or restart your router to rule out any temporary network issues.

If you're using a wireless connection, make sure you're within range of the router and there are no physical obstructions. Additionally, check if other devices on the same network are able to access the internet. If they're also facing similar issues, the problem may lie with your network provider or the router itself.

If you're using a wired connection, ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to your computer and the router or modem. Try using a different Ethernet cable if possible to rule out any cable-related issues.

1.1 Flush DNS Cache

One common cause of DNS server issues is a corrupted DNS cache. The DNS cache stores the IP addresses of frequently visited websites, allowing for faster access. However, if the cache becomes corrupted, it can lead to DNS server errors. You can flush the DNS cache to clear any potential issues.

To flush the DNS cache on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Command Prompt by searching for "cmd" in the Start menu and selecting "Command Prompt."
• Once the Command Prompt opens, type the following command: ipconfig /flushdns
• Press Enter to execute the command.
• You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.

After flushing the DNS cache, restart your computer and check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

1.2 Reset Network Settings

If flushing the DNS cache doesn't resolve the issue, you can try resetting your network settings. This will reset all your network adapters and configurations to their default state, potentially resolving any underlying networking issues.

To reset network settings on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on "Network & Internet."
• In the left sidebar, click on "Status."
• Scroll down and click on "Network reset."
• Click on "Reset now" to confirm.
• Restart your computer after the reset is complete.

After resetting your network settings, reconnect to your network and check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved. If the problem persists, continue troubleshooting.

2. Change DNS Servers

If your DNS server not responding issue continues, you can try changing the DNS servers used by your computer. By default, your computer will use the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP). However, switching to a different set of DNS servers, such as those provided by Google or Cloudflare, can sometimes resolve DNS-related problems.

To change the DNS servers on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on "Network & Internet."
• In the left sidebar, click on "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi" depending on your connection type.
• Click on the network connection you are currently using.
• Scroll down and click on "Edit IP settings."
• Change the "DNS server" setting to either automatic or enter the IP addresses of preferred DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google Public DNS or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare DNS).
• Click on "Save" and restart your computer.

After changing the DNS servers, check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved. If not, try the next troubleshooting step.

2.1 Disable IPv6

In some cases, disabling IPv6 can help resolve DNS server issues. IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol, but it may not always be fully supported by all network devices and routers. Disabling IPv6 and using only IPv4 can sometimes resolve connectivity problems.

To disable IPv6 on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on "Network & Internet."
• In the left sidebar, click on "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi" depending on your connection type.
• Click on the network connection you are currently using.
• Scroll down and click on "Change adapter options."
• Right-click on your active network adapter and select "Properties."
• Uncheck the checkbox next to "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and click on "OK."
• Restart your computer after making the changes.

After disabling IPv6, check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved. If the problem still persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

3. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers can also cause DNS server not responding issues. Updating your network drivers to the latest version can potentially fix the problem.

To update network drivers on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and search for "Device Manager."
• Click on "Device Manager" in the search results to open it.
• Expand the "Network adapters" category.
• Right-click on your network adapter and select "Update driver."
• Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
• If Windows finds any updates, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
• Restart your computer after the driver update is complete.

After updating the network drivers, check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

3.1 Disable Firewall or Antivirus

In some cases, firewalls or antivirus programs can interfere with your computer's network connectivity and cause DNS server errors. Temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus program can help determine if they are causing the issue.

Note: Remember to enable your firewall and antivirus protection after troubleshooting.

To disable your firewall or antivirus program on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on "Update & Security."
• In the left sidebar, click on "Windows Security."
• Click on "Firewall & network protection."
• Click on your currently active network profile.
• Toggle the "Firewall" switch to "Off."
• Restart your computer and check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved.

4. Restart DNS Client Service

The DNS Client service on your computer is responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses. Restarting this service can sometimes resolve DNS server not responding issues.

To restart the DNS Client service on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows Key + R.
• Type "services.msc" and press Enter to open the Services window.
• In the Services window, scroll down and locate "DNS Client."
• Right-click on "DNS Client" and select "Restart."
• Wait for the service to restart and close the Services window.
• Check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved.

If the issue persists after restarting the DNS Client service, try the next troubleshooting step.

5. Disable Proxy Settings

If you have manually configured proxy settings on your computer, they may interfere with your DNS server and cause connectivity problems. Disabling proxy settings can help resolve the DNS server not responding issue.

To disable proxy settings on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on "Network & Internet."
• In the left sidebar, click on "Proxy."
• Under the "Manual proxy setup" section, toggle the "Use a proxy server" switch to "Off."
• Restart your computer and check if the DNS server not responding issue is resolved.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting DNS server not responding issues on Windows 10 can be complex, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. It's important to try various troubleshooting methods and determine which one works best for your specific situation. Remember to restart your computer after applying any changes and test your internet connectivity to ensure the problem is resolved.

Troubleshooting Steps for DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10

If you are facing issues with your DNS server not responding on Windows 10, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

• Check your internet connection and ensure it is stable.
• Restart your router or modem to refresh the connection.
• Flush your DNS cache by opening the Command Prompt and typing "ipconfig /flushdns" (without quotes) and press Enter.
• Update your network drivers by going to the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest drivers for your network adapter.
• Disable any VPN or proxy settings that might be interfering with your DNS server.
• Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software and check if the issue persists.
• Reset TCP/IP settings by opening the Command Prompt and typing "netsh int ip reset" (without quotes) and press Enter.
• Try using an alternative DNS server. You can change your DNS server settings in the Network and Internet settings.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact your internet service provider or a professional technician for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers on how to fix DNS server not responding issues on Windows 10.

1. How do I troubleshoot DNS server not responding on Windows 10?

To troubleshoot DNS server not responding on Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Restart your router/modem and computer.

Step 2: Check your internet connection by accessing websites on different devices.

Step 3: Flush DNS cache by typing "ipconfig /flushdns" in the Command Prompt and press Enter.

Step 4: Update network drivers by going to "Device Manager," expanding the "Network adapters" category, right-clicking on your network adapter, and selecting "Update driver."

Step 5: Reset TCP/IP settings by typing "netsh int ip reset" in the Command Prompt and press Enter.

Step 6: Disable any VPN or proxy settings.

Step 7: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software to check if it's causing the issue.

2. Why is my DNS server not responding on Windows 10?

There are several reasons why your DNS server may not be responding on Windows 10:

1. Router or modem issues: Restarting these devices can often resolve connection problems.

2. Network driver issues: Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause DNS server problems.

3. DNS cache issues: Flushing the DNS cache can clear any stored corrupted or invalid DNS data.

4. TCP/IP settings issues: Resetting TCP/IP settings can fix network connectivity issues.

5. VPN or proxy settings issues: Disabling VPN or proxy settings can eliminate any conflicts.

6. Antivirus or firewall software issues: Sometimes, security software can block network connections.

3. Can I fix DNS server not responding on Windows 10 without restarting my router?

Restarting your router is often the quickest and easiest way to fix DNS server issues. However, if you want to try other troubleshooting steps before restarting your router, you can follow these methods:

1. Flush DNS cache: Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve DNS server problems.

2. Update network drivers: Outdated drivers can affect network connectivity, so updating them may solve the issue.

3. Reset TCP/IP settings: Resetting TCP/IP settings can restore network configuration to default.

4. Disable VPN or proxy settings: VPN or proxy settings can sometimes interfere with DNS server connections.

5. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software: Security software can occasionally cause network issues.

4. My DNS server is not responding only on Windows 10. What should I do?

If the DNS server is not responding only on Windows 10, you can try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check your network adapter settings: Make sure DNS is set to automatically obtain the IP address.

2. Update network drivers: Outdated drivers can cause connectivity problems, so update them to the latest version.

3. Disable VPN or proxy settings: These settings can sometimes interfere with the DNS server on Windows 10.

4. Disable firewall temporarily: Your firewall might be blocking DNS server responses, so try disabling it temporarily.

5. Reset TCP/IP settings: Resetting TCP/IP settings can restore network settings to default on Windows 10.

Fixing DNS server not responding issues on Windows 10 is crucial to ensure a seamless internet browsing experience. By following the steps discussed in this article, you can troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively.

Start by checking your internet connection and restarting your router. If the issue persists, try flushing the DNS cache, resetting TCP/IP, or changing your DNS server settings. You can also update your network drivers or disable any conflicting third-party software. Remember to restart your computer after implementing any changes to allow the settings to take effect.