DNS Address Could Not Be Found Windows 11

When browsing the internet on Windows 11, encountering the message "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" can be frustrating and perplexing. It indicates that the Domain Name System (DNS) server is unable to translate a website's domain name into an IP address, preventing your browser from establishing a connection. This issue can disrupt your online activities and hinder access to important websites and services. Understanding the reasons behind this error and finding effective solutions is crucial in resolving the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error on Windows 11.

The DNS Address Could Not Be Found error on Windows 11 can stem from various factors. One common cause is incorrect DNS settings, whether on your computer or your internet service provider's end. Problems with the DNS server configuration, network connectivity issues, or malware infections can also contribute to this error. It is essential to ensure that your DNS settings are accurate and up-to-date to eliminate this error and restore internet connectivity. Additionally, clearing your DNS cache, refreshing your IP address, or using alternative DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS can serve as effective solutions to resolve this issue on Windows 11.

Understanding DNS Address Could Not Be Found Error in Windows 11

One common issue that Windows 11 users may encounter while browsing the internet is the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error. This error indicates a problem with the Domain Name System (DNS), which is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. When this error occurs, the browser is unable to establish a connection to the intended website, resulting in a failed loading of the webpage.

The DNS Address Could Not Be Found error can be frustrating and disruptive to your online activities. However, it is a fixable issue, and there are several potential causes and solutions to explore. In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind this error in Windows 11 and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve it.

1. Incorrect DNS Settings

One common reason for the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error is incorrect DNS settings on your Windows 11 system. DNS settings can be manually configured or obtained automatically from your internet service provider (ISP). If these settings are misconfigured or outdated, your browser may fail to find the correct IP address for the website you are trying to visit.

To check and modify your DNS settings in Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
• In the Settings window, select "Network & Internet" and then click on "Advanced network settings".
• Under "Advanced network settings," click on "Change adapter options".
• Right-click on your active network connection and select "Properties".
• In the Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on the "Properties" button below.
• In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, ensure that both the "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" options are selected.
• If you previously had manually entered DNS server addresses, uncheck the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option and click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

By ensuring that your DNS settings are set to obtain the address automatically, you can resolve potential configuration issues that may be causing the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error.

2. Clearing DNS Cache

The DNS cache on your Windows 11 system stores information about previously visited websites, including their IP addresses. Over time, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to connectivity issues and the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error. Clearing the DNS cache can help in resolving this problem.

To clear the DNS cache on your Windows 11 system, follow the steps below:

• Open the Start menu, type "Command Prompt" in the search bar, and click on the "Run as administrator" option.
• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

Wait for the command to execute and display the success message.

Clearing the DNS cache can help refresh the information stored on your system and resolve any discrepancies that may be causing the error.

3. Checking Firewall and Security Software

Your firewall or security software may sometimes interfere with your system's DNS resolution process, leading to the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error. These security measures may mistakenly block outbound or inbound connections to certain websites or interfere with the DNS requests.

To check if your firewall or security software is causing the issue:

• Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
• In the Settings window, select "Privacy & Security" and then click on "Windows Security".
• In the Windows Security window, select "Firewall & Network Protection".
• Click on "Allow an app through the firewall" and then click on the "Change settings" button.
• Scroll through the list of applications and ensure that your browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge) is allowed access in both the "Private" and "Public" columns.

In addition to the Windows Firewall, also consider checking the settings of any third-party security software you have installed on your system. Temporarily disabling such software or adding exceptions for your browser can help determine if they are causing the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error.

4. Flushing DNS Resolver Cache

In addition to clearing the DNS cache, Windows 11 has a separate DNS resolver cache that stores the results of previous DNS queries. Clearing this cache can help resolve any issues related specifically to DNS resolution.

To flush the DNS resolver cache on your Windows 11 system, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu, type "Command Prompt" in the search bar, and click on the "Run as administrator" option.
• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

Wait for the command to execute and display the success message.

Flushing the DNS resolver cache ensures that any potential issues with the cache are resolved and allows your system to perform fresh DNS queries when needed.

5. Resetting TCP/IP Stack

If none of the previous solutions work, resetting the TCP/IP stack on your Windows 11 system may help resolve the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error. The TCP/IP stack is responsible for internet communication, and resetting it can clear any network-related inconsistencies.

Here's how you can reset the TCP/IP stack:

• Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
• In the Settings window, select "Network & Internet" and then click on "Advanced network settings".
• Under "Advanced network settings," click on "Network reset".
• In the Network reset window, click on the "Reset now" button.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Note that resetting the TCP/IP stack will remove all network configurations, so you may need to set up your internet connection again after the reset.

Dealing with the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" Error in Windows 11

Another aspect to consider when encountering the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error in Windows 11 is the possibility of issues with your router or modem. A misconfigured network device can affect DNS resolution, leading to connection failures and the display of this error message.

To troubleshoot router or modem issues, try the following:

• Restart your router or modem by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a few seconds, and plugging it back in.
• Check the documentation provided with your router or modem for specific troubleshooting steps related to DNS issues.
• If possible, try connecting to the internet using a different router or modem to determine if the issue is with your current network device.

If the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error persists after performing the above troubleshooting steps, it may be advisable to contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance. They can help diagnose any network-related issues or provide further guidance to resolve the problem.

In conclusion, the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error in Windows 11 can be caused by various factors, including incorrect DNS settings, DNS cache issues, firewall or security software interference, and problems with the router or modem. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and resolve the error, allowing for seamless browsing and internet connectivity on your Windows 11 system.

Troubleshooting DNS Address Could Not Be Found Error on Windows 11

If you are encountering the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error on your Windows 11 computer, it can be frustrating and prevent you from accessing websites. However, with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue quickly. Here are some potential solutions:

• Check your internet connection: Ensure that your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is active and stable.
• Restart your modem/router: Power off your modem/router, wait for a few seconds, and then power it back on. This can refresh the connection and resolve any temporary issues.
• Flush DNS cache: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type "ipconfig /flushdns" without quotes. Press Enter to clear the DNS cache.
• Change DNS server: Switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), can sometimes resolve DNS-related issues.
• Disable VPN or proxy: If you're using a VPN or proxy service, try disabling it temporarily to see if it's causing the problem.

If none of these solutions work, it's possible that the issue is with your ISP or the website itself. In such cases, contacting your ISP or the website's support team for further assistance is recommended. By troubleshooting the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error, you can regain access to the websites and continue using your Windows 11 device seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found Windows 11" issue:

1. Why am I getting the "DNS address could not be found" error on Windows 11?

When you encounter the "DNS address could not be found" error on Windows 11, it means that your computer is unable to connect to the DNS server to translate domain names into IP addresses. This could be due to various reasons, such as network connectivity issues, misconfigured DNS settings, or problems with the DNS server itself.

To resolve this issue, you can try troubleshooting steps like restarting your router, flushing DNS cache, or changing the DNS server settings on your Windows 11 device.

2. How can I restart my router to fix the "DNS address could not be found" error on Windows 11?

To restart your router and potentially fix the "DNS address could not be found" error on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the power cable from your router.

2. Wait for about 30 seconds to a minute.

3. Plug the power cable back into your router.

4. Wait for the router to fully restart, and then check if the error is resolved.

3. How do I flush DNS cache to resolve the "DNS address could not be found" error on Windows 11?

To flush the DNS cache on Windows 11 and potentially fix the "DNS address could not be found" error, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd" (without quotes), and pressing Enter.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns

3. Wait for the command to execute and complete the DNS cache flushing process.

4. Restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved.

4. Can changing DNS server settings help resolve the "DNS address could not be found" error on Windows 11?

Yes, changing your DNS server settings on Windows 11 can potentially help resolve the "DNS address could not be found" error. It allows you to use a different DNS server that might be more reliable or faster.

To change DNS server settings on Windows 11:

1. Open the Network and Internet Settings by clicking on the network icon in the taskbar and selecting "Network & Internet settings."

2. In the Network & Internet settings window, click on "Advanced network settings."

3. Scroll down and click on "Change adapter options."

4. Right-click on your network connection and select "Properties."

5. In the Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."

6. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) properties, select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.

7. Click "OK" to save the changes, and then check if the error is resolved.

5. What should I do if the "DNS address could not be found" error persists on Windows 11?

If the "DNS address could not be found" error persists on Windows 11 even after trying the above troubleshooting steps, you can try the following:

1. Restart your computer to ensure any temporary glitches are resolved.

To conclude, the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error on Windows 11 can be frustrating but can usually be resolved by following a few troubleshooting steps. First, check your internet connection and ensure that it is stable. If the problem persists, try flushing the DNS cache by opening the Command Prompt and running the command "ipconfig /flushdns." Restarting your router or using a different DNS server can also help resolve the issue. Additionally, disabling any VPN or proxy settings and clearing your browser cache and cookies may resolve the problem.

If none of these solutions work, it is recommended to contact your internet service provider or consult with a technical expert for further assistance. Remember, the "DNS Address Could Not Be Found" error can occur due to various factors, and it's important to troubleshoot the issue systematically. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and regain access to the internet on your Windows 11 device.