A DNS(Domain Name System) is a directory that converts domain names or hostnames into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
Users may readily visit websites on the internet using web browsers as a result of this procedure.
You cannot browse a website unless you first connect to a DNS errors. During the procedure, you may get a notice such as “DNS server not responding.”
This suggests that the autonomous naming systems in charge of converting hostnames to IP addresses did not respond.
These sorts of DNS issues might arise for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, the majority of them have straightforward solutions.
In this article, we’ll define the “DNS Server Not Responding” warning and discuss some typical causes.
Then, on Windows, we’ll guide you through different alternatives for how to solve it.
What Does “DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?
A DNS is a naming system that converts alphanumeric domain names (or “hostnames”) to numerical IP addresses. DNS servers essentially function as translators.
“DNS Server Not Responding” indicates that your browser was unable to connect to the internet.
DNS failures are typically caused by issues on the user’s end, such as a faulty network or internet connection, incorrect DNS settings, or an outdated browser.
They might also be caused by a momentary server outage, which makes the DNS inaccessible.
How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” DNS Errors in Windows?
Now that you know what this warning means and are aware of some possible reasons, it’s time to go to work on fixing it. Let’s look at 10 possible solutions for “DNS Server Not Responding” on a Windows device.
- Switch to a Different Browser
- Start Your Computer in Safe Mode
- Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software and Firewall
- Disable Secondary Connections
- Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature
- Restart Your Router
- Flush Your DNS Cache and Reset Your IP
- Disable IPv6
- Change the Default DNS Server on Your Windows Computer
- Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers on Your Computer
Now let us go through each solution one by one:
Solution 1: Switch to a Different Browser
The first approach is to analyze the problem by checking your DNS connections. It may be as simple as switching or upgrading your web browser to resolve this issue.
To do so, consider using a different browser to access the web. For example, if Google Chrome or Brave is your default browser, try Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge instead.
If switching browsers helps, you’ll probably need to upgrade your usual browser or delete and reinstall it. If this does not work, try uninstalling and then reinstalling your favorite browser.
Solution 2: Start Your Computer in Safe Mode
The “DNS Server Not Responding” error message might occur if your operating system is not functioning correctly. As a result, you might want to try starting your Windows device in Safe Mode to see if it addresses the problem.
This limits the files and resources necessary to operate Windows and can be an efficient approach to diagnosing issues.
- To start your Windows 10 computer in Safe Mode, first press the Windows button, then hover your mouse over the Power symbol.
- Next, while holding down the Shift key, choose Restart.
- Click Troubleshoot > Advanced on the box that displays.
- Select Start-Up Settings, then Restart from the Advanced menu.
- You may enable Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking by pressing 4 or 5.
- After that, your computer will restart in Safe Mode.
- If you’re using Windows 7 or earlier, you may restart in Safe Mode by selecting Power > Restart. Then, while it is booting up, press and hold the F8 key.
Solution 3: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software and Firewall
Antivirus Programs and firewalls are essential for protecting your devices, but they can occasionally cause difficulties that disrupt network connections.
- For Windows users, go to the control panel.
- Choose Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings.
Solution 4: Disable Secondary Connections
Another possible approach is to disable any accessible secondary connections on your device. Ensure that just the connection you’re presently using is active.
- In Windows, type “Network connections” into the desktop taskbar’s search box. Then, choose View network connections.
- This will open the Network Connections page. Any connections that aren’t in use will have a red (X) next to them. Right-click on one and choose Disable.
- Repeat for any additional links that are now inactive. When you’re finished, restart your browser and try again to access the website.
Solution 5: Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature
This function aids in the preservation of your device’s download bandwidth. Essentially, it allows you to download a Windows update once and then use your device to distribute or share the new version with other computers on your local network.
Unfortunately, it can also occasionally disrupt DNS procedures. As a result, it’s worthwhile to disable it to see whether this addresses the problem message you’re now seeing.
- To do so, go to the Windows icon, then Settings, then Update & Security.
- Select Delivery Optimization from the window that appears on the left.
- Toggle the switch next to the ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’ option to deactivate it.
When you’re finished, restart your computer and attempt again to visit the website.
Solution 6: Restart Your Router
Most modems have a power button that allows you to swiftly turn them off. After about a minute, restart your modem and wait for it to re-establish a connection. When it does, check to see whether you can access the internet using your browser.
It should be noted that merely restarting the router is not always sufficient. You should reset it by disconnecting it completely and then waiting at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it back on.
Solution 7: Flush Your DNS Cache and Reset Your IP
If you’ve ruled out your browser, antivirus software, and router as possible causes, it’s time to look into your DNS settings. This is essential for both privacy and security.
As with the router cache, your DNS may need to be cleaned before it can properly connect to the internet, or your IP address may need to be reset.
- If you’re using Windows, begin by entering “cmd” into the taskbar’s search area and open the Command Prompt app.
- Enter ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter in the box that appears.
When the operation is complete, you will get a notice indicating that the DNS cache was properly flushed. This procedure should be repeated for the following commands:
- ipconfig /registerdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
Solution 8: Disable IPv6
IPv6 is the most recent Internet Protocol version that aids in the routing of data between networks and the internet.
Unfortunately, it might also be the source of the “DNS Server Not Responding” error you’re presently experiencing.
- Removing IPv6 on your machine is another possible approach to attempt.
- In Windows, open the Network Connections control panel and right-click on the current connection. Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down until you find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) under the Networking tab of the panel that appears.
- If it is checked, uncheck the box and then click OK. Refresh your browser and try again to connect to the internet.
Solution 9: Change the Default DNS Server on Your Windows Computer
Another fix for “DNS Server Not Responding” on Windows is to change your default DNS server. The first step in doing this in Windows 7, 8, or 10 is to enter your network connection properties.
- Begin by clicking the Windows button in the task bar’s bottom-left corner.
- Enter Network connections in the search area.
- Then, from the option that opens, click View network connections.
- Next, choose the internet adapter that you are presently using(LAN for ethernet cable connections or WLAN for wireless network connections).
- Right-click the internet adapter and choose Properties.
- Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the resulting box, and then click the Properties button.
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the address of a different server to manually specify a different DNS server address.
- For example, under Preferred DNS server, put “8.8.8.8” for google DNS server. Then, under Alternative DNS server, enter “8.8.4.4” and press OK.
There is an alternative to utilizing Google’s public DNS servers and those of many other organizations.
Solution 10: Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers on Your Computer
Another cause of the “DNS Server Not Responding” notice is if your present Windows network adapter driver is old or out of date.
If this is the case, purchasing a new adapter driver or upgrading your existing one may be the solution.
There are two methods for updating your network adapter driver. One option is to do it manually, which you should only do if you have some experience working with drivers.
You may also use an automated program, such as Driver Easy or Snappy Driver Installer, to accomplish it (SDI).
Either of these options will detect your system and discover the necessary drivers for you to utilize it.
Restart your PC after downloading SDI and installing the latest drivers. Then, to see if the problem has been fixed, reconnect to the internet.
Conclusion
The “DNS server not responding” warning indicates that your browser cannot connect to the internet, which is frequently caused by DNS failures or network issues.
You should also ensure that your domain name is active and that you have a reliable ISP(Internet Service Provider).
We hope this post has assisted you in resolving the “DNS server not responding” problem.