14 Fixes For ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ Error

What Does “DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?

A domain name system (DNS) converts alphanumeric domain names into numeric IP addresses. DNS servers act as translators.

dns server not responding

When you write a website URL into your browser, your router sends it to a DNS server. There it is changed and returned as an IP address. Suppose the DNS server cannot complete the name resolution process. The message “DNS server not responding” is displayed.

The error message “DNS Server Not Responding” indicates that your browser could not connect to the internet. Issues on the user’s end typically cause DNS errors. Such as a faulty network or internet connection, misconfigured DNS settings, or an out-of-date browser. They could potentially be the result of a DNS outage caused by a transient server failure.

As a result, it’s possible that merely switching browsers will solve the problem. You may need to deactivate connections, change DNS servers, or flush the DNS cache in other circumstances.

How does DNS work? Is it possible to solve my DNS Error?

When you perform a lookup or a website query from your device, it sets in motion a slew of DNS server protocols. When you look us up in a search engine (softwaretesttips.com). The Internet instructs the nearest DNS server to look for the numerical address.

The Internet Protocol (IP) address is what it’s called. Your device displays the softwaretesttips.com webpage in microseconds after the DNS locates the IP address.

People prefer to remember the titles of the websites they frequent. You can use a device from anywhere on the globe. Your device must contact the authoritative Domain Name Server for that website to authenticate a website lookup.

Hopefully, you can see that while your equipment is running normally, the DNS server not responding issue can arise. It indicates that the query has become trapped on a server someplace.

If you’re getting many of these error messages and your website takes a long time to load, your DNS may be stuck.

A DNS problem can easily be caused by many inquiries regarding different websites coming to and from your device daily.

If your service is interrupted, or if something is wrong with your DNS device setup.

Methods To Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?

  1. Try to Change Web Browser
  2. Correct Your DNS Server Addresses
  3. Flush Your DNS Cache. Also, Reset Your IP
  4. Disable Secondary Connections
  5. Restart Your Router
  6. Run Windows Network Diagnostics
  7. Update Network Adapter Driver
  8. Start Your Computer In Safe Mode
  9. Disable Your Antivirus Software
  10. Disable The Windows Peer-to-peer Feature
  11. Power Cycle Your Modem And Router
  12. Upgrade To Latest Firmware on the Router
  13. Disable your IPv6 protocol
  14. Use a different device to connect.

1. Try to Change the Web Browser

Perform a test by attempting to log on to the desired web page using alternative apps.  Rule out the possibility that your web browser causes the connection problem. Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer,  Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are just a few of the most popular selections.

If you can solve the problem by switching browsers, check the settings of your favorite application and make sure you’re running the most recent version. Specific scenarios may necessitate uninstalling and reinstalling the software.

2. Correct Your DNS Server Addresses

Changing the computer’s default DNS server is another option for resolving “DNS Server Not Responding” in Windows. The first step is to open your network connection properties in Windows 10.

  • Go to the properties of your network connection.
  • Search for ‘Network connections’ using the Windows button on the taskbar.
  • Select ‘View network connections from the menu. Alternatively, you can use the command ncpa.cpl.
ncpa.cpl control panel
  • When hovering over the Windows symbol in Windows 10, simply click the right mouse button and select the menu item “Network connections.
network connections

Choose Network adapters.

  • If you’re accessing the internet over a wireless network, you’ll need to choose a WLAN adapter (wireless network connection). If you connect to the internet via cable, you’ll need a LAN adapter (LAN connection).
  • Right-click and select ‘Properties’ from the menu once you’ve found the relevant network adapter.
ethernet properties

Choose an internet protocol.

  • The most common options are internet protocol version 4 and internet protocol version 6. In the vast majority of circumstances, Version 4 is used. Choose this one and then select ‘Properties.’

Modify the DNS server address.

  • On Windows, change the DNS server address. By default, the options ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ and ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically should be used.
fix DNS server

(make a note of which DNS server is in use before changing the server address. This way, if an issue arises in the future, you can undo any changes and return to the original settings.)

  • Click ‘Use the following DNS server addresses and input the addresses of any alternative servers if you want to manually assign a DNS server address.
  • If you want to use the Google server DNS address, change to correctly configured settings. 

Following DNS server addresses

  • Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4
Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4

The above settings, including the IP address, must be left alone. 

  • To finalize the DNS server exchange, click ‘OK.’
  • The IP addresses of the DNS server should be modified if internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) is used instead of version 4 (IPv4). 
  • The following are Google’s public DNS IPv6 addresses:
    • 2001:4860:4860::8888
    • 2001:4860:4860::8844
IPv6 addresses

3. Flush Your DNS Cache. Also, Reset Your IP

Windows 

It’s possible that, like the router cache, your DNS has to be cleared before it can properly connect to the internet or that your IP needs to be reset.

  • For Windows, type “cmd” into the taskbar’s search area. 
  • Choose the Command Prompt.
command prompt as an administrator
  • Enter “ipconfig/flushdns” (no quotation marks) in the window that appears and press Enter.
  • When the operation is complete, a notice will appear stating that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
  • Carry on in the same manner with the following commands:
    • ipconfig /registerdns
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew

Mac

If you’re using a Mac, use the Terminal application (click the Command + Space keys.

  • Type “Terminal” into Spotlight) to clear your DNS cache. Enter in the Terminal application window:
    • dscacheutil -flushcache
  • Enter the code with the Enter key.
  • The DNS cache will be flushed simply by performing this command. 

4. Disable Secondary Connections

Another option is to turn off any accessible secondary connections on your device. Make sure that only the connection you’re using right now is active.

  • To do so in Windows, go to your desktop taskbar’s search box and type “Network Connections.” 
  • Select View network connections.
  • It will take you to the page for Network Connections. A red (X) will appear next to any connections you aren’t using right now.
  • Select Disable from the menu when you right-click on one.
  • Restart your browser and try re-accessing the website after you’ve finished.
  • If you’re using macOS, go to System Preferences > Network after tapping the Apple icon. To the side (left-hand) of the window, users can see a list of their connections.
  • Select one and then click the (–) sign at the bottom of the window to disconnect or disable it.

5. Restart Your Router

It’s possible that resolving your DNS issues is as simple as that old hardware fix of “simply turn it off and on again.” Restarting your router and modem clears the IP address cache and the router cache on your local area network.

Any DNS mistakes that have been stuck in the system could be fixed with a clean slate. Follow these steps:

  • Remove all the power cords from your modem and router.
  • Allow at least 30 seconds for your modem and router to connect.
  • Wait for your modem to reconnect and get back online.
  • Wait for your router to reconnect to your modem and come back online.
  • Re-visit the website. 

If the DNS server not responding error persists, connect your desktop or tablet device to the internet using an Ethernet cable. (if this is the device you are having the problem with). Suppose you get to this stage and still have DNS problems. Your DNS settings may be the issue. Continue to the next step.

6. Run Windows Network Diagnostics

Windows Network Diagnostics can be used on Microsoft Windows PCs to diagnose internet connection issues. Follow these procedures if you’re not sure if your machine is receiving DNS Server Not Responding errors:

  • Open Control Panel.
  • To get started, go to the Network and Sharing Center.
  • Under Change your Networking Settings, click Troubleshoot problems.
diagnose internet connection problems
  • Then select “Additional troubleshooters” from the drop-down menu. 
local area connection troubleshooter
  • A new window for Internet Connections emerges. Next should be selected.
run the troubleshooter
  • Wait for the troubleshooting tests to finish, then check for the error message in the window’s Problems detected area.

7. Update Network Adapter Driver

  • At the corner(lower left-hand) of the screen, click the Start button and type Device Manager into the Search bar.
device manager
  • The Device Manager should now be visible. Select Network Adapters from the drop-down option.
  • Choose the Network Adapter from the drop-down menu. Select Update Driver Software from the drop-down option when right-clicking the adapter.
update driver
  • There should be a dialogue box. Select Automatically Search for Updated Driver Software from the drop-down menu.
Select Automatically Search for Updated Driver Software
  • To complete the update, follow the directions on the following screens.
  • To make the modifications take effect, restart your computer.

8. Start Your Computer In Safe Mode

The “DNS Server Not Responding” message can occur if your operating system is not functioning correctly. As a result, you may try starting your Windows device in Safe Mode to see if it helps.

It will reduce the number of files and resources required to run Windows, and it can be a valuable approach to debugging issues.

  • Select the Windows button, then mouse over the Power icon to start your Windows 10 machine in Safe Mode.
  • Next, select Restart: while holding down the Shift key.
  • Click Troubleshoot > Advanced in the new window that appears. Select Start-Up Settings, then Restart from the Advanced menu. 
  • There will be more alternatives available. Enable Safe Mode (simple)or Enable Safe Mode with Networking can be done by pressing 4 or 5. After that, your computer will restart in Safe Mode.
  • If you’re running Windows 7 or earlier, go to Power > Restart to restart it in Safe Mode. 
  • Press and hold the F8 key to start in safe mode.

On macOS devices, the procedure is similar

  • Hold down the Shift button while the machine restarts and boots up. You can now release it after the Apple logo displays. After that, your computer will boot into Safe Mode.
  • Restart your computer in Safe Mode and try to access the website once more. Suppose the problem does not appear to be caused by a network connection issue. It could be caused by third-party software or an installation, such as an antivirus program.

9. Disable Your Antivirus Software

If switching browsers doesn’t fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” problem, the next option is to turn off your firewall for a while. Antivirus programs and firewalls are essential for protecting your devices. They can occasionally cause trouble with internet access.

  • Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings for Windows users in your settings.
Disable Your Antivirus Software
  • For Mac users, this setting can be found in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
  • Try accessing the page in your browser after you’ve deactivated your firewall.
Disable Your Antivirus Software
  • If this does resolve the issue, you may want to try a different antivirus software or change your existing settings.
  • In any event, remember to reactivate your firewall once you’re done.

10. Disable The Windows Peer-to-peer Feature

Disabling your firewall or secondary connections doesn’t fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message on Windows. One more thing you may try the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) capability. 

(Note: This method is only provided in Windows 10.)

This feature assists you to save download bandwidth on your smartphone. Essentially, it allows you to download a Windows update once. Then use your device to share the latest version throughout your local network.

Unfortunately, it can occasionally cause DNS processes to fail. As a result, it’s worth disabling to see if the error message you’re getting goes away.

  • To do so, go to the Windows icon, then Settings (gear icon), and then Update & Security.
  • Select Delivery Optimization: on the left-hand side of the window that appears.
  • Toggle the switch next to the ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’ option to disable it.
  • When you’re finished, restart your computer and attempt again to visit the website. Don’t worry if this doesn’t work. We still have a few more options to explore.

11. Power Cycle Your Modem And Router

Before doing anything else, turn off your computer, modem, and router, then turn them back on and try to connect.

It will clean your router’s cache, which may help you address DNS issues.

Remove the power cables from both your modem and your router. Allow your modem and router to sit for at least 30 seconds after that. After that, reconnect your modem and wait for it to reconnect. Last but not least, link your router to your modem and wait for it to reconnect.

12. Upgrade To Latest Firmware on Router

It is usually a nice idea to install the most recent firmware or software upgrades. We would not advise you to proceed if you are unsure that this is the problem.

Instead, hire an IT professional to change your router’s firmware for you. If the problem is with the firmware, the error should go away after you apply the update.

13. Disable your IPv6 protocol

Internet Protocol version 4 is the standard transmission control protocol for networks. IPv6 is the most recent protocol for communication between interconnected networks.

  • Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections to disable this protocol.
  • Select your WiFi connection.
  • Select the “Change settings of this connection” in the bar above.
  • Select the Properties window depicted below.

First, make sure the IPv6 checkbox is turned on. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox, then click OK. Reopen your browser and search the website once more.

Return to the tick box and reset it if everything is in order.

Disabling IPv6 on macOS is a lot easier.

Open the Terminal app and type > networksetup -listallnetworkservices into the command prompt.

Then use the command networksetup -setv6off to turn off the connection. Wi-fi

Use the command > networksetup -setv6off for an Ethernet connection. Ethernet

After that, hit enter and then reload your browser. If you can access the website, the problem has been resolved.

After that, use this way to reset your IPv6 on your Mac:

  • To access the Apple menu, select the Apple icon.
  • Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
  • Choose a Network.
  • Select your connection from the left-hand menu.
  • Choose Advanced.
  • Set IPv6 Configuration to Automatic.
  • Choose OK.

14. Use a different device to connect

The next step is to test another device in your network to narrow down the problem. If you still can’t get the site to load, try accessing it using mobile data. If it doesn’t appear, the problem is almost certainly on the website’s end, and your device can be ruled out. If it appears on another device, double-check that you can still view it on your original device; if you can’t, continue to the next step to fix the device’s DNS.

Conclusion 

When you try to access a website and get a “DNS Server Not Responding” warning, it can be frustrating and alarming. There are multiple alternative options to fix a “DNS Server Not Responding.” Try all the methods one by one. If you are still getting the “DNS server not responding” error message, the problem might be on the ISP end. 

There are multiple viable causes for this issue. The majority of them have straightforward fixes.