9 Fixes For “DNS Server Unavailable” Error

You can’t go to a website without going through a Domain Name Server (DNS). A message such as “DNS Server Unavailable” Error can appear. It indicates that the decentralized naming systems in charge of converting hostnames to IP addresses were unavailable.

These types of DNS issues might arise for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, the majority of them have straightforward remedies. It may be as simple as restarting your computer or switching online browsers to resolve the problem.

What Is The Function Of A DNS Server?

The job of a Domain Name Server is straightforward. To maintain and update its DNS database regularly. There are several levels of DNS servers available. Your ISP supports thousands of local DNS records for websites it may host, as well as addresses that its customers frequently look for.

Then there are the DNS servers in the cloud. Hundreds of thousands of DNS records are stored on larger servers. These servers are known as authoritative DNS servers.

It is what a web query looks like:

• You type a URL or select a favorite on your browser.
• The browser sends the query to your ISP’s DNS server.
• If the server has the DNS, it sends it to your browser, which goes to the webserver that hosts the desired website.
• If the recursive DNS server does not have the record, it contacts the authoritative DNS server closest to it and requests it.

Your ISP’s DNS server receives the record. It sends a copy to your browser if you or someone else needs it again. Your browser then navigates to the website’s hosting server.

DNS Server Might Be Unavailable Error: What Are The Causes?

DNS server not responding errors indicate that the browser cannot communicate with the DNS server. That server did not respond to the request. Local troubles with your device, your home network, or your ISP are the most prevalent causes.

It’s also possible that network troubles are to blame. It could be a material issue with the server or the server’s network connection, a software bug. Also, a Distributed Denial of Service attack or something similar.

Because DNS is such a vital part of the internet, it is usually carefully protected and backed up.

Other Errors Similar To DNS Server Unavailable

DNS issues can be very significant, preventing you from accessing the Internet. When it comes to DNS issues, customers have reported the following issues:

• The DNS server may be experiencing issues. It is a frequent issue that can affect practically any computer. If this issue happens, wait a few minutes before reaccessing the Internet.
• The DNS server may be offline. Although this is a rare event, it does happen from time to time. To resolve this case, you may need to switch to a different DNS server for a while.
• The DNS server has run out of time. Another common blunder that can occur is this. If you’re encountering this error message, your computer may be unable to connect to the DNS server.
• No DNS server could be identified. You may receive a DNS not finding a message from time to time. If this happens, double-check your network settings and DNS server’s IP.
• The DNS server could not be discovered or accessed. Another DNS issue that can occur is this. It’s a good idea to double-check your DNS address to see whether it’s valid.
• The DNS server has been unplugged. The DNS disconnected notification is another DNS issue that might arise. Like many other DNS-related issues, your network configuration can be the source of this one.
• The DNS server is constantly disconnecting. Many people have complained that their DNS server is continuously disconnecting. This issue is most often caused by a problem with your network connection or settings.
• The DNS server isn’t responding and isn’t accessible. If your DNS isn’t correctly set, you can get this error message. Check your DNS setup to see if that’s the issue.

Solutions To Fix DNS Server Might Be Unavailable In Windows

1. Use Different Web Browser
2. Use OpenDNS Or Google’s DNS
3. Deactivate Firewall And Antivirus
4. Restart Network Router And System
5. Flush The DNS
6. Reset TCP/IP Using Netsh Command
7. Restart the DNS service
8. Change DNS Address In Router
9. Start Computer in Safe Mode

1. Use Different Web Browser

You can switch to a different web browser. Check to see whether the DNS issues are specific to the browser you’ve been using. Inconsistencies in browser settings or coding can sometimes cause problems for users.

For the Windows platform, there are a plethora of excellent browser programs. You can try different browsers depending on which one you currently use. Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Internet Explorer are popular browsers.

On a different browser, web pages may load normally. Furthermore, identical DNS issues do not appear. In any event, you now have proof that the DNS issue is due to problems with your browser. Reset the browser’s settings to fix the problem in that browser. Also, reinstalling the browser application is a good idea.

2. Use OpenDNS Or Google’s DNS

DNS servers are generally reliable, with perhaps a few outages now and then.

Google’s public DNS service is both free and quick. It is most likely the best DNS available to the general public. Using Google’s DNS server comes with virtually no risks or drawbacks.

If you don’t want to use Google’s service, you can use OpenDNS instead.

To use Google’s public DNS, follow these steps:

• You may access the Run app by pressing the Windows logo key and R key.
• When the Run dialogue box appears, type the following text into the box:
  • ncpa.cpl

• On your device’s keyboard, press the Enter key.
• Windows will execute the code, and you will be redirected to the Network Connections screen in the Control Panel application.
• You must now identify the internet connection that your machine is using.
• To examine the various options, right-click on the internet connection. Select your desired properties.
• The Properties window or dialogue for the selected connection will now appear in Windows.
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) must be found under This connection requires the following components.

• Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
• Select the choice “Obtain an IP address automatically” in the drop-down menu.
• To get started, click the button below. Use the DNS server addresses listed below.
• You must enter the following DNS addresses in the boxes.
  • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 
  • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• Then, after clicking the Apply button, click the OK button.
• Restart your browser if necessary. Check some websites to see if anything has changed.

3. Deactivate Firewall And Antivirus

Your antivirus or firewall is to blame for the DNS server. Incoming and outgoing connections can be screened by antivirus and firewall software. They chase them down and halt them dead in their tracks.

Your antivirus or firewall is set up incorrectly or in an illogical way. It’s likely that antivirus or firewall is overreaching and operating against your best interests.

Turn Off Your Antivirus Software.

• Open the Antivirus and then go to the main setup screen or settings menu.
• Use the Turnoff or Disable button once you’ve found it.
• You’ll almost certainly need to specify how long your antivirus must be disabled. Choose either the permanent option (if one exists) or the option that turns it off until the next reboot.
• Leave the settings or configuration screen after saving the changes.
• Restart your browser and check a few different websites to see if things have improved.

Turn Off Your Firewall.

• Open the Windows firewall program or the setup through which you initially established the firewall.

• Go to the firewall rules panel.

• If the application permits you to disable all firewall rules, you should take the risk.

• You can restrict access to certain apps. You must locate your browser application and disable the program’s access.
• Close the firewall utility or setup after saving the modifications.
• Close and then reopen your browser. Check to verify if your internet connection is again operational.

4. Restart Network Router And System

The DNS server is the most prevalent computer and internet problem. All you have to perform now is reboot the computer. You can also restart your router, which would allow it to start from scratch. It may be done with Windows 10 and an internet router by following these simple instructions.

• To access the Start menu, click the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
• Select Power from the drop-down menu, then Restart. It will close all of your open applications and restart your computer entirely.

• Check to determine if your network connection is working after your computer has rebooted.
• Restarting your router is one of many options for resolving online troubles.
• Locate the router’s power button and press it to turn it off.
• Allow a few minutes to pass. We recommend giving your router and network 5 minutes to shut down properly.
• After restarting your computer and router, you can still connect to the internet. Go to the next step in the process.

5. Flush The DNS

DNS Cache allows Windows to circumvent DNS servers and go straight to the website’s IP address based on previous visits. It must be renewed regularly to obtain new IP addresses if the IP address has changed.

Most internet connection troubles can be resolved by clearing the Windows DNS cache. It’s useful when some websites open, but others don’t.

• Click the magnifying glass icon in your taskbar. Now, you can access the search bar. Also, you can use the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to bring it up.
• In the search box, type cmd. Right-click on it and select the option ‘Run as Administrator” from the menu.

• Now, Allow the program to launch with administrator permissions if requested by the User Account Control (UAC).
• After each line, click the Enter key on your computer to input the commands below in the order listed:
  • ipconfig /flushDNS

• ipconfig /registerDNS

(Enter)

• ipconfig /renew

(Enter)

• ipconfig /release

(Enter)

• Close the Command Prompt and go to a web browser of your choice. Check to see whether you can reach a website like Google.com or another popular search engine.

6. Reset TCP/IP Using Netsh Command

Windows handles networking in a different way than macOS. You can try another potential cure for the DNS server problem. It’s a Winsock and IP reset.

Within Windows, these two services are in charge of networking. Winsock has a history of generating problems with Windows, so it’s worth a go.

• Press Windows Key + X. Choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the drop-down menu. If Command Prompt isn’t an option, choose PowerShell (Admin).
• Hit Enter after typing “netsh int ip reset” (no quotes).
• Hit Enter after typing “netsh Winsock reset” (no quotes).

• Your computer should be restarted.

7. Restart the DNS service

You could try restarting your DNS service on Windows 10 directly. To perform the instructions below, you may require administrator access.

• Press the Windows + R keys. It will launch the Run application.
• Click the OK button after typing services.msc. It will open the Services window, which may take a few seconds to load completely.

• Refresh the DNS Client service by right-clicking it and selecting Refresh from the context menu. It will turn the service off and back on in a secure manner.
• DNS service should be restarted
• Check if you can connect to the internet effectively after refreshing the DNS Client service.

8. Change DNS Address In Router

If the default way of changing DNS servers in Windows 10 doesn’t work, try changing it using your network.

• Copy and paste your router’s access address into any web browser. It must be set as your default gateway. 
• Suppose you don’t know then, Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig. The IP address displayed will be the Default Gateway address.
• Use your username and password to access your router. It can generally be found on a sticker on your router or the box it arrived in.
• Locate your Internet Connection information once you’ve logged in. It is usually located in a tab with a similar name.
• Select either IPv4 or IPv6 in the DNS server area, depending on the protocol you’re using for your connection.
• Put the address of the DNS server you’d like to use here.
• In the first row, type 1.1.1.1, then 1.0.0.1 in the second row. Your DNS will be changed to the popular 1.1.1.1 server.
• By specifying 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the Alternate DNS server, you can use Google’s DNS server.

• Type in 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123 for OpenDNS.
• Make sure you save the data before exiting the router interface. Check if you can now link to the internet.

9. Start Computer in Safe Mode

The “DNS Server Not Responding” issue message can occur if your operating system is not functioning correctly. You might want to try booting your Windows device in Safe Mode to see if that fixes the problem.

• Hover over the Power symbol after selecting the Windows button.
• Next, select Restart while holding down the Shift key.
• Click Troubleshoot, then 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 or Enable Safe Mode with Networking can be done by pressing 4 or 5. After that, your computer will restart in Safe Mode.

For Use With Windows 7 Or Mac Os X.

• By going to Power then Restart, you can restart it in Safe Mode.
• Press the F8 (function 8) key while the computer is booting up.

macOS

• Hold the Shift key while the machine restarts and boots up. You can now release it after the Apple logo is displayed. Your device will boot into Safe Mode.

Restart your computer in Safe Mode and access the website once more. If the problem does not occur, it could be caused by third-party software or an installation.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve resolved the “DNS server is not responding” error. You can connect to the Internet without experiencing any network connection issues. If routers and modems continue to fail, they will eventually need to be replaced. Flushing Renewing the DNS is the Best solution, so give it a try.

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