How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error in Windows 10

Start with Windows' built-in diagnostic tool to identify obvious network issues. This automated troubleshooter can resolve common DNS problems without manual intervention.

Right-click the network icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner). Select Troubleshoot problems from the context menu. Windows will launch the Network troubleshooter and automatically scan for issues.

Follow the on-screen prompts and allow the troubleshooter to apply any recommended fixes. The process typically takes 2-3 minutes and may restart your network adapter.

Clear your computer's DNS cache to remove corrupted or outdated DNS entries that might be causing connectivity issues.

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control.

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see the message "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache." This confirms the cache has been cleared.

Power cycle your network equipment to resolve potential ISP DNS server issues or router configuration problems.

Unplug the power cable from your modem first, then unplug your router (if separate). Wait at least 30 seconds to ensure all capacitors discharge completely.

Plug the modem back in first and wait for all status lights to stabilize (usually 2-3 minutes). Then plug in your router and wait for it to fully boot up and establish connection.

Reset all network adapters and configurations to their default state. This resolves issues caused by corrupted network settings or conflicting configurations.

Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I. Navigate to Network & Internet, then scroll down and click Network reset in the left sidebar.

Click the Reset now button. Windows will warn you that this will remove and reinstall all network adapters and reset networking components to their original settings. Click Yes to confirm.

Your computer will automatically restart after the reset completes. Upon restart, you'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network if applicable.

Replace your ISP's potentially unreliable DNS servers with public alternatives like Cloudflare or Google DNS. This is often the most effective solution for persistent DNS issues.

Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections. Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

In the Properties dialog, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

• Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
• Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1

Alternatively, you can use Google DNS:

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

Click OK to close both dialog boxes, then restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Temporarily disable IPv6 to eliminate potential conflicts between IPv4 and IPv6 DNS resolution that can cause connectivity issues.

Return to your network adapter properties by pressing Win + R, typing ncpa.cpl, and pressing Enter. Right-click your active adapter and select Properties.

In the Properties dialog, locate Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and uncheck the box next to it. Click OK to apply the changes.

Restart your computer to ensure the IPv6 protocol is fully disabled and IPv4 takes precedence for all DNS queries.

Ensure your network adapter drivers are current, as outdated or corrupted drivers can cause DNS resolution failures.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Network adapters section and locate your active network adapter (usually contains "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" in the name).

Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.

If Windows reports that the best drivers are already installed, try uninstalling the driver instead. Right-click the adapter, select Uninstall device, and restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver with a fresh configuration.

Force your computer to obtain a fresh IP address and DNS configuration from your router or ISP to resolve potential IP conflicts or stale network settings.

Open Command Prompt as administrator by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control.

Execute the following commands in sequence, pressing Enter after each:

ipconfig /release

Wait for the command to complete (your internet connection will temporarily disconnect), then run:

ipconfig /renew

The renewal process may take 30-60 seconds as your computer negotiates a new IP address with your router.

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking to determine if third-party software, drivers, or services are interfering with DNS resolution.

Hold the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start menu. In the recovery environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

When the Startup Settings menu appears, press 5 to select "Safe Mode with Networking." Windows will boot with minimal drivers and services loaded.

Once in Safe Mode, test your internet connection by opening a web browser and visiting several websites. If DNS works correctly in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by third-party software or drivers.