How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” on Windows 10/11

Introduction

When Windows shows “DNS server not responding”, your PC is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, but it can’t translate website names (like google.com) into IP addresses. That’s why pages won’t load even though the network looks connected. This is usually caused by router issues, bad DNS settings, VPN/proxy interference, or a broken network stack. The fixes below are safe and work for Windows 10 and 11.

Restart Your Router and PC

This clears stuck router sessions and temporary network glitches.

Steps

1. Restart your PC.

2. Power off your router/modem (unplug it) for 30 seconds.

3. Plug it back in and wait 2–3 minutes.

4. Try loading a website again.

If all devices on the same Wi-Fi fail, the issue is likely the router or ISP.

Flush DNS Cache

Windows sometimes keeps a broken DNS cache.

Steps

1. Search Command Prompt → right click → Run as administrator

2. Run:

3. Close Command Prompt and test browsing.

Change DNS to a Reliable Provider

If your ISP/router DNS is unstable, switch to a known good DNS.

Steps

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections

2. Right click your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Properties

3. Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and set:

   • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1

   • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1

5. Click OK → close windows → test again.

Optional Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Disable VPN / Proxy

VPNs and proxies often break DNS resolution.

Steps

1. Disconnect and close any VPN app.

2. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy

3. Turn off Use a proxy server.

4. Test websites again.

Reset Winsock and TCP/IP Stack

If networking components are corrupted, reset them.

Steps

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

2. Run:

3. Restart your PC.

4. Test browsing.

Update or Restart the Network Adapter

Drivers can glitch after updates.

Steps

1. Right click Start → Device Manager

2. Expand Network adapters

3. Right click your adapter → Disable device

4. Wait 5 seconds → Enable device

5. If still broken: right click → Update driver

Avoid third-party “driver updater” tools.

Notes and Warnings

• If the error happens on every device, focus on the router/ISP.

• If it started right after a Windows update, network reset + adapter restart usually fixes it.

  • Fix Windows Update stuck or failing

• Don’t randomly change advanced router settings unless you know what you’re doing.

• Public DNS is safe, but if your workplace/school uses custom DNS, ask the admin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “DNS server not responding” mean?

It means your PC can’t reach a DNS server to translate website names into IP addresses.

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

Sometimes browsing feels faster, but the main benefit is reliability and fixing DNS failures.

Is flushing DNS safe?

Yes. It only clears cached DNS entries and does not touch personal files.

Why does Wi-Fi show connected but pages don’t load?

Because connection to the router exists, but DNS (or internet routing) is failing.

Conclusion

Most “DNS server not responding” errors on Windows come from bad DNS settings, VPN/proxy interference, or a broken network stack. Start with restarts, flush DNS, switch to a reliable DNS (1.1.1.1), then reset Winsock/TCP-IP. One of these fixes usually restores browsing quickly.

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