DNS Error Fix: Windows Step-by-Step

If you’re seeing “DNS server not responding” or “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” in Windows, it means your PC can’t translate website names into IP addresses. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from flushing your cache to changing DNS servers, so you can get back online quickly.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to your Windows PC (to run commands and change settings).
Your router’s login details (if you need to restart it or change its DNS settings).
A stable internet connection (even if some sites don’t load).

Step-by-Step

Restart your router and modem. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to fully boot, then plug in the router. This clears temporary network glitches that often cause DNS errors.
Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Click Network troubleshooter. Windows will automatically detect and attempt to fix common DNS issues. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Flush the DNS cache. Press Windows + R, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Then type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /registerdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- netsh winsock reset
Restart your PC after running these.
Change your DNS server to a public one. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
- Preferred: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate: 8.8.4.4
Click OK and close all windows. This bypasses your ISP’s potentially faulty DNS servers.
Disable IPv6 temporarily. In the same adapter properties window, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Click OK. Some networks have misconfigured IPv6 DNS settings, and disabling it forces Windows to use IPv4.
Check the hosts file. Open Notepad as administrator. Go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. Change the file type filter to All Files and open hosts. Look for any lines that aren’t commented out (starting with #) that mention websites you’re trying to visit. If you find any, delete them or add # at the beginning. Save the file and restart.
Update your network drivers. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds nothing, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver manually.
Reset TCP/IP stack. In the same administrator Command Prompt from step 3, type netsh int ip reset and press Enter. Then type netsh int ipv6 reset and press Enter. Restart your PC.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the router restart. Many DNS errors are caused by the router’s own cache. Restarting it is essential and often the quickest fix.
Typing commands incorrectly. A single typo in ipconfig or netsh will cause a “not recognized” error. Copy-paste the commands instead of typing them.
Forgetting to run as administrator. Commands like netsh winsock reset require admin rights. If you get an “access denied” message, you didn’t run the command prompt as administrator.
Changing DNS on the wrong adapter. If you have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, you might change DNS on the inactive one. Always check which adapter is actively connected (the one with “Internet access” under it).
Not restarting after changes. Some DNS changes only take effect after a reboot. Always restart your PC after modifying DNS settings or running reset commands.

Tips

Use a reliable public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). These are generally faster and more reliable than ISP defaults.
If you’re on a corporate or school network, don’t change DNS without permission. The network may require specific DNS servers to function.
Consider setting your router’s DNS to a public server instead of each PC. This fixes the issue for all devices on your network at once.
Keep your Windows and network drivers up to date to prevent recurring DNS issues.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t resolve the issue, try these additional checks:

Test with another device. If your phone or another computer also has DNS errors, the problem is likely your router or ISP, not your PC. Contact your ISP.
Boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Restart your PC, press F8 (or Shift + Restart) and choose Safe Mode with Networking. If DNS works there, a third-party firewall or security software is interfering. Temporarily disable them to test.
Check for malware. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your antivirus. Malware can alter DNS settings and hosts files.
Manually set an IP address. In your adapter’s IPv4 properties, select Use the following IP address and enter a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.50), subnet mask (255.255.255.0), and default gateway (your router’s IP, usually 192.168.1.1). Then set DNS as in step 4. This bypasses DHCP issues.
Check if the problem is specific to one site. If only one website fails, use a public DNS lookup tool (like dns.google) to see if the site’s DNS resolves globally. If it doesn’t, the problem is on the website’s side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a DNS error mean?

It means your computer couldn’t convert a website’s name (like www.example.com) into its numeric IP address. Without this conversion, your browser doesn’t know where to send your request.

Will changing my DNS server speed up my internet?

It can, but not always. A faster DNS server can reduce the time it takes to load a website’s first connection. However, your overall download speed won’t change. Many users see a slight improvement in browsing responsiveness.

Is it safe to use public DNS servers like Google’s?

Yes, it’s generally safe. Google and Cloudflare are reputable companies with strict privacy policies. They don’t sell your browsing data, and they offer reliable, secure DNS resolution. Just make sure you enter the correct IP addresses.

Why does my DNS error come back after a few days?

This often indicates a router issue or ISP problem. Your router’s DNS cache may be getting corrupted, or your ISP’s DNS servers are unstable. Try setting your router’s DNS to a public server, and if that fails, contact your ISP.

Can a VPN cause DNS errors?

Yes. VPNs route your traffic through their own DNS servers. If the VPN’s DNS is slow or misconfigured, you’ll get DNS errors. Try disconnecting the VPN to see if the issue resolves. If it does, switch to a different VPN server or contact your VPN provider.

What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 DNS?

IPv4 is the older, more common addressing system (like 192.168.1.1). IPv6 is the newer system with longer addresses (like 2001:db8::1). Most websites still use IPv4, so disabling IPv6 can sometimes bypass DNS issues if your network’s IPv6 configuration is faulty.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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