If you see the error “DNS server not responding” on Windows 10 or Windows 11, your internet connection is technically active, but your system can’t translate website names into IP addresses. The result: no websites load, even though Wi-Fi or Ethernet looks connected.
The good news: this issue is almost always fixable in minutes.
Below is a clear, non-technical, step-by-step guide that works for most users.
What Causes the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?
This error usually comes from one of these issues:
- Your ISP’s DNS servers are temporarily down
- Windows cached bad DNS records
- Router or modem needs a reset
- VPN or firewall is interfering
- Network adapter settings are incorrect
- Corrupted network configuration
You don’t need to identify the exact cause first — the fixes below cover all common scenarios.
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
This sounds basic, but it fixes a surprising number of DNS issues.
- Turn off your router and modem
- Unplug them from power
- Wait 60 seconds
- Plug them back in and wait for full connection
Then test your internet again.
If the error remains, continue.
Step 2: Restart the DNS Client Service
Windows runs a background DNS service that can sometimes freeze.
- Press Win + R
- Type
services.mscand press Enter - Find DNS Client
- Right-click → Restart
If Restart is unavailable, move to the next step.
Step 3: Flush and Renew DNS Cache (Very Effective)
This clears corrupted DNS records.
- Press Win
- Type cmd
- Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator
- Run these commands one by one:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Restart your browser and test again.
Step 4: Change DNS Servers to Google or Cloudflare
If your ISP DNS is unreliable, switching servers usually fixes the issue permanently.
Use Google DNS
- Primary: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Or Cloudflare DNS
- Primary: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary: 1.0.0.1
How to change DNS:
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Network and Internet → Network Connections
- Right-click your connection → Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
- Click Properties
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses
- Enter values above
- Save and restart connection
Step 5: Disable VPNs, Firewalls, and Antivirus Temporarily
VPNs and security software often intercept DNS requests.
- Turn off your VPN completely
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus
- Pause firewall protection (briefly)
If the internet starts working:
- Change VPN protocol
- Enable split tunneling
- Or switch DNS inside VPN settings
Active VPN connections are a common cause of DNS failures on Windows.
VPN Connected but No Internet Access? Fix It in 7 Simple Steps
Step 6: Update or Reset Network Adapter
Outdated or corrupted drivers can break DNS resolution.
- Press Win + X
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your adapter → Update driver
- Choose Search automatically
If that fails:
- Right-click → Disable
- Wait 10 seconds
- Enable again
Step 7: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)
This restores all network components to default.
- Open Settings
- Go to Network & Internet
- Click Advanced network settings
- Select Network reset
- Restart your PC
⚠️ This removes saved Wi-Fi passwords, so keep them handy.
DNS issues often appear as “Wi-Fi connected but no internet” errors
Wi-Fi Connected but Internet Not Working on Windows? Try These Fixes
How to Prevent DNS Errors in the Future
- Use stable DNS providers (Google or Cloudflare)
- Avoid stacking VPN + firewall + DNS tools
- Restart router monthly
- Keep Windows and network drivers updated
Final Thoughts
The “DNS server not responding” error looks serious, but it’s rarely permanent. In most cases, changing DNS servers or flushing the cache fixes it immediately.
If the problem keeps coming back, your ISP DNS is likely unstable — switching DNS permanently is the best long-term solution.
