How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 11

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When you use the internet, your computer relies on several underlying technologies to be able to access websites, send and receive data, and communicate with other systems around the globe. One critical component of this operation is the DNS (Domain Name System), which translates human-readable domain names like www.example.com into machine-readable IP addresses. Encountering issues with the DNS server can lead to frustrating experiences, especially when you see the “DNS Server Not Responding” message on your Windows 11 system. This article outlines several methods to effectively resolve this issue.

Understanding the DNS Server Not Responding Error

The DNS server not responding error typically occurs when your system is unable to communicate with the DNS server configured in your network settings. This could result in a failure to reach websites, applications, or online services. Users may notice that web pages fail to load, or they receive alerts indicating that the DNS server is not reachable.

Several underlying causes can trigger this issue, including:

Now that we understand the potential causes, let’s delve into various methods to fix the DNS server not responding error on Windows 11.

1. Restart Your Computer and Router

The simplest first step is to restart both your computer and your router. This action can clear temporary glitches and re-establish a proper network connection:

2. Change DNS Server Address

By default, Windows uses your ISP’s DNS server, which could be slow or unreliable. Changing to a more stable and well-known DNS service can resolve the issue:


Open Network Settings

:

  • Right-click the Start button and select

    Settings

    .
  • Go to

    Network & Internet

    .


Access Your Network

:

  • Choose

    Status

    on the left panel.
  • Click on

    Properties

    for your connected network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).


Modify DNS Settings

:

  • Scroll down and select

    Edit

    next to DNS server assignment.
  • Change the dropdown from

    Automatic (DHCP)

    to

    Manual

    .
  • Turn on IPv4.
  • Enter preferred DNS servers, such as:

    • Primary:

      8.8.8.8

      (Google DNS)
    • Secondary:

      8.8.4.4

      (Google DNS)
  • Save the settings.
  • Primary:

    8.8.8.8

    (Google DNS)
  • Secondary:

    8.8.4.4

    (Google DNS)


Test Your Connection

: Open a web browser and visit any website to see if the issue has been resolved.

3. Flush DNS Cache

Sometimes, cached DNS data can become corrupted, leading to connectivity issues. Flushing the DNS cache can help:


Open Command Prompt

:

  • Press

    Win + S

    , type

    cmd

    , and right-click on

    Command Prompt

    .
  • Select

    Run as Administrator

    .


Flush DNS

:

  • In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press

    Enter

    :

    ipconfig /flushdns
  • You should receive a confirmation message saying the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.


Reboot Your Computer

: Restart your PC and test your internet connection again.

4. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can resolve many network issues, including DNS-related problems. Follow these steps:


Open Command Prompt as Administrator

(if not already open).

Execute the following commands one by one, pressing

Enter

after each:


Reboot Your PC

: After running these commands, restart your computer.

5. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers may lead to DNS server issues. Check for driver updates using the Device Manager:


Open Device Manager

:

  • Right-click the Start button and select

    Device Manager

    .


Expand Network Adapters

:

  • Find your network adapter in the list (look for terms like Ethernet or Wi-Fi).


Update Driver

:

  • Right-click your network adapter and select

    Update driver

    .
  • Choose

    Search automatically for updated driver software

    .
  • Follow the prompts to complete the update.


Reboot Your Computer

: Restart your computer after updating the drivers to apply changes.

6. Disable IPv6

In some cases, IPv6 configurations might conflict with DNS settings, leading to errors. Disabling IPv6 can help resolve this issue:


Open Network Settings

:

  • Right-click the Start button and select

    Settings

    .
  • Go to

    Network & Internet

    .


Find Your Network

:

  • Choose

    Properties

    for your connected network.


Disable IPv6

:

  • Scroll down and select

    Edit

    under IP assignment.
  • Turn off IPv6 by unchecking the box.


Restart Your PC

: After disabling IPv6, restart your computer and check the internet connection.

7. Disable Conflicting Software

Firewall or antivirus software can sometimes block DNS connections, contributing to the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. To test this:


Disable Antivirus or Firewall

temporarily:

  • Right-click the antivirus or firewall icon in the taskbar.
  • Select

    Disable

    or

    Turn off

    (the wording may vary based on the software).


Check Your Connection

: Open your browser and see if the DNS problem persists.


Re-enable Software

: Regardless of the outcome, return to security software settings and re-enable it post testing.

8. Reset Network Settings

If the DNS issue persists, consider resetting your entire network configuration to its default state, which can solve various problems:


Open Settings

:

  • Click on the Start button and select

    Settings

    .


Navigate to Network Reset

:

  • Go to

    Network & Internet

    .
  • Scroll down and select

    Advanced network settings

    .
  • Under

    More settings

    , click on

    Network reset

    .


Initiate Reset

:

  • A new window will appear explaining the reset. Click

    Reset now

    .
  • Confirm your action. Remember, this will remove all network adapters and set networking components back to their original settings.


Reboot Your Computer

: After the reset, restart your PC.

9. Check Router Configuration

If you’re still stuck with the DNS server error, the configuration of your router may require examination:


Access Router Settings

:

  • Enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in a web browser.
  • Log in using your username and password (check your router’s manual or the back of the device for default credentials).


Check DNS Settings

:

  • Look for

    WAN

    or

    Internet

    settings.
  • Ensure the DNS settings are either set to automatic or input a reliable DNS manually (like the previously mentioned Google DNS).


Reboot the Router

: Save all settings and reboot your router.

10. Contact Your ISP

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it may be time to contact your ISP. There could be issues on their end affecting the DNS servers, or they might offer additional troubleshooting assistance specific to your situation.

Conclusion

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error can be a frustrating barrier to accessing online resources. However, by methodically applying the steps outlined in this article, you can identify and rectify the underlying issue causing the problem on your Windows 11 PC. Don’t forget that technology can sometimes be unpredictable; if one solution does not work, another might. With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless internet access once again. If issues persist despite all troubleshooting, consider reaching out to technical support for further assistance.

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