DNS Server Not Responding Windows 11/10/8/7

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When you attempt to access the internet and encounter connectivity issues, running a diagnostic may result in a specific error message.

This message typically states: “The device or resource (DNS server) is not responding.” The detailed error message you might see is: “Your computer seems to be set up correctly, but the device or resource (DNS server) that it’s trying to reach is not responding.”

This indicates a problem with reaching the DNS server, which is essential for translating website names into IP addresses that your computer can understand.

1. Use a Different Web Browser

Sometimes the issue with a DNS server not responding is related to the web browser you are using. Trying a different browser can help determine if the issue is browser-specific.

Switch Browsers: If you are using Google Chrome, try switching to Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or another browser.
Check Connectivity: After switching browsers, try accessing the same websites to see if the problem persists.
Reset Browser Settings: If the alternate browser works, consider resetting the settings of your primary browser to default as it might resolve the DNS issues.

2. Restart Your Router

Rebooting your router can resolve many network-related issues, including DNS server errors.

Power Off/On: You can restart most routers by simply pressing the power button. Alternatively, unplug the router from the power source, wait for a minute, and plug it back in.
Use Router Settings: Some routers allow you to reboot through their settings page, accessible via a web browser.
Check Connection: After restarting your router, wait for it to establish an internet connection, then try accessing websites again.

3. Clear Your DNS Cache

Corruption in the DNS cache can lead to connectivity issues. Clearing the DNS cache might resolve DNS errors.

Open Command Prompt: Access Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start menu.
Run Flush Command: Type ipconfig /flushdns in the Command Prompt and press Enter. This action clears the DNS cache.
Check Connectivity: After clearing the cache, attempt to connect to the internet again.

4. Turn Off Firewall and Antivirus

Firewalls and antivirus programs can occasionally block access to DNS servers. Temporarily disabling these may resolve the issue.

Disable Firewall: Access the firewall settings (e.g., Microsoft Defender Firewall) from the Control Panel or Windows Settings and turn it off temporarily.
Disable Antivirus: Temporarily turn off your antivirus protection. In Windows, this can often be done from the system tray or the antivirus program’s main interface.
Recheck Connectivity: After disabling these security features, test your internet connection. Remember to turn them back on after troubleshooting.

5. Disable IPv6

Disabling Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) in your network settings can sometimes resolve DNS server issues.

Network Connection Properties: Right-click on your network connection icon in the system tray and select ‘Open Network & Internet settings’. Then go to ‘Change adapter options’ and right-click on your active network connection.
Uncheck IPv6: Select ‘Properties’, then uncheck the box next to ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)’.
Restart Connection: Save changes and restart your computer to apply the settings.

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6. Use Alternate DNS Servers

If your ISP’s DNS server is not responding, using alternate DNS servers like Google or OpenDNS might solve the problem.

Change DNS Settings: Access your network connection’s properties as described above. Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and then click ‘Properties’.
Enter Alternate DNS: In the ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ option, enter preferred and alternate DNS server addresses (e.g., Google DNS – 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
Apply and Test: Save the changes and test your internet connectivity.

7. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can be a source of DNS errors. Updating them might resolve the issue.

Device Manager: Open the Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu.
Update Network Adapter: Expand the ‘Network adapters’ section, right-click your network adapter, and select ‘Update driver’.
Automatic Update: Choose to search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

8. Reset Network Adapter

Resetting the network adapter can fix connectivity problems.

Network Troubleshooter: Access the network troubleshooter via Windows Settings under Network & Internet.
Follow Prompts: Run the troubleshooter and follow its prompts to reset the network adapter.
Recheck Connectivity: After the troubleshooter completes, test your internet connection again.

9. Disable Unused Network Adapters

Disabling network adapters that are not in use can sometimes resolve DNS issues.

Access Network Connections: Open Network Connections by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
Disable Unused Adapters: Right-click on any network adapter that is not in use and select ‘Disable’.
Test Connection: After disabling, check if your DNS server issue is resolved.

10. Manually Enter MAC Address

Manually entering your network interface’s MAC address can sometimes resolve DNS issues.

Find MAC Address: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /all to find your Physical Address (MAC).
Network Adapter Properties: Go to the properties of your network connection, click ‘Configure’, and navigate to the ‘Advanced’ tab.
Enter MAC Address: Select ‘Network Address’ and enter your MAC address noted earlier. Click OK to save changes.

11. Disable Windows Update Peer-to-Peer Feature

Disabling the Windows Update Peer-to-Peer feature can sometimes fix DNS issues.

Open Windows Settings: Use the search bar to find and open Windows Settings.
Navigate to Update Settings: Go to ‘Update & Security’ and then ‘Delivery Optimization’.
Disable P2P: Turn off the option for ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’.

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