Troubleshooting network issues can be a real headache, especially when the DNS server stops responding. In this article, we explore effective solutions to fix this problem specifically in Windows 10. So, if you’re tired of encountering the dreaded “DNS server not responding” error, keep reading to discover some handy tips and tricks.
What is the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?
The “DNS Server Not Responding” error is a common and discomforting error that can occur when your computer is unable to connect to the DNS servers. The DNS, or Domain Name System, is like a telephone directory for the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses. When the DNS server is not responding, you may experience difficulty accessing websites or files on the internet.
To fix this error, there are several methods you can try. First, make sure your internet connection is stable and that you are connected to wifi. Next, try restarting your router and modem by pressing the power button for a few seconds. You can also try resetting your DNS settings by using the command prompt or the Windows Network Diagnostics tool.
If none of these methods work, it’s recommended to seek assistance from professionals or refer to online resources for more advanced solutions.
How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding”
If you’re experiencing the “DNS Server Not Responding” error on your Windows 10 PC, there are a few steps you can take to fix it.
First, try restarting your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source, waiting for a few seconds, and then plugging them back in.
Next, check your DNS settings. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “ncpa.cpl” and press Enter. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties.” In the Properties window, double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”, select “Use the following DNS server addresses”, and enter the following values: Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8, Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4.
If the issue persists, you can try flushing your DNS cache. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”. Then, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
Finally, you can use the Windows Network Diagnostics tool to automatically detect and fix any DNS errors. Right-click on the network icon in your taskbar and select “Troubleshoot problems.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it may be a more complex problem that requires further investigation by a professional.
Use a Different Web Browser
If you’re experiencing the “DNS Server Not Responding” error on your Windows 10 PC, you can try using a different web browser to access websites. This may help resolve the issue and get you back online.
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open a different web browser on your PC, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
2. Type in the URL of the website you want to access and press Enter.
3. If you’re able to access the website without any error messages, then the issue may be with your previous web browser.
4. To continue using the different web browser, you can set it as your default browser. On Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and select the new browser as your default.
python
import socket
def check_dns_resolution(hostname):
try:
ip_address = socket.gethostbyname(hostname)
print(f"The IP address of {hostname} is: {ip_address}")
except socket.gaierror:
print(f"DNS resolution failed for {hostname}")
# Usage example:
check_dns_resolution("example.com")
This code attempts to resolve the IP address of the given hostname using the `socket.gethostbyname()` function. If successful, it prints the IP address; otherwise, it informs you that DNS resolution failed. Keep in mind that this is a basic example, and resolving DNS issues can be complex, involving various factors beyond the scope of this code snippet.
Try Accessing a Website With a Different Device
If you’re experiencing a DNS Server Not Responding error on your Windows 10 device, one possible solution is to try accessing the website with a different device. Sometimes, the issue may be specific to your computer or network configuration.
To do this, simply use another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and connect it to the same network as your Windows 10 device. Then, open a web browser on the alternate device and enter the URL of the website you’re trying to access. If the website loads successfully on the alternate device, it indicates that the issue is likely with your Windows 10 device or its network settings.
To troubleshoot further, you can refer to other sections of this article for additional solutions.
Restart Your Router
Restarting your router can often resolve DNS server issues on Windows 10. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. Locate your router’s power button. It is usually found on the back or side of the device.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds or until the router turns off.
3. Wait for a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn the router back on.
4. Give your router a few minutes to fully restart and establish a connection.
Restarting your router can help refresh the DNS settings and resolve any temporary issues.
Investigate Possible Network Issues
Investigating possible network issues is crucial when encountering a “DNS Server Not Responding” error in Windows 10. To resolve this discomforting error, follow these steps:
1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is stable and functioning properly.
2. Restart your router and modem: Power off your router and modem, wait for a few seconds, and then power them back on.
3. Flush DNS cache: Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows Key + R and typing “cmd”. In the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
4. Change DNS servers: Open the Network and Sharing Center, click on your active network connection, select “Properties”, and double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Set your preferred DNS server addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
5. Update network drivers: Visit your computer manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool like Driver Talent to update your network drivers.
Manually Set Your DNS Server
Fix DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 10
In this article, we will guide you on how to manually set your DNS server in Windows 10 to fix the issue of DNS server not responding.
Steps to Manually Set DNS Server in Windows 10
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu. |
| 2 | Click on “Network and Internet” in the Control Panel. |
| 3 | Click on “Network and Sharing Center”. |
| 4 | Click on “Change adapter settings” in the left panel. |
| 5 | Right-click on the network connection you are currently using and select “Properties”. |
| 6 | Scroll down and double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. |
| 7 | Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”. |
| 8 | Enter the preferred DNS server address provided by your ISP in the “Preferred DNS server” field. |
| 9 | Enter the alternate DNS server address provided by your ISP in the “Alternate DNS server” field (optional). |
| 10 | Click “OK” to save the changes. |
| 11 | Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. |
By following these steps, you should be able to manually set your DNS server in Windows 10 and resolve the issue of DNS server not responding.
Clear the DNS Cache
To fix DNS server not responding error in Windows 10, you can clear the DNS cache. Here’s how:
1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows Key + R, then type “cmd” and hit Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. This will clear the DNS cache.
3. Once the process is complete, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
4. After the restart, check if the DNS server not responding error is resolved.
Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve issues with domain name resolution and improve the performance of your internet connection. It’s a simple yet effective solution recommended by professionals.
If you continue to experience the DNS server not responding error, you may need to troubleshoot other potential causes such as network connectivity issues or faulty network drivers.
Disable Internet Protocol Version 6
To disable IPv6:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Network Connections” from the menu.
2. Right-click on your active network connection and choose “Properties.”
3. Scroll down and uncheck the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).”
4. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Disabling IPv6 can help resolve DNS Server Not Responding errors, as it focuses on using IPv4 instead. This can improve network connectivity and resolve any issues related to DNS servers not responding.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that disabling IPv6 may not be suitable for all network setups and may affect certain applications or services that rely on IPv6. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your network administrator or service provider before making any changes.
For more detailed instructions or alternative troubleshooting steps, refer to our support documentation or consult our technical experts.
Temporarily Deactivate your Firewall and Disable Antivirus
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To fix DNS server not responding in Windows 10, temporarily deactivate your firewall and disable antivirus. These security measures can sometimes interfere with the DNS settings and cause connectivity issues. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Temporarily deactivate your firewall:
– Open the Start menu and search for “Windows Defender Firewall.”
– Click on “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.”
– In the left pane, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
– Select the option “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both private and public networks.
– Click “OK” to save the changes.
2. Disable your antivirus:
– Locate your antivirus software’s icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of the screen).
– Right-click on the icon and look for an option to disable or turn off the antivirus temporarily.
– Follow the prompts to disable the antivirus program.
Reset DNS Settings
Resetting DNS settings can help resolve DNS server not responding issues in Windows 10. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the Windows search bar and selecting “Command Prompt” from the results.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns. This will clear the DNS cache on your computer.
3. Next, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /registerdns. This will re-register your computer’s DNS settings.
4. Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.
By resetting your DNS settings, you can fix common DNS server not responding errors and improve your internet connection. If the issue persists, it may be worth checking for other PC system issues or contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.
Update the Network Adapter Driver
To fix the DNS Server Not Responding issue in Windows 10, it is recommended to update the network adapter driver. This can resolve connectivity problems and improve your browsing experience. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Expand the “Network adapters” category and locate your network adapter.
Step 3: Right-click on the network adapter and select “Update driver”.
Step 4: Choose the option to “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
After the update is complete, restart your computer and check if the DNS Server Not Responding issue is resolved. If not, you may need to troubleshoot further or seek additional assistance.
Disable all Network Connections Except for the Connection that you are Using
To fix the DNS server not responding error in Windows 10, you can disable all network connections except for the one you are currently using. This can help resolve any conflicts and ensure a stable connection.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Network Connections” from the menu.
2. Right-click on the network connection you are using and select “Properties.”
3. In the Properties window, scroll down and find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Select it and click on “Properties.”
4. In the next window, click on the “Advanced” button.
5. Under the IP Settings tab, uncheck the box that says “Automatic metric” and enter a value of 1 in the “Interface metric” box.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Restart your Computer in Safe Mode
Restarting your computer in Safe Mode can help resolve DNS server not responding issues in Windows 10. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under Boot options, check the “Safe boot” box.
5. Select the “Network” option and click OK.
6. Click Restart when prompted to restart your computer in Safe Mode.
Once your computer restarts in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot DNS server not responding issues more effectively. Safe Mode starts your computer with only the necessary drivers and services, which can help identify and resolve any software conflicts or issues causing the DNS error.
Remember to restart your computer normally after troubleshooting to resume regular functionality.
For more detailed instructions and additional troubleshooting steps, refer to Microsoft’s support articles or consult other trusted sources.
Learn to get your Ethernet & WiFi working properly again
Learn to fix DNS server not responding issues in Windows 10 to get your Ethernet and WiFi working properly again. This problem can prevent you from accessing websites and using online services. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
1. Check your network connections: Ensure that your Ethernet or WiFi is properly connected and functioning.
2. Flush DNS cache: Open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns“. This will clear the DNS cache and potentially resolve the problem.
3. Change DNS server settings: Open Network and Sharing Center, select your network connection, and click on “Properties”. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”. Check the option to “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the IP addresses of preferred and alternate DNS servers (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
4. Update network drivers: Visit the manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool to ensure that your network drivers are up to date.
5. Restart your router and modem: Power cycle your network devices by unplugging them from the power source for a few seconds, then plugging them back in.
Change the DNS server manually
Fix DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 10
In this article, we will guide you on how to manually change the DNS server in Windows 10 to fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” issue.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Open the Control Panel on your computer. |
| Step 2 | Click on “Network and Internet” option. |
| Step 3 | Select “Network and Sharing Center”. |
| Step 4 | Click on “Change adapter settings” from the left panel. |
| Step 5 | Right-click on the network connection you are using (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties”. |
| Step 6 | Scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list of items, then click on “Properties”. |
| Step 7 | Choose the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”. |
| Step 8 | Enter the preferred DNS server and alternate DNS server addresses provided by your internet service provider (ISP) or use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). |
| Step 9 | Click “OK” to save the changes. |
| Step 10 | Restart your computer and check if the DNS Server Not Responding issue is resolved. |
Enter your MAC address manually
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Install the latest drivers
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DNS server
Windows 10
latest drivers
Fix DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 10
To resolve the issue of DNS server not responding in Windows 10, it is important to install the latest drivers. Follow these steps to update your drivers:
1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and wait for the process to complete.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
By updating your drivers, you ensure that your network adapter is equipped with the latest features and improvements, which can help resolve DNS server issues. Keeping your drivers up to date is essential for optimal performance and stability.
If you continue to experience DNS server errors, it may be necessary to contact your internet service provider for further assistance.
Disable your antivirus and firewall
1. Press the Windows Key + X and select “Settings.”
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then “Windows Security.”
3. Select “Virus & threat protection” and click on “Manage settings.”
4. Toggle off the “Real-time protection” switch.
5. Press the Windows Key + X and select “Control Panel.”
6. Click on “System and Security” and then “Windows Defender Firewall.”
7. Select “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
8. Choose the option to turn off the firewall for both private and public networks.
9. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Note: Disabling your antivirus and firewall can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other threats. Only disable them temporarily and make sure to re-enable them once you have resolved the DNS server issue.
