You may encounter several roadblocks while surfing the internet that prevents you from reaping the benefits of a good internet connection. Examples include slow internet speed, inability to understand website requirements, and so on. In addition, the failure to connect to the internet may indicate a DNS issue, as shown below with “DNS Server Not Responding” or “Server DNS Address Couldn’t Be Found.” The error occurs when the Domain Name Server (DNS) cannot resolve the website IP address.
Causes of the problem:
A DNS cache stores the information needed for domain name resolution, storing both called and resolved addresses. When you surf the web, you leave a record of your visit and behavior on each site, saved in cookies or JavaScript apps. Each time you visit the website, their goal is to curate your preferences and personalize content for you.
These are cached in the DNS server. A DNS cache stores the information needed for domain name resolution, storing both called and resolved addresses. Essentially, it makes it easier for your computer to access those websites. The following are some of the causes of DNS Server Not Responding Error:
1. Network Issues: Often, a poor internet connection is to blame for such an inconvenience, mistakenly attributed to DNS. DNS is not to blame in this case; therefore, before blaming DNS errors, go to your “Network and Sharing Center” and run the troubleshooter. It will detect and resolve many common connectivity issues and assist you in determining the source of the problem.
2. Common DNS Issues: TCP/IP: TCP/IP software, or the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which assigns IP addresses to devices & handles DNS server addresses, is one of the most common causes of DNS errors. These problems can be quickly resolved by simply restarting your computer (you can also use a TCP/IP utility program to fix your settings). Finally, there will be no issue if the Wi-Fi router and the device in question are DHCP enabled. As a result, if one of them is not DHCP allowed, connection problems may arise.
3. DNS Issue with Internet Service Providers: Many internet service providers provide DNS server addresses to their customers. If the users did not purposefully change their DNS server, this is more likely to be the source of the problem. When a provider’s server is overburdened or simply malfunctions, it can cause a “DNS server not responding” error or another DNS issue.
4. Anti-Virus Software Issues: DNS errors can be caused by both viruses and anti-virus software. Errors can occur when the anti-virus database is updated, leading the program to believe your computer is infected when it is not. As a result, you may receive “DNS server not responding” errors when attempting to connect. You can test this by temporarily disabling your anti-virus software. If your connectivity issue resolves, the program is most likely to blame. The problem can be resolved by switching programs or simply downloading the most recent update.
5. Modem or Router Issues: While “DNS Server not responding” appears to be a difficult error to resolve, minor issues with your modem or router can also cause such an error. Simply turning off the device and restarting it after some time can solve the problem temporarily. However, if a problem with the modem or router does not resolve itself, it should be replaced.
Table of Contents
Causes of the problem:
How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10
Method 1: Disable IPv6
Method 2: Flush your DNS cache and reset IP
Method 3: Disable your Antivirus
Method 4: Correct your DNS Server Address
Method 5: Update Network Adapter Drivers
Method 6: Reset your Router
Method 7: Disable Secondary Connections
How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10
Here are some best solutions to how you can fix the issue concerning DNS Server.
Method 1: Disable IPv6
1. On your keyboard, simply press the Windows logo key + R simultaneously, then type Control and press Enter.
2. From the list of Large Icons, select Network and Sharing Center.
3. From the drop-down menu, choose Change adapter settings.
4. Depending on your operating system, right-tap on Local Area Connection, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi and select Properties.
5. Uncheck the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6),” then click OK.
Check to see if you successfully resolved the DNS Server Not Responding Error; if not, continue.
Method 2: Flush your DNS cache and reset IP
You may want to flush your DNS cache for personal and security reasons, in addition to ensuring proper connectivity. When you visit a website, data is saved in the form of cookies and Javascript apps. Allow you to curate content based on previous internet activities, indicating that you may want the same content the next time you open the webs. Blocking cookies and Javascript may not be enough when you want to hide your identity, so flushing the DNS is a last resort.
Steps to flush DNS:
1. Type cmd into Windows Search, then right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and choose “Run as administrator.”
2. Afterward, in the Command Prompt Window, type and press Enter after each of the following commands:
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registered ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew netsh Winsock reset
3. Now, reboot your computer & check whether this solution helps in fixing the DNS server unavailable problem or not.
Method 3: Disable your Antivirus
As previously stated, the antivirus software on your computer could be the root cause of your difficulty accessing a website via the internet. The issue can be resolved by temporarily turning off the software. If it works, you may need to try another antivirus program. Installing a third-party app to prevent viruses from infiltrating the computer system can be problematic, so disabling it may help solve it.
Method 4: Correct your DNS Server Address
An incorrect DNS server address could cause the problem, so here’s what you can do to fix it:
1. Firstly, press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard at the same time to open the Run box.
2. Type Control into the text box and press the Enter key.
3. From the list of Large Icons, choose Network and Sharing Center.
4. From the drop-down menu, select Change adapter settings.
5. Depending on your operating system, right-tap on Local Area Connection, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi and select Properties.
6. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then Properties.
7. Tick the boxes next to “Automatically obtain an IP address” and “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
Then use the following settings:
Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
8. Tap Internet Protocol Version6 (TCP/IPv6) then Properties.
9. Tick the boxes next to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically,” then press OK.
10. Reboot your computer and check to see if the problem has been resolved.
Method 5: Update Network Adapter Drivers
1. Type Device Manager into Windows Search and then tap on the top search result.
2. Expand Network Adapters, now right-click on your Wi-Fi device (for example, Intel) and select Update Drivers.
3. Next, choose “Browse my computer for driver software.”
4. Select “Please allow me to select from a list of device drivers on my computer.”
5. Attempt to update drivers from the list of versions.
6. If none of the above worked, go to the manufacturer’s website to update drivers:
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/
7. Reboot to apply changes.
Method 6: Reset your Router
Sometimes the Wi-Fi router will not function properly due to minor technological issues or simply because of damage or a high data load, causing disruptions in its proper operation. To restart the router, unplug it from the power supply and reconnect it, or, if the router has an “On/Off” button, press it and then turn it back on. Check to see if restarting the computer helps or hinders the resolution of the problem.
You can also reset the router by accessing its configuration web page and selecting the “Reset” option or pressing the reset button for about 10 seconds. The password will also be reset.
As a result, using the methods outlined above, you can resolve connectivity issues without requiring technical expertise. These steps are simple, and they can help you learn more about your computer and resolve any problems that arise as a result of a specific cause. If the problem persists after you have exhausted all other possibilities, you should contact your Internet service provider so that he can investigate and resolve the technical issues.
Method 7: Disable Secondary Connections
If your PC system is connected to more than one network connection, disable all but one.
1. Launch the Start menu and enter “Network Connections” into the search box.
2. In the Network and Internet Settings window, select your connection type, such as Ethernet, and then click Change adapter options.
3. Right-click on the other connection (not your active WiFi or Ethernet connection) and select “Disable” from the drop-down menu. It must be used on all secondary connections.
4. Restart your computer after saving the changes and see if the website you wanted to access is now available.