In the digital age where the internet forms the backbone of daily activities, facing connectivity issues can be exasperating. One common problem that Windows 11 users encounter is the “DNS server not responding” error. This issue can disrupt your internet access, preventing you from browsing websites, streaming videos, or accessing online services. Fortunately, the solutions to this problem are often straightforward. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and fixing the DNS server not responding issue on Windows 11.
Understanding DNS and Its Role
Before diving into troubleshooting techniques, it’s essential to understand what DNS (Domain Name System) is and how it works. DNS is often referred to as the “phonebook of the internet.” When you enter a website URL into your browser, DNS servers translate that human-readable address into an IP address (a series of numbers) that computers use to communicate with each other.
When you see a “DNS server not responding” error, it means your computer is unable to communicate with the DNS server, which can lead to internet connectivity issues. The problem can arise due to several factors, including network configuration issues, router configurations, firewall settings, or problems with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Symptoms of DNS Server Issues
Before addressing how to fix the DNS server not responding error, it’s crucial to identify its symptoms. Common signs include:
Website Loading Errors
: You may experience difficulty accessing websites. Instead of the usual web page, you may see an error message indicating that the DNS server is unreachable.
Connection Timeouts
: Your browsing sessions may time out regularly, prompting reconnecting attempts that lead nowhere.
Network Instability
: Other devices in your network may also experience connectivity issues, indicating a potential problem with the network rather than just your Windows 11 PC.
Diagnosing the Issue
To effectively resolve a DNS server problem, it’s important to perform some preliminary diagnostics. Here’s how to proceed:
Check Other Devices
: First, check if other devices connected to the same network are experiencing similar issues. If all devices are affected, the problem might be with your router or ISP rather than the PC.
Reboot Your Computer and Router
: Often, restarting your computer and network devices can resolve temporary glitches.
Verify Internet Connection
: Make sure your internet connection is active. If you are on Wi-Fi, ensure that you are connected to the correct network.
Run Network Troubleshooter
: Use Windows’ built-in troubleshooter. To do this, go to
Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
. Locate “Internet Connections” and run the troubleshooter.
Ping the DNS Server
: Open Command Prompt and type
ping 8.8.8.8
(Google’s public DNS) to check if you can ping the server successfully. If you receive replies, your internet connection is functional, but the problem may lie with your DNS settings.
Basic Fixes for DNS Server Not Responding Issue
If basic diagnostics indicate issues, several solutions may help you fix the DNS problem on your Windows 11 PC.
1. Change DNS Server Address
Changing the DNS server to a reliable, public option can often resolve connectivity issues. Here’s how:
Open Network Settings
: Right-click the Start button and select
Settings
. Then go to
Network & Internet
.
Select Your Network
: Click on either
Wi-Fi
or
Ethernet
, depending on your connection type.
Properties
: Locate and click on the
Properties
button for your network.
Edit DNS Settings
: Scroll down to the “DNS server assignment” and click on
Edit
. Change the option from “Automatic (DHCP)” to “Manual.”
Input the DNS Addresses
: Turn on IPv4 and enter your preferred DNS addresses, such as:
- Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google)
- Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google)
Alternatively, you could use Cloudflare’s DNS:
- Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
Save
: Click
Save
and close the settings window. Try reconnecting to the internet to see if the problem resolves.
2. Flush DNS Cache
The DNS cache stores the recent DNS lookups to speed up browsing. However, if corrupted, it can cause connectivity issues. Flushing the DNS cache can help.
Open Command Prompt
: Press
Windows + R
, type
cmd
, and hit Enter.
Enter the Command
: Type the following command and press Enter:
Confirmation
: You’ll see a confirmation message that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.
3. Reset TCP/IP Stack
Resetting the TCP/IP stack is another effective method for resolving network issues.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
: Right-click on the Start button, select
Windows Terminal (Admin)
or
Command Prompt (Admin)
.
Enter the Command
: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
Restart Your PC
: After executing the commands, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
4. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, security software might block DNS requests. Temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus can help identify if they’re the source of the problem.
Disable Antivirus
: Right-click on your antivirus icon in the taskbar and select the option to disable it temporarily.
Disable Firewall
: Go to
Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
. Select
Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
and choose to turn off the firewall for both private and public networks.
Test Connectivity
: After disabling, check if you can access the internet. Ensure to turn your firewall and antivirus back on after testing to keep your system secure.
5. Update Network Drivers
Outdated network drivers can sometimes lead to connectivity issues. Updating your network adapter drivers can be an effective solution.
Open Device Manager
: Right-click on the Start button and select
Device Manager
.
Expand Network Adapters
: Expand the
Network adapters
section.
Update Driver
: Right-click on your network adapter and select
Update driver
. Choose the option
Search automatically for updated driver software
and follow the prompts.
Restart Your Computer
: After updating the drivers, restart your PC and check if the DNS issue persists.
6. Reset Your Router
If you suspect that your router is causing the DNS issues, resetting it can help.
Locate the Reset Button
: Most routers have a small reset button. You might need a paperclip to press it.
Press and Hold the Reset Button
: Hold the button for about 10 seconds until the lights on the router blink.
Reconfigure Your Router
: After resetting, you will need to reconfigure your network settings, including your Wi-Fi name and password.
7. Change Network Adapter Settings
If the issue lies within the network adapter settings, you might need to modify those.
Open Network and Sharing Center
: Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar and select
Open Network & Internet settings
. Then go to
Network and Sharing Center
.
Change Adapter Settings
: Click on
Change adapter settings
on the left.
Select Your Adapter
: Right-click on the network adapter you’re using and select
Properties
.
Protocol Settings
: Select
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
and click on
Properties
.
Advanced Settings
: Under the General tab, click on
Advanced
. Ensure that the
Enable DHCP
option is checked.
Save Settings
: Click OK to save your settings and check if your DNS connectivity is restored.
8. Contact Your ISP
If none of the above methods fixes the problem, your internet service provider might be experiencing issues. Reach out to your ISP to ensure that there are no outages or maintenance activities affecting DNS services.
9. Try a Different Network
If possible, connect your device to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot or a neighbor’s Wi-Fi. This will help you establish whether the issue is with your home network or your device.
10. Use the Network Reset Option
Windows 11 has a built-in network reset feature that can revert your network settings back to their defaults.
Open Settings
: Press
Windows + I
to open the Settings app.
Go to Network & Internet Settings
: Navigate to
Network & Internet
.
Network Reset
: Scroll down and click on
Advanced network settings
. Locate and select
Network reset
.
Confirm Reset
: Click on the
Reset now
button. Confirm your selection and allow Windows 11 to reset the network settings.
This process will remove all network adapters and reset networking components to their default settings. You may need to reinstall drivers and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after completing this step.
Conclusion
Encountering a DNS server not responding error on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but many solutions are at your disposal. From changing DNS settings and flushing the DNS cache to more involved methods like resetting network configurations and contacting your ISP, each step is designed to help you restore your connectivity.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance or visit Microsoft support forums for further guidance. Ultimately, ensuring a stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for day-to-day tasks and entertainment in our increasingly connected lives. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle the challenge and get back online.