DNS or Domain Name System is the decentralized naming system that identifies computers, servers, and other resources accessible through the Internet. It basically helps to identify your PC and incoming traffic. However, you may encounter errors if your computer cannot access the DNS server.
If you are getting a “DNS server is not responding” error on your Windows 11, don’t panic. It’s still a new system, and bugs may affect it from time to time. Just follow the fixes below and you will have your system back in no time.
How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error on Windows 11 Computer
There are many reasons why you are getting this error. In most cases, your computer cannot establish a connection to the Internet. Sometimes Windows misidentifies network-related issues as DNS problems, while in some cases it’s caused by a third-party application interfering with your connection.
Whatever the reason, you can try the fixes below to resolve “DNS server is not responding” error on Windows 11.
Important reminder: Before trying any fixes, make sure you have a working internet connection. As mentioned, this is usually caused by network-related issues, so it’s best to eliminate this cause immediately. If you are having problems with your internet connection, fix it first before going through all these steps.
1. Disable third-party antivirus
If you have a third-party antivirus installed on your computer, such as Avast AVG or McAfee, that may be the reason why you are receiving this error. Sometimes it can interfere with your network and cause various errors like DNS issues.
To check if this is causing the problem, temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software and check if you are still experiencing DNS server issue. If it is working properly, the program is probably the cause and you should consider other ways to protect your computer.
You can either completely uninstall it and use Windows 11’s built-in security program, Microsoft Defender, or wait for a new Windows 11 update and see if that will fix this problem.
2. Flush your DNS
This is the most common way to fix most DNS issues, especially if they’re caused by misconfigured settings on your device. Here’s how you can flush and renew your DNS on Windows 11.
- Open Run by pressing and holding To earn + R keys. Then type ordered and press Enter to open the command prompt.
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On the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to execute the command.
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Then type ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter.
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After that, type ipconfig /release and knock Enter.
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Then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
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Finally, type reset netsh winsock and press Enter.
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Once you have typed all the commands, restart your computer. This should fix the DNS error caused by a misconfigured setting. If the problem persists, try the following fixes.
3. Change DNS on your Windows PC
In some cases, using your network provider’s default DNS can cause problems on your system. If you haven’t changed yours yet, we recommend switching to a free DNS provider. You can change it from your router settings or your computer’s network card settings. Here are some of the free DNS providers and addresses you can use:
- google: 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS Home: 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220
- Cloudy: 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1
- Alternate DNS: 76.76.19.19 | 76.223.122.150
- AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15
- Quad9: 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112
Follow the instructions below to change your DNS setting on your Windows 11 computer:
- Press and hold the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
- In the Settings app, click ‘Network & Internet > Wireless > Material properties.
- In the DNS server assignment, click Edit.
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In the Change DNS settings section, choose Manual in the drop-down menu.
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Depending on the DNS provider you choose, enable the switch for IP4 or IPV6.
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Next, enter the public DNS you chose under the Preferred DNS Section. Then type the address in the field Alternate DNS section.
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If encryption is available, select it in the option. Then click To safeguard.
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You now have a new DNS setting on your computer. Check the error and see if your system is working as usual.
4. Update Drivers
If you want to update your computer’s essential drivers quickly, you can download and use a free driver updater for Windows. However, if you don’t like installing other programs on your computer, you can update them manually using Windows settings. Follow these steps:
- Open Settings by long pressing the key the Windows + I keys.
- Then click Windows Update then click on the Check for updates button.
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Finally, install all available updates and restart your system.
- Once your computer boots, check if you receive the same error.
5. Boot into safe mode
If you are still facing the problem even after performing all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, then it is better to restart your PC in Safe Mode. In safe mode, Windows will only run basic settings and remove any settings that may be causing the error. Here’s how you can boot into safe mode.
- Open the Start menu and click on the To be able to icon.
- Then press and hold Change key and click Restart.
- In Recovery Options, click Troubleshoot
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Then click Advanced options.
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In Advanced Options, choose Startup settings.
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Then press Restart.
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Then press 5 Where F5 to restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. It will also allow you to access the internet even in safe mode.
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After restarting your PC in safe mode, test your internet connection and see if the problem persists. If not, the DNS error you’re experiencing is likely caused by a third-party app or service you’re using. Unfortunately, there is no automatic way to determine which is the cause. You need to manually uninstall or disable the app to check what is causing the problem.
A better Windows 11 experience
The “DNS server is not responding” error can be frustrating and worrying, especially when trying to access important pages and settings on your Windows 11 system. There are several reasons why you experience this problem, but there is no need to panic. You can easily solve the problem, even if you are not too technical.
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