This guide will show you how to flush DNS in Windows 11 or Windows 10 using four different methods: CMD, PowerShell, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome.
The primary purpose is to fix issues that result in “Page Not Found” errors, but you can also use it to improve your security or privacy.
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What is the DNS dump used for?
To understand what DNS resolver cache flushing is, you must first understand what DNS does and the purpose of the cache. DNS stands for Domain Name System, the mechanism by which the Internet translates the URL you type into your browser (winbuzzer.com) into an IP address that a computer can understand (92.204.43.156).
The DNS cache aids this domain name resolution process by storing a temporary database of your recent website visits and their associated IP addresses. This way name resolution can be handled locally on your PC rather than having to send a request to a server and wait for a response.
Flushing the DNS cache removes the database of sites and IP addresses on your PC. This is useful in cases where the website or service has changed its IP address and your cache has not been updated causing your browser to direct you to the wrong place.
It can also help protect against a type of attack called DNS spoofing, where an attacker alters your DNS cache to direct you to malicious sites. Finally, it removes records about the sites you have visited from your PC.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as in Windows 10. However, keep in mind that we will be using Windows 11 screenshots, so your user interface may look slightly different. We will notify you of any changes you need to be aware of as they arise.
How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11 or Windows 10 in Command Prompt
Command Prompt is the most popular method of clearing DNS in Windows, and it’s easy to see why. The flush dns command is short, sweet, and easy to remember:
- Press Start and type “Command Prompt”, then click on the top result
- Type “ipconfig /flushdns” in the command prompt and press Enter
Once complete, you will see the message:
Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache
Try loading your website again to see if flushing the DNS cache fixed the problem.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Windows 11 or Windows 10 in PowerShell
If you prefer to use PowerShell as a command line, no worries! The command is even more intuitive:
- Press Start and type “PowerShell”, then click on the top result
- Type “Clear-DnsClientCache” in PowerShell and press Enter
Note that this command will only work if you have the correct capitalization. It also won’t give any output, so you just have to take your word for it that it worked.
How to Reset DNS in Windows 11 or Windows 10 via Microsoft Edge
If you don’t like using the command line, you can use your Edge browser to flush DNS in Windows instead. The first one we’ll look at is the Chromium version of Microsoft’s Edge browser:
- Open your browser and enter “edge://net-internals/#dns” in the address bar
Click on “Clear host cache” to flush DNS in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
How to Clear DNS Resolver Cache in Google Chrome
Google Chrome works identically to Microsoft Edge as they are based on the same browser engine:
- Open Chrome and enter “chrome://net-internals/#dns” in the address bar
Click on “Clear host cache” to reset your DNS in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Extra: How to Clear Browser History in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
If it’s the privacy aspect of the DNS cache that worries you, you’ll probably want to follow our guide on deleting your browser history as well. Your browser history provides a much more accessible way to see the sites you’ve visited.
If your pages are still not loading, following our tutorial on how to perform a network reset may help. It is designed for Windows 10 but will also work on Windows 11.
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