How to Fix "DNS Server Not Responding" on Windows

By Site Editor · Updated September 6, 2026 · 8 min read

The "DNS Server Not Responding" error means your PC cannot translate website names into IP addresses. This guide shows you how to flush DNS, switch DNS servers, and reset the TCP/IP stack.

1. Flush the DNS cache

A corrupted DNS cache is the most common cause of this error. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see the message Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache. Restart your browser and try loading a website again.

1. Flush the DNS cache

A corrupted DNS cache is the most common cause of this error. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see the message Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache. Restart your browser and try loading a website again.

2. Switch to a public DNS server

Your ISP's DNS servers can go down or become slow. Switching to a reliable public DNS server often fixes the problem immediately. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options, right-click your connection, choose Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties, and enter one of these:

Google DNS: Preferred 8.8.8.8 / Alternate 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS: Preferred 1.1.1.1 / Alternate 1.0.0.1

Click OK and test your connection.

3. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall

Some antivirus programs and third-party firewalls intercept DNS requests and can block them incorrectly after an update. Temporarily disable your antivirus (right-click its tray icon → disable protection) and test your connection. If that fixes it, add an exception for your browser or contact the antivirus vendor for a permanent fix.

Always remember to re-enable your antivirus after testing.

Frequently asked questions

What does DNS do?

DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names like google.com into the IP address numbers computers actually use to connect. Without a working DNS server, your browser cannot find websites even if your internet connection is otherwise fine.

Is Google DNS safe to use?

Yes, Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) are widely used and considered reliable and safe. Cloudflare in particular has a strong privacy policy and promises not to log your queries for advertising purposes.

Why does the error only affect some websites?

Some websites may still work because your browser or OS has their IP address stored in its local DNS cache. Once the cache entry expires, those sites will also stop loading. Flushing the cache and switching DNS servers should fix all affected sites.