8 Ways To Fix “DNS Server Is Not Responding” Error

We typically use domains (e.g., technewstoday.com) as a substitute of IP Addresses to entry sources on a network. This is feasible because of Domain Name System (DNS) servers which deal with identify decision.

Connection points as a consequence of DNS issues like DNS server isn’t responding are fairly widespread. With this particular error, usually your device initiates a DNS question however the decision fails.

If you’re using your personal DNS server, you may examine the configurations to resolve any server-end points. But most individuals use public DNS servers, which means they’ll be restricted to native fixes like checking native DNS entries or switching to a distinct server.

Basic Troubleshooting

First of all, reboot your device and router. If the error persists, begin with the essential steps listed beneath:

Flush DNS Cache

The DNS consumer resolver cache generally has incorrect entries which may trigger DNS issues when attempting to entry sure sources. You can repair such issues by clearing the DNS cache.

1. Press Win + R, sort cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. Additionally, you too can use ipconfig /registerdns to account for failed identify registration or dynamic update points.
   

In some circumstances, it’s additionally value checking that your IP configurations are legitimate, and resetting the network stack if required. 

1. First, use ipconfig /all.
   
2. If the IP tackle, subnet masks, default gateway, or DNS server values appear invalid, you may strive setting them manually.
   
3. If that doesn’t assist, you too can reset the network stack with the next instructions:
   Netsh winsock reset
Netsh int ip reset

Ipconfig /launch
Ipconfig /renew
Ipconfig /flushdns
   

Check Hosts File

When any program initiates a DNS request, the hosts file is the primary location that Windows checks. If any DNS entries are specified right here, that entry can be used. As such, you need to be sure that incorrect values aren’t saved within the hosts file.

1. Press Win + R and enter %windir%/system32/drivers/and so forth/.
2. Open any textual content editor (e.g., Notepad) as an admin, then open the hosts file from this listing.
   
3. Ensure any DNS entries saved listed here are legitimate.
4. Save any modifications made and examine if the difficulty is resolved.

If you need, you may even reset the hosts file to default by changing the contents with the next textual content:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp. 
# 
# This is a pattern HOSTS file utilized by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows. 
# 
# This file comprises the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each 
# entry needs to be stored on a person line. The IP tackle ought to 
# be positioned within the first column adopted by the corresponding host identify. 
# The IP tackle and the host identify needs to be separated by not less than one 
# house. 
# 
# Additionally, feedback (corresponding to these) could also be inserted on particular person 
# traces or following the machine identify denoted by a '#' image. 
# 
# For instance: 
# 
#       102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # supply server 
#        38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x consumer host 

# localhost identify decision is deal with inside DNS itself. 
#       127.0.0.1       localhost 
#       ::1             localhost

Change DNS server

If no entries are saved within the hosts file, the DNS consumer resolver will examine your NIC settings next. By default, the network card can be configured to acquire the DNS server tackle robotically.

This can imply that the DHCP server (often your router) gives IP addresses of DNS identify servers that your device can use. Or your router may itself be configured as a DNS server. Or it would even default to your ISP’s DNS server.

These are totally different eventualities, however the resolution in all circumstances is to manually decide a DNS server to make use of. If you have been already using a particular DNS server in your device, merely swap to a distinct one to account for server-end issues.

1. Press Win + R, sort ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your present connection and choose Properties.
   
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on on Properties.
   
4. Select the Use the next DNS server addresses choice.
5. Enter your most popular DNS server addresses. Here are a few good choices to start out.
   • Google (8.8.8.8 and eight.8.4.4)
   • Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
     
6. Press Ok > Ok to save lots of the modifications.

Disable VPN

When using a VPN, your public IP modifications. But VPNs often assign new DNS addresses as nicely. If you’re solely dealing with this error when using the VPN, it’s potential that this new DNS server is dealing with some issues.

If you’re using a third-party VPN consumer, merely exit the consumer and examine if the error persists. If you manually arrange the VPN connection, go to Settings > Network & web > VPN and disconnect from there.

Check for Third-Party Conflicts

We’ve additionally seen some circumstances the place third-party providers (usually VPNs and antiviruses) brought on DNS issues. You can examine for this by booting into protected mode with networking. If the DNS error is resolved in protected mode, right here’s what we suggest:

1. Press Win + R, sort msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the Services tab, allow the Hide all Microsoft providers choice.
   
3. Click on Disable all and press Ok.
4. In the Startup tab, click on on Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all Startup apps listed right here and reboot your PC.
   

Your PC will now clear boot. Now you may open MSConfig once more, however allow a couple of providers this time. Reboot and examine if the DNS downside exists. Keep repeating this course of.

The downside will probably return after enabling providers associated to VPNs or antiviruses. For instance, we’ve discovered McAfee to be a typical perpetrator. In such circumstances, we suggest eradicating the problematic program as such:

1. Press Win + R, sort appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Select this system and press Uninstall.
   
3. Follow the on-screen directions to take away this system.

Server-end Fixes

If you’re using your personal DNS server, we suggest the next troubleshooting steps:

• Use ipconfig /all and confirm that the IP configurations are legitimate.
• Use internet begin dns to make sure the DNS service is working.
• Clear the resolver cache with dnscmd /clearcache or Clear-DnsServerCache.
• Ensure your A data and CNAME data are appropriate.

Additional Fixes

We’ve seen this error happen as a consequence of misconfigured modems and routers, and even as a result of a Wi-Fi dongle’s pay as you go SIM expired. Niche causes like this may be onerous to think about. But if the fixes to this point haven’t resolved the error, issues like this could possibly be the trigger.

In such circumstances, you may check out generic networking fixes like disabling your firewall or uninstalling/updating the network drivers. Even a system restore or clear reinstall may also help generally.