Have you ever tried opening a website, but it just won’t load—even though your internet is working fine? Frustrating, right? In many cases, the issue lies in something called the DNS cache. Luckily, Windows 11 makes it super easy to fix this with a quick flush. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what DNS flushing is, why it matters, and how you can do it step by step.
What Is DNS and Why Does It Matter?
Think of DNS (Domain Name System) as the internet’s phonebook. When you type a web address like www.google.com, DNS translates it into an IP address your computer can understand. Without DNS, browsing the internet would feel like dialing random numbers instead of saving contacts.
What Is DNS Cache?
Every time you visit a website, Windows saves its DNS information temporarily in something called a DNS cache. This speeds up browsing because your PC doesn’t need to look up the IP address again.
Why Would You Need to Flush DNS?
So, if caching makes things faster, why clear it? Here are a few reasons:
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Website Not Loading Properly – Sometimes the cached information is outdated.
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Network Errors – DNS conflicts can prevent websites from opening.
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Privacy Concerns – Flushing clears records of recently visited sites.
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Troubleshooting – IT pros often do this as a first step to fix connectivity issues.
In short, flushing DNS is like giving your internet connection a fresh start.
How Flushing DNS Helps Fix Issues
Flushing DNS clears old and possibly corrupted entries. Once cleared, Windows will fetch new DNS information the next time you visit a site. Imagine throwing away an old map and getting a freshly updated GPS route—that’s exactly what DNS flushing does.
Methods to Flush DNS in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple ways to flush DNS. Don’t worry—they’re all pretty straightforward. Let’s break them down.
Method 1: Flush DNS Using Command Prompt
This is the classic method, quick and effective.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
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Press Windows + S and type
cmd. -
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run the DNS Flush Command
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Type the following command:
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Press Enter.
Step 3: Check the Confirmation Message
You’ll see a message saying:
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
That’s it—you’re done!
Method 2: Flush DNS Using Windows PowerShell
Prefer PowerShell? No problem.
Step 1: Open PowerShell
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Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
Step 2: Enter the Command
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Type:
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Press Enter.
Your DNS cache will now be cleared.
Method 3: Flush DNS via Windows Settings (Indirect Way)
While there’s no direct button in Windows 11 settings to flush DNS, you can still refresh things by restarting your network.
Step 1: Open Network Settings
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Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
Step 2: Reset the Network Adapter
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Scroll down and select Advanced network settings.
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Click Network reset.
This resets your DNS cache along with other network settings.
How to Verify If DNS Was Flushed Successfully
Not sure if it worked? You can check.
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Open Command Prompt as administrator.
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Type:
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If your cache is empty or shows fresh entries, the flush was successful.
When Should You Flush DNS?
Here are common scenarios:
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After changing your DNS provider (like switching to Google DNS).
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When websites fail to load even though they work on other devices.
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After removing malware or adware that messed with your connection.
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Periodically for privacy reasons.
Benefits of Flushing DNS in Windows 11
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Faster and more reliable browsing.
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Fewer website loading errors.
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Enhanced privacy and security.
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Smooth transition when changing network settings.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Flushing DNS
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Temporary Disconnect – Flushing won’t cut your internet, but some sites may load slower the first time afterward.
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Admin Rights Required – You must run commands as an administrator.
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No Harm Done – It’s completely safe and won’t break anything.
Alternatives to Flushing DNS
Sometimes flushing DNS alone doesn’t fix issues. You may also need to:
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Restart your router – Clears cached DNS on the router side.
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Change DNS servers – Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
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Clear browser cache – Browser data can also cause website errors.
Advanced Tip: Automate DNS Flush with a Batch File
If you find yourself flushing DNS often, why not automate it?
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Open Notepad.
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Paste this command:
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Save the file as FlushDNS.bat.
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Double-click it anytime to clear DNS instantly.
Common Problems After Flushing DNS (And Fixes)
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Websites Still Not Loading – Try restarting your PC or router.
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Slow First-Time Load – This is normal; the cache is being rebuilt.
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Permission Errors – Make sure you’re running the command prompt as admin.
Final Thoughts
Flushing DNS in Windows 11 is like hitting the refresh button for your internet connection. It’s quick, simple, and can solve a surprising number of browsing issues. Whether you’re facing website errors, switching networks, or just want a cleaner system, this little trick is worth remembering.
So, the next time your internet feels “stuck,” don’t panic—just flush your DNS and enjoy a smoother experience.
FAQs
1. Does flushing DNS make my internet faster?
Not directly, but it removes bad entries that may slow things down.
2. Is it safe to flush DNS in Windows 11?
Yes, it’s 100% safe and won’t harm your computer.
3. How often should I flush my DNS?
There’s no fixed rule, but doing it when you face browsing issues or after changing networks is a good practice.
4. Do I need to restart my PC after flushing DNS?
Usually, no. But if issues persist, restarting can help.
5. Can flushing DNS fix Wi-Fi problems?
It can solve some network-related issues, but not all. If Wi-Fi still acts up, try restarting your router or updating drivers.