How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 11: Easy Troubleshooting Steps

Have you ever tried to open a website on your Windows 11 PC only to see the dreaded message “DNS Server Not Responding”?
It’s frustrating — your internet connection looks fine, yet no web page will load. Don’t worry — we’ve all been there.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy-to-follow troubleshooting steps to fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” error on Windows 11. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech-savvy problem-solver, these methods will help you get back online quickly.


🧠 What Does “DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?

Let’s simplify it.

  • DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet’s phonebook — it translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers understand.

  • When the DNS server fails to respond, your PC can’t look up those addresses — meaning the connection breaks before it even starts.

So even though your Wi-Fi works, Chrome or Edge can’t find websites because the DNS lookup fails.


⚠️ Common Reasons for DNS Errors in Windows 11

Before diving into fixes, let’s identify what might be causing the problem:

Cause Description
Misconfigured DNS settings Manual DNS entries or automatic settings gone wrong
Outdated or corrupted network drivers Drivers prevent proper DNS requests
Router or modem glitches Temporary network errors
Antivirus or firewall interference Security software blocking DNS traffic
ISP (Internet Service Provider) DNS issues Their DNS server may be down or slow
Malware or adware Tampering with network configuration
IPv6 conflicts Some routers don’t handle IPv6 DNS properly

🧩 Quick Overview: How to Fix the DNS Server Not Responding Error

Here’s a summary of the methods we’ll cover:

Step Method Difficulty
1 Restart your router and PC ⭐ Easy
2 Switch to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS ⭐⭐ Medium
3 Flush and reset DNS cache ⭐⭐ Medium
4 Disable IPv6 temporarily ⭐⭐ Medium
5 Reset network settings ⭐⭐ Medium
6 Update or reinstall network drivers ⭐⭐ Medium
7 Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily ⭐⭐ Medium
8 Boot into Safe Mode with Networking ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
9 Check for malware ⭐⭐ Medium
10 Contact your ISP ⭐ Easy

🪄 Step 1: Restart Your Router and PC

Sometimes, the simplest fix works best.

  1. Turn off your router and modem.

  2. Wait 30 seconds to clear the temporary cache.

  3. Restart your PC while the router is off.

  4. Power the router back on and reconnect.

Try loading a webpage again. If it still fails, move to the next step.


🌐 Step 2: Change Your DNS Server to Google or Cloudflare

If your ISP’s DNS server is slow or down, switching to a public DNS often resolves the issue.

🔧 How to Change DNS in Windows 11

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → More network adapter options.

  3. Right-click your active connection → Properties.

  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)Properties.

  5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

    Service Preferred Alternate
    Google DNS 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
    Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
  6. Click OK, then restart Chrome or Edge.

Try visiting a site again — in most cases, this immediately fixes DNS problems.


🧹 Step 3: Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Stack

Sometimes your DNS cache stores outdated or corrupted data. Clearing it resets lookups.

💻 Using Command Prompt

  1. Search for cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

    ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig /registerdns
    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew
    netsh winsock reset
  3. Restart your PC.

This clears DNS entries, resets Winsock, and re-registers your network adapter.


🧭 Step 4: Disable IPv6 Temporarily

Incompatible IPv6 configurations sometimes block DNS responses.

  1. Go to Network Connections (press Win + R → type ncpa.cpl).

  2. Right-click your active network → Properties.

  3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

  4. Click OK and restart your PC.

If the problem disappears, your router or ISP may not fully support IPv6 — you can leave it disabled.


🔁 Step 5: Reset Network Settings

Resetting all network components in Windows 11 can wipe out conflicting configurations.

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.

  2. Click Reset now and confirm.

  3. Windows will restart automatically.

After reboot, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test again.


⚙️ Step 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated drivers can prevent proper communication between your PC and DNS servers.

🧰 Update Drivers Automatically

  1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your active adapter → Update driver → Search automatically.

If Windows doesn’t find one, check your PC or adapter manufacturer’s website.

🔄 Reinstall the Adapter

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your adapter → Uninstall device.

  2. Restart your computer — Windows will reinstall it automatically.


🔒 Step 7: Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus

Sometimes, overprotective security software blocks DNS requests.

  1. Temporarily turn off your third-party antivirus or firewall.

  2. Try visiting a website again.

If it works, add Chrome, Edge, or your browser to the firewall’s exceptions list before re-enabling protection.


🧰 Step 8: Boot in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode runs only essential services — perfect for identifying whether background apps are interfering.

🪟 How to Boot Into Safe Mode

  1. Press Win + I → System → Recovery.

  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  3. After restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  4. Press 5 or F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking.

If DNS works fine here, a third-party program or service is the culprit.


🧾 Step 9: Check for Malware or Adware

Malware can hijack DNS settings or reroute traffic.

  • Run a Full Scan in Windows Security

    • Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.

  • Use a trusted tool like Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner to remove hidden threats.

  • Restart your PC afterward.


📞 Step 10: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the above fixes work, your ISP’s DNS servers may be experiencing issues.

Call their support line and ask if they’re facing DNS outages. They might suggest alternative DNS addresses or remote troubleshooting.


🧩 Bonus: Use the Command Line to Test DNS

You can check DNS resolution manually using nslookup:

nslookup www.google.com

If the command fails or shows a timeout, the problem lies with your DNS settings or network.


🧱 Advanced Option: Reset TCP/IP Stack via PowerShell

  1. Right-click Start → Windows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Enter:

    netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your computer.

This rebuilds the entire TCP/IP stack from scratch.


💡 Preventing Future DNS Errors

Tip Benefit
Use reliable DNS (Google or Cloudflare) Faster lookups and fewer outages
Keep network drivers updated Ensures stability
Regularly clear DNS cache Prevents outdated entries
Limit unnecessary VPNs or proxies Reduces conflict risks
Run occasional malware scans Keeps network settings safe

✅ Conclusion

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error in Windows 11 can look intimidating, but it’s usually easy to fix once you know where to look.

By following the steps above — from restarting your router to changing DNS servers and flushing cache — you can restore your internet connection within minutes.

If all else fails, contact your ISP or consider switching to a more reliable DNS like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

Stay proactive: keep your system updated, perform regular scans, and your browsing should stay smooth and stable.


❓ FAQs About Fixing DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 11

1. What’s the fastest DNS server for Windows 11?

Google DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) are the most reliable and fast for most users.

2. Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?

Yes — a faster DNS can reduce page-load times by resolving addresses more quickly, though it won’t affect download speeds directly.

3. How do I know if DNS is really the problem?

Try using ping 8.8.8.8 in Command Prompt. If you get replies, your internet works — meaning the issue lies with DNS.

4. Should I disable IPv6 permanently?

Only if your network equipment doesn’t support IPv6 properly. Otherwise, it’s safe (and often better) to keep it enabled.

5. Can VPNs cause DNS errors?

Yes — VPNs sometimes force custom DNS routes. Disconnect your VPN and test again to confirm.


🧾 Key Takeaways

  • The “DNS Server Not Responding” error means your PC can’t resolve domain names.

  • Restarting your router, switching DNS servers, or flushing the cache usually fixes it.

  • Always keep your network drivers and Windows 11 updated.

  • Malware or firewalls can block DNS — check them if problems persist.

  • Reliable public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare can prevent future issues.


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