Ever experienced websites not loading properly, or certain pages refusing to update even after refreshing them multiple times? The culprit might be your DNS cache. Flushing it can solve these pesky issues instantly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to flush DNS cache on Windows 11 step by step, explain why it’s important, and share some tips to keep your internet browsing smooth and problem-free.
What is DNS Cache?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what DNS cache actually is.
Think of the DNS (Domain Name System) as the phonebook of the internet—it translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to communicate.
Your computer temporarily stores these translations in its DNS cache to speed up your browsing. However, sometimes this cache becomes outdated or corrupted, causing connection issues.
Why Should You Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11?
You might wonder, why bother clearing it? Here’s why flushing your DNS cache can be helpful:
- Fix website loading problems – Old or corrupted DNS entries can block websites from loading.
- Resolve network errors – Errors like “Page not found” or “Server not responding” may be caused by bad DNS data.
- Update DNS changes – If a website recently changed its server location, clearing the cache forces your computer to fetch the new one.
- Enhance privacy – Your DNS cache stores the websites you’ve visited. Clearing it wipes that trail.
How to Check Your DNS Cache in Windows 11
Want to see what’s inside before you clear it?
- Press Windows + S and type
cmd. - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type:
ipconfig /displaydns - Press Enter.
You’ll see a list of cached DNS entries.
Methods to Flush DNS Cache on Windows 11
There are multiple ways to clear the DNS cache. Let’s go through them one by one.
Method 1 – Using Command Prompt (CMD)
This is the quickest and most reliable method.
Step 1 – Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press Windows + S and type
cmd. - Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2 – Run the Flush Command
- Type:
ipconfig /flushdns - Press Enter.
Step 3 – Confirmation Message
You’ll see: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
Method 2 – Using Windows PowerShell
Prefer PowerShell? Here’s how:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type:
Clear-DnsClientCache - Hit Enter.
Done! Your DNS cache is now cleared.
Method 3 – Using Windows Settings (Indirect Way)
While Windows 11 doesn’t have a direct “Flush DNS” button in settings, you can indirectly reset network settings to clear the DNS cache.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings.
- Click Network reset.
- Hit Reset now.
This resets your network, including DNS cache.
How Often Should You Flush Your DNS Cache?
There’s no fixed rule, but you should consider doing it:
- After changing your DNS settings.
- When certain websites won’t load despite working on other devices.
- If you suspect your DNS cache is outdated or corrupted.
Will Flushing DNS Affect Your Internet?
No need to worry! Flushing your DNS:
- Does not delete your saved Wi-Fi passwords.
- Does not slow down your internet permanently—it only clears temporary DNS records.
- May even speed things up by forcing fresh DNS lookups.
How to Verify If DNS Cache Was Cleared Successfully
After flushing, run:
ipconfig /displaydns
If the list appears empty or much shorter, your DNS cache was successfully cleared.
Bonus: Change Your DNS for Better Performance
Flushing helps, but if you want faster and more secure browsing, consider changing your DNS server:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Properties.
- Select Edit under DNS server assignment.
- Choose Manual and set:
- Preferred: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
Or use 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare DNS.
Common Problems After Flushing DNS Cache
Rarely, you might face:
- Temporary slow loading of websites (because they’re fetching new data).
- Need to restart the browser for changes to take effect.
No major harm though—these are short-lived.
Advanced Users: Flushing DNS for Specific Browsers
Some browsers (like Chrome) maintain their own DNS cache.
- In Chrome, type:
chrome://net-internals/#dns - Click Clear host cache.
Final Thoughts
Flushing your DNS cache in Windows 11 is quick, easy, and often the magic fix for stubborn browsing issues. Whether you use Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a network reset, the process takes only a minute and can make your internet experience smoother.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to flush the DNS cache in Windows 11?
Just a few seconds—it’s almost instant.
2. Do I need to restart my PC after flushing DNS?
Not always, but restarting ensures all changes take effect.
3. Does flushing DNS delete my browsing history?
No, it only clears DNS records, not your browser’s history.
4. Can flushing DNS improve internet speed?
Indirectly, yes—by removing outdated records, it can reduce loading errors.
5. Is it safe to flush DNS regularly?
Absolutely! It won’t harm your system or settings.