How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 10

Every device that connects to the internet sends a request to a DNS server, which routes the request to the appropriate website. A slow DNS server causes a web address to take longer to resolve ” DNS Server Not Responding “, and even if the delay is only a few seconds long, it will be noticeable.

A slow DNS server is one issue, but if the DNS server is down, you won’t be able to access anything. It’s not the same as not having access to the internet. Your internet may be operational, but the DNS may be preventing you from reaching any website.

DNS Server Not Responding

DNS server issues typically prevent you from viewing some or all websites. The error message you see will vary depending on the browser you’re using, and even within the same browser, multiple error messages may appear. It’s possible that you can fix the DNS Server Not Responding yourself, or it could be a problem with your ISP.

How to fix the DNS Server Not Responding error?

Perform the following basic checks before attempting to resolve the issue.

Restart your router if necessary.
Reboot your computer.
Forget about your WiFi network and reconnect it.
Attempt to use a different browser.
Attempt to connect to the internet using a different device. If it doesn’t work, the issue could be with your Internet service provider.
If you’re using a VPN, turn it off.

Try the fixes below if the above doesn’t work.

1. Switch to Google DNS

It’s possible that a DNS server will go down. It’s a service, and like any other service, it can have issues. Switching to Google’s DNS server, which is free to use, is often the simplest solution.

Open Control Panel.
Go to Network and Internet.
Select Network and sharing center.
Click your WiFi network.
Click Properties under the Activity section.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Enable the ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ option.
In Preferred DNS server, enter 8.8.8.8.
In Alternate DNS server, enter 8.8.4.4.
Click OK, and close all windows.
Try to access a website.

2. Run the internet troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes an internet troubleshooter that may be able to resolve DNS Server Not Responding. It won’t change the DNS server you connect to, but it could be able to fix server-related issues.

Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
Go to Update and security.
Select the Troubleshoot tab.
Click Additional troubleshooter.
Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
Apply all fixes that it recommends.

3. Flush DNS and renew IP

If the Windows 10 troubleshooter fails to resolve DNS Server Not Responding, you can manually flush the DNS and refresh your IP address.

Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
Run the following commands one-by-one. They will flush the DNS and renew your IP address.

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew

Restart your system.

4. Manually configure network

Although most internet connections setup themselves once you input your password, there is a lot going on behind the scenes. If you manually configure a network, it may assist you in resolving DNS issues.

Open Command Prompt.
Run this command: ipconfig /all.
Look for Physical Address but make sure it’s for the network you’re connecting to e.g., note down the physical address for Wireless LAN if you’re using a wireless network.

Open File Explorer.
Enter this in the location bar: Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center and tap Enter.
Click your connection.
Click Properties under Activity.
Click the Configure button.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Look for MAC Address or Network address.
Enter the Physical address that you noted earlier and click OK.

5. Update router firmware

It’s possible that the firmware on your router needs to be upgraded. Normally, your ISP should be able to deliver a firmware update to your router during routine maintenance, but you can do so yourself. It might be able to fix DNS issues.

You’ll need to get into the router’s admin panel to upgrade the firmware. It can be accessed through your router.

Open Command Prompt.
Run this command: ipconfig.
Note down the Default gateway address.
Open your browser.
Enter the Default gateway address and tap Enter.
Sign in with the admin username and password.
Look for the firmware update option and install updates that are available.

Note that each ISP and router’s admin interface is different, so you’ll have to browse around.

6. Change DNS in router

The router also includes a DNS setting, which may be overwriting the DNS server configuration on your machine. If your router allows it, go into the admin section and change the DNS to Google’s DNS or enable the router to default to your computer’s DNS if that’s an option. Follow these steps to update the DNS on your router.

Open Command Prompt.
Run this command: ipconfig.
Note down the Default gateway address.
Open your browser and enter the Default gateway address and tap Enter.
Sign in to the router’s admin panel and look for DNS settings.
Use Google’s DNS server.

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

Restart the router, and your system.

7. Run Windows 10 in safe mode

It’s conceivable that a program on your computer is preventing you from accessing the DNS server or the internet. You should run Windows 10 in Safe mode to find out.

Open the Start Menu.
Click the power button.
Hold down the Shift button and click Restart.
On the boot screen, go to Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup settings.
Click Restart.
Select the Safe mode (with networking) option.
Try accessing the internet.

8. Disable third-party apps

If you can access the internet in Safe mode, it’s possible that a third-party is blocking the DNS or the internet.

Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab.
Disable all apps.
Restart the system.
Access the internet.
If you’re able to access the internet, a third-party app is likely responsible.
Enable apps one-by-one to see which one is causing the problem.

9. Disable virtual adapter

By default, Windows 10 produces a virtual adapter, which does not interfere with network connections when there isn’t an app to use it with. However, it can cause issues, and disabling it may be beneficial.

Open Device Manager.
Go to View>Show hidden devices.
Expand Network adapters.
Look for Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.
Right-click it and select Uninstall device.
Repeat this for all virtual adapter devices.
Restart the system.

10. Disable Ethernet, Bluetooth, Hotspot

Windows 10 can connect to a wireless network as well as Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Hotspot, but these connections can obstruct internet access.

Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
Go to Devices>Bluetooth.
Turn Bluetooth off from the switch.
Tap the Win+A keyboard shortcut.
Turn the hotspot off from the toggle.
Disconnect or unplug the Ethernet cable.
Restart the system.

Conclusion

If none of the aforementioned options work, you should contact your ISP, especially if the problem affects other devices. They may be able to resolve the issue or notify you if their service is experiencing issues. You’ll have to wait for them to resolve it on their end in that case.