# Fix: ‘DNS server not responding’ issue

**URL:** https://www.compsmag.com/blogs/fix-dns-server-not-responding/
**Author:** Ayushi Chauhan
**Published:** 2023-06-27
**Updated:** 2023-06-27
**Categories:** Blogs
**Reading Time:** 8 min

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This article will show you how to Fix 'DNS server not responding' issue. DNS, which stands for Domain Name method, is a decentralized method for naming [computers](https://compsmag.com/best/computers/), servers, and other resources that can be reached through the internet. It helps identify your computer and the information that comes in. But if your computer can't connect to the DNS service, you might get some errors. Don't worry if you get a "DNS Server Not Responding" error on [Windows](https://compsmag.com/best/windows-laptops/)11. It's still a new method, so it can have bugs every now and then. Just do what's written below, and your system will be back up and running in no time.

Your browser must have shown you an error message that said "DNS server not responding" or "DNS server isn't responding" many times while you were surfing the web. You start to worry about what's wrong with the website, your browser, or your link to the internet. But things are not at all what you think they are. This DNS server is not answering is an error that happens when DNS can't turn your hostnames into IP addresses. This error message can show up on your computer screen for a number of reasons, which we will talk about in more detail in later parts of this post. Here are some ways to Fix 'DNS server not responding' issue.

## What is the "DNS Server Not Responding" Error?

"DNS Server Not Responding" is a common problem that is usually easy to fix. There are many things that could cause this problem. But the real reason is that the DNS server that is called when you try to load a web page can't find the site that has the web page you are trying to load. This piece looks at what might have caused this problem and how you might be able to fix it.

First of all, I think you should learn at least the basics about the "DNS Server Not Responding" error. To do this, we need to first learn about DNS. Domain Name System is what DNS stands for. DNS is an easy way to explain what it does: it is a decentralized database that stores internet addresses that can be read by humans. If you want to know more information about this Visit[Official Microsoft Website](https://www.microsoft.com/en-in) for further Support.

## What causes the "DNS server not responding" error?

1. **Internet link Problems:**The DNS server not responding error can happen if your internet link isn't stable or keeps going down.
2. **DNS Server Problems:** The DNS server itself could be having problems or being worked on, which would make it unavailable.
3. **Wrong DNS Settings:**If your computer or router's DNS settings are set up wrong, you may get the DNS server not answering error. This can happen if the DNS server names are wrong or if the settings were changed by accident.
4. **Interference from a firewall or [antivirus software](https://compsmag.com/best/antivirus-software/):** Sometimes, a firewall or antivirus program can stop the DNS server from responding, which causes the error. This can happen if the software thinks the DNS server is a threat by mistake or if it limits access to the network.
5. **Router or Modem Problems:**The DNS server not answering error can be caused by problems with your router or modem, like old firmware or broken hardware.

## How to fix "DNS server not responding" issue

### Restart Your Router

The "DNS Server is not Responding" problem could be caused by too much data flow. It's possible that all you need to do to fix this is [restart your computer.](https://compsmag.com/blogs/how-to-restart-computer/)By hitting the power button on your router, you can restart it. Then you can unplug the power cord from your router. Wait about 30 seconds, then plug your router back into the wall and press the power button to turn it back on.

### Restart your Computer in Safe Mode

When you start your computer in Safe Mode, Windows only gets a small set of drivers and files. This can help you figure out what is causing your "DNS Server is not Responding" problem by shining a light on it, so to speak. So, here's what you need to do to start your PC in Safe Mode:

1. To open **Settings**, press the **Windows Key + I**.
2. Click **Update & Security**, then click **Recovery**.
3. Select **Restart** under **Advanced startup**.
4. When your PC gets to the "**Choose an option**" screen, choose **Troubleshoot** > **Advanced options** > **Startup Settings** > **Restart**.
5. After your [PC](https://compsmag.com/best/desktop-computer/)has been turned back on, you will see a list of choices.
6. For **Safe Mode with Networking**, choose **5** or press **F5**.

### Investigate Possible Network Issues

Running network tests may show that problems with the network are the cause of the problem. On a Windows 10 OS, it's easy to run Network Diagnostic. Here are the steps you need to take:

![Fix: 'DNS server not responding' issue](https://compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/a-401.jpg)

1. Open **Control Panel**. One way to do this is to press the **Windows Key + R** to open the "**Run**" box, then put "**control**" in the text box in the "Run" box and hit the **enter key**.
2. In the **Control Panel** window, click on the **Network and Internet** choice.
3. In the "**Network and Internet**" window, click the "**Network and Sharing Centre**" button.
4. Under the "**Change your network settings**" heading in the "**Network and Sharing Centre**" window, click the "**Troubleshoot problems**" link.
5. Click **Additional troubleshooters**, then **Internet Connections**, then **Run the troubleshooter**.

### Reset DNS Settings

1. **Start** the **command window** as an admin. To do this, press **Windows key + R** to open the "Run" box.
2. In the **run box**, type "**cmd**" and press **shift**, **ctrl**, and **enter**.
3. In the **command prompt**, type the following instructions. After typing each command, press the **enter** key to run each one separately.
**ipconfig /registerdns**



**release ipconfig**



**Ipconfig /renew**



**netsh winsock reset** is the command.
4. **ipconfig /registerdns**
5. **release ipconfig**
6. **Ipconfig /renew**
7. **netsh winsock reset** is the command.
8. After you have run these tasks, **close** the **command prompt** and **restart** your **computer**.

### Temporarily Deactivate your Firewall and Disable Antivirus

1. Press **Windows Key + R** to open the "Run" box.
2. Type **control** in the text box and press **Enter**.
3. In the top right box, type **win**.
4. Look for **Windows Defender Firewall** in the search results and click on it.
5. Click on **Allow an app or feature to get through Windows Defender Firewall**.
6. Click on the **Change settings** button.
7. Locate your browser (e.g., **Google Chrome**) in the list.
8. Ensure that both the **private** and **public** options next to the browser are checked.
9. Once done, use the **appropriate [browser](https://compsmag.com/best/web-browsers/)**to access the site and check if the problem is resolved.

### Manually Set Your DNS Server

Your problem may be caused by the fact that your DNS service is down. In this case, you'll be happy to know that you can change your DNS server on your own. You can change your DNS server to one like Google's Public DNS or CloudFlare's Public DNS. Follow these steps to change your DNS server:

1. **Use the Control Panel**. To access the Control Panel, open the Start Menu.
2. Click the **Network and Internet** button in the Control Panel window.
3. Click the **Network and Sharing Centre** button in the Network and Internet box.
4. Click on your **current connection** in the Network and Sharing Centre window. For example, click "ethernet" or "Wi-Fi" based on your current connection.
5. Click the **"Properties"** button in the dialogue box that appears.
6. Under the **"The connection uses the following items"** heading, you'll find a list.
7. Select **"Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"** from the list and click the **"Properties"** button.
8. Another dialogue box will appear with two fields: **"Preferred DNS Server"** and **"Alternate DNS Server."**
9. First, click the radio button that says **"Use the following DNS server names."**
10. Enter **8.8.8.8** in the **"Preferred DNS Server"** field and **8.8.4.4** in the **"Alternate DNS Server"** field to use Google's Public DNS server.
11. Alternatively, you can use the DNS server from **CloudFlare** by entering **1.1.1.1**.
12. Once you've entered your chosen DNS server settings, make sure the **"Validate settings upon exit"** box is checked.
13. To save your new DNS server settings, click the **"OK"** button.
14. **Turn your computer back on** to apply the changes.

## Questions and Answers

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