How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error on Your Computer

The "DNS server not responding" error means your device can't translate website names into IP addresses, so websites won’t load. This usually happens because of network issues, incorrect settings, or problems with your internet provider's DNS servers. You can fix it by restarting your devices, clearing the DNS cache, or changing DNS settings, all without needing advanced technical skills.

What does 'DNS server not responding' mean and why does it happen?

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like the internet’s phonebook, converting website names (like example.com) into IP addresses your device uses to connect. When you see "DNS server not responding," it means your device tried to contact a DNS server but received no reply, preventing websites from loading.

Common causes include temporary network glitches, incorrect settings on your device or router, outdated network drivers, and problems with your internet service provider’s DNS servers. Malware or firewall settings can also block DNS requests, or your DNS cache might hold outdated information leading to errors. Usually, this issue is temporary and can be resolved with straightforward steps.

How can I tell if the DNS problem is on my device, router, or ISP?

To find out where the DNS issue is, try these steps:

• Connect another device (like a phone or tablet) to the same network and see if it can access websites.
• If other devices work normally, the problem is likely with your device.
• If none of the devices can access websites, restart your router and test again.
• If restarting the router doesn’t help, the problem may be with your ISP’s DNS servers.

You can also temporarily change your device’s DNS server (for example, to Google’s 8.8.8.8). If that fixes the problem, the original DNS server is likely the cause. This helps you know whether to focus on your device settings, router, or contact your ISP.

What are the simplest first steps I can try to fix the DNS server not responding error?

Start with these easy and safe fixes:

1. Restart your computer to clear temporary network glitches.

2. Restart your router or modem by unplugging it for about 30 seconds, then plugging it back in to refresh your network.

3. Flush your DNS cache to remove outdated or corrupted records.

On Windows, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

On macOS, open Terminal and run:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

4. After each step, try loading websites again to see if the error is resolved.

These steps often restore your connection without changing advanced settings, so try them first.

How do I change my DNS server settings to use a public DNS and why would that help?

If your ISP’s DNS servers are slow or unresponsive, switching to a public DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare can improve reliability and speed.

Public DNS servers are generally more stable and can bypass issues if your default DNS server is down or misconfigured.

To change DNS on Windows:

1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click your active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
3. Click Properties.
4. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click Properties.
5. Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses."
6. Enter preferred DNS, for example, 8.8.8.8, and alternate DNS, such as 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare).
7. Click OK and close all windows.

On macOS:

1. Open System Preferences and select Network.
2. Choose your active connection and click Advanced.
3. Go to the DNS tab.
4. Click the + button and add new DNS servers like 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
5. Remove old DNS entries if you want.
6. Click OK and Apply.

After changing DNS, test your connection again to see if the error is fixed.

How can I confirm the DNS issue is resolved after trying fixes?

After each fix, check if you can load websites normally by opening your browser and trying several sites.

If sites load without errors, the DNS problem is likely fixed.

You can also ping a website by its domain name to check DNS resolution:

On Windows, open Command Prompt and type:

ping www.google.com

On macOS, open Terminal and type:

ping -c 4 www.google.com

If you see replies with response times and no errors, DNS is working.

If you get errors like "could not find host," DNS issues remain.

Testing after each step tells you which fix worked or if you need to try another.

What can I do to prevent DNS server issues from happening again?

To reduce future DNS problems:

• Keep your network drivers and router firmware up to date to fix bugs affecting DNS.
• Use reliable DNS providers like Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS.
• Avoid unnecessary changes to network settings.
• Periodically clear your DNS cache.
• Check that your security software or firewall isn’t blocking DNS requests.
• If you often face DNS issues, set your router’s DNS to a stable public DNS so all devices use it automatically.
• Restart your router regularly to maintain a fresh network connection.

These steps help ensure smoother DNS resolution and fewer interruptions.

Conclusion

If the "DNS server not responding" error continues after these steps, contact your internet provider to check for outages or known issues. You can also try a different device or network to narrow down the problem. Most DNS errors are temporary and can be fixed with these straightforward steps, so working through them methodically usually restores your connection quickly.