DNS Not Responding Issue and Solutions

Encountering the "DNS not responding" error while browsing the internet can be quite frustrating. So, what causes this error and how can it be fixed? In this guide, let's go over the causes of the issue and the possible solutions step by step.

Causes of DNS Not Responding Error

The "DNS not responding" error typically occurs when there's a problem with your internet connection or when there's an issue accessing DNS servers. The main causes of this error are:

• Incorrect DNS Settings: Misconfigured DNS settings can block access to servers.
• Network Connection Problems: Interruptions in your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection can lead to DNS errors.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues: Temporary issues with your ISP's DNS servers may cause this error.
• Firewall or Antivirus Software: These programs may block DNS traffic.
• Cache Issues: The DNS cache on your browser or system might contain outdated or corrupted entries.

Checking and Updating DNS Settings

Incorrect or outdated DNS settings can cause the "DNS not responding" error. Here are the steps to check and update your DNS settings:

1. Go to Control Panel: Open the Control Panel from the Start menu and click on "Network and Internet."
2. Network and Sharing Center: Enter the "Network and Sharing Center" and select "Change adapter settings."
3. Select Your Network Connection: Right-click on the active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select "Properties."
4. IPV4 Properties: Double-click on "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)."
5. Set DNS Servers: Select the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option and enter your DNS server addresses. For example, you can use Google DNS with 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
6. Apply Changes: Click "OK" to save the changes.

Fixing Network Connection Issues

DNS errors can also arise from network connection issues. To check and fix your network connection, follow these steps:

1. Restart the Modem: Unplug your modem, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in to restart it.
2. Check Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your Wi-Fi is active and you are connected to the correct network.
3. Check Wired Connections: Ensure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected.
4. Run the Network Troubleshooter: In Windows, run the "Network Troubleshooter" to automatically detect and fix issues.

Clearing Temporary Files and DNS Cache

Corrupted DNS cache entries can cause errors. To clear the cache, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt: Type "cmd" in the Windows search bar and run Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Clear the DNS Cache: Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

1. Clear Temporary Files: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove unnecessary files.

Using Alternative DNS Servers

If there is an issue with your current DNS servers, you can try using alternative DNS servers. Here are some popular alternative DNS servers:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

By using alternative DNS servers, you can potentially improve your connection speed and reduce DNS errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I fix the DNS not responding error? You can fix the error by checking your DNS settings, fixing network connection issues, clearing the DNS cache, and using alternative DNS servers.
• Are alternative DNS servers safe? Popular DNS servers like Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS are generally considered safe and are widely used.
• What does clearing the DNS cache do? Clearing the DNS cache removes corrupted or outdated entries, which can fix connection issues and improve internet speed.
• Which DNS server is the fastest? The speed of DNS servers can vary depending on your geographical location and network congestion. Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are generally fast and reliable options.

In this guide, we've covered the solutions you can try when you encounter the "DNS not responding" error. We hope this information helps you resolve the issue.