DNS Server Not Responding Error on Windows 10 FIXED

A directory of records for the internet, mostly like a phonebook directory, is called the Domain Name System, or the DNS. A DNS will associate a domain name with an IP address as names are much easier than numbers for users to remember.

You can no longer access your favourite sites without the DNS servers.

The error "DNS Server Not Responding" indicates that your browser was unable to connect to the internet. DNS errors are typically caused by issues on the user's end, such as a faulty network or internet connection, misconfigured DNS settings, or an out-of-date browser. They could potentially be the result of a DNS outage caused by a transient server failure.

As a result, it's possible that merely switching browsers will solve the problem. You may need to deactivate connections, change DNS servers, or flush the DNS cache in other circumstances.

If you too are getting the DNS server is not responding error on your computer, there is absolutely no reason to worry.

Here, in this article, we will look at the different ways in which you can fix the 'DNS server not responding' error on your Windows 10 computer.

How to Fix 'DNS server not responding' error on Windows

1. Manually Set A DNS Server

The most probable cause is that your ISP's DNS server has encountered downtime and you will have to use another DNS server to continue accessing the web. You can use any of the many DNS providers but we would recommend you try Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS.

You should consider looking for alternatives like Cisco OpenDNS and Google Public DNS in case you have already set a custom DNS server.

After changing the DNS server check if the DNS server is not responding error is fixed.

2. Uninstall/Re-install Network Drivers

Uninstalling the network driver resolved the issue for a lot of the users.

Just follow the given steps to do this:

• Search for “Device Manager”.
• After launching the device manager, scroll down to expand the “Network Adapters”.
• Then, Right-click on the active network connection and uninstall the driver.
• Lastly, right-click on any other adapter option and click on “Scan for hardware changes“.
• The driver should just re-appear.
• Disconnect your WiFi adapter/cable connection and re-connect if that does not happen.

Then, check if the DNS server is not responding error is fixed.

3. Manually Set Your MAC Address

If you are still getting the DNS server is not responding error on your Windows 10 computer then you can try setting your MAC Address manually. It is also called the "physical address" and is supposed to uniquely identify a piece of network equipment.

You need to first note down your MAC address.

You need to make sure that your network connection uses the same value as your MAC address. Now follow the given steps:

• By typing in – Control Panel – in the search bar, head to the control panel.
• Then, click on “Change adapter settings.”

Here, the network connection labelled as Ethernet should be the wired network and the marked WiFi network is your wireless network connection.

• Then, choose the one you are connected to and right-click on it to go to its properties.
• Then, click on Configure to continue.
• Now, move to the Advanced tab.
• Scroll down to find “Network Address.”
• Click and set its value.
• Then, click on OK.

You can head into the command prompt window and type in – ipconfig /all to check the physical address to verify whether the MAC address modification was successful or not.

4. Clear the DNS Cache

Follow the given steps to clear the DNS cache:

• First, open command prompt as an administrator.
• Then, type the commands given below, one by one:

  ipconfig /flushdns
  
  ipconfig /registerdns
  
  ipconfig /release
  
  ipconfig /renew
  

• The DNS Cache is now cleared. Just check if the error is resolved.

5. Update Your Network Drivers

To Update your Network Drivers:

• Go to the device manager window.

• Then, scroll down to the section on network adapters.
• Now, right-click on the active network adapter and click on “Update Driver“.

Apply the update that is available.

6. On Your Router, Upgrade To The Latest Firmware

You should always have the latest firmware or software updates applied, and if there is an issue with the firmware, updating it would solve the DNS server is not responding error.

You should refer to an IT expert to upgrade your router's firmware.

Summary:

When you try to access a website and get a "DNS Server Not Responding" warning, it can be both frustrating and alarming. While there are a number of possible causes for this problem, the good news is that the majority of them have straightforward fixes.

This is how you can fix the DNS server is not responding error on your Windows 10 computer. Let us know your experience with the error in the comments section.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What triggers the Windows 10 "DNS Server Not Responding" error?

The error can be triggered by incorrect DNS configurations, network connectivity issues, or server difficulties.

2. How do I resolve the "DNS Server Not Responding" problem message in Windows 10?

Resetting DNS settings, clearing the DNS cache, and upgrading network drivers are some solutions.

3. What if the "DNS Server Not Responding" problem continues after you've tried all these fixes?

Consider rebooting your modem or router, or seek help from your internet service provider.

4. Can I avoid getting the "DNS Server Not Responding" error?

To decrease the chance of experiencing this problem, maintain your network drivers and DNS settings up to current on a regular basis.