The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code is a browser error that shows up when you try to reach any website.
It is a technical message signifying DNS lookup failure which fails to load the page.
The error code is caused mostly due to the DNS issue as the computer fails to translate or resolve the address of the desired website. That being said, there could also be other reasons for this error.
What Causes DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Code?
There are some other factors responsible for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code other than the DNS related issues:
- Corrupted Chrome’s DNS cache
- The error could be caused by third-party Antivirus.
- Outdated Chrome browser
- Incorrect URL
- Messed up Chrome settings
- If the IP address is not owned by Google
These are some of the other causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code.
Now we will discuss the various ways in which you can fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code on both Mac and Windows 10.
How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Code?
On Windows
1. Update Chrome
If your Chrome is not updated, this could become the reason for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code. So you can follow the given steps to update Chrome manually in case it has not been updated automatically:
- Open Chrome.
- By clicking on the three dots located in the top-right corner, open Customize and control Google Chrome.
- Go to the Help option in the menu and then click on About Google Chrome.
- Now on the About Chrome window, you will see a message saying “Chrome is checking for updates”. If updates are found, they will be updated automatically.
After the process is complete, restart Chrome and check again for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code.
2. Check the Entered URL
There are a number of occasions when the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code might occur due to a wrong URL, so avoid this by making sure that you have entered the correct URL.
3. Clean the Chrome Cache
You need to clear your Chrome cache to get rid of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code on Google Chrome.
Follow these steps to clear the cache:
- Open Chrome.
- On the top right corner, click on the three dots to open the Customize and control Google Chrome.
- Go to More Tools in the menu and select the Clear browsing data option.
- Go to the Advanced tab in the window that pops up.
- Then, make sure “Cache images and files” and “Cookies and other site data” options are checked in the Advanced section and then click on the Clear Data button to clean the cache.
Try to reload the website after clearing the cache.
4. Clear Local DNS Cache and Renew IP Address
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code might be caused due to client-side DNS issue sometimes and you have to clear the local DNS cache, then release and renew the IP address on your PC to fix the issue.
To clear the local Windows DNS cache and release IP address, follow the given steps:
- On the Search box type Command Prompt
- Select Run as administrator option from the options you get on right-clicking the Command Prompt.
- Type the commands given below in the Command Prompt window and press Enter after each command:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
- Type exit and then press Enter key after performing the above commands
Your current IP address will be released, the local DNS cache will be cleared and the IP address will be renewed.
5. Clear DNS Cache of Chrome
The reason for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code could be some corrupt cache on Chrome. When you visit different malicious websites, intentionally or unintentionally, it can corrupt the cache leading to website loading issues.
You need to clear your Chrome's DNS cache to fix this issue. You can follow the given steps to do this:
- Type “chrome://net-internals/#dns” in the Chrome search bar.
- Then, click on the Clear host cache button on the Chrome DNS page.
- In Chrome's search bar, type the below-given path:
chrome://net-internals/#sockets
- Click on the Flush socket pools button on the Chrome sockets page
6. Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus
Another reason for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code could be an issue with the Third-Party Antivirus. You can fix this issue by uninstalling the third-party antivirus from your system.
Follow these steps to do this:
- Move to the Windows Start button.
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Go to the Apps.
- You will get the list of all the programs and software installed on your computer in the Apps and Features window. Search for your Antivirus here.
- Then, just click on the Antivirus and select Uninstall
- Then just confirm to complete the uninstallation process in the confirmation prompt window.
Restart your computer after uninstalling your antivirus.
7. Restart the DNS Services
You can fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code by restarting the DNS client services if you are a Windows 10 user. There are 2 ways in which you can restart the DNS services:
- Using Services panel
- Using Command Prompt
To reset the DNS service through the Services panel, follow the given steps:
- Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R key.
- Then, type services.msc and click on the OK button.
- Then, right-click on the DNS client and select Restart.
Follow these steps to reset the DNS client services from the Command Prompt:
- Open the Run box by pressing the Window + R key together.
- Then, type cmd and click on the OK button.
- Type the following commands in the Command Prompt window and press the Enter key after each command:
net stop dnscache
net start dnscache
On Mac
It is not only on Windows that you get the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code. You also get it on Mac computers.
1. Release and Renew the IP Address
- Move to the System Preference
- First click on the Network icon, then Advanced
- Move to the TCP/IP tab heading.
- Finally, click on the Renew DHCP button.
2. Flush the Local DNS Cache
- On Finder navigate to the Applications, then Utilities, then Terminal.
- Type the below-given commands in the Terminal:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
- Then restart the computer.
3. Configure the DNS Server Address
- First, move to the System Preferences and click on the Network icon.
- Then, put in the administrator username and password.
- Click on the Unlock.
- Then, go to the DNS tab by clicking on the Advanced
- As you click on the + button you will notice the highlighted zeros under the DNS Servers box.
- Then, delete the highlighted digits.
- Type 8.8.8.8 click on the + button.
- Then, type 8.8.4.4 and click on the OK button.
Conclusion
These are the different causes and fixes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code, both on Windows and on Mac.
Let us know your experience with the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code in the comments section.
All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code in Google Chrome?
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is an error code that appears in Google Chrome when the browser is unable to resolve the domain name of a website into an IP address. It means that the DNS server is not able to find the IP address of the website you are trying to access.
2. What causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code in Google Chrome?
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the DNS server, issues with the computer's network settings, incorrect firewall settings, or problems with the website's domain name.
3. How can I fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code in Google Chrome?
You can fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code in Google Chrome by trying the following steps:
- Clearing your browser cache and cookies
- Restarting your modem or router
- Flushing your DNS cache
- Changing your DNS server settings
- Disabling your antivirus or firewall temporarily
- Checking the website's domain name for errors or problems
4. What should I do if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code persists?
If you have tried all the above steps and the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code persists, you may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) or seek help from a professional technician. The issue could be related to a problem with your ISP's DNS server, and they may need to troubleshoot the issue further.
