The following provides a step-by-step explanation of the top solutions to the DNS Server Not Responding Error in Windows 10. Since all our daily chores and work are dependent upon the Internet, it has become paramount for us. But have you ever thought about how frustrating it would be if one day your Internet stopped working and you received a reload error?
This article will talk about DNS Server and the methods to fix the error, i.e., “DNS Server Not Responding.” We will also discuss some frequently asked questions related to the topic.
Table of Contents
What Is DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System, and to understand what DNS is and how it works, let us take an example of telephone lines. When the telephone was the most popular form of communication, it was almost impossible to remember everyone’s phone number, so each home had a telephone directory.
These telephone directories used to have the names and contact numbers of all the townspeople, and people used to look for the name in the list and place the call. With the same structure, the Internet works, and the directory in the Internet model is the DNS.
In the DNS, the request from the user is routed to the website, which in turn sends it to the user’s computer. A connection is established between the website and the user when the website responds to the request.
We will discuss various methods of fixing DNS not responding errors in the following section.
DNS server not responding on Windows 10: Causes
A cache contains a list of all IP addresses users request, and this data is saved by DNS. There are only two possible reasons, which are the primary reason for the DNS server not responding to errors in Windows 10.
They are as follows:
- Insufficient Cache Memory: Whenever a user requests any page, its address is saved in the cache memory. In the future, the user will not have to go through the lengthy procedure again if they revisit the website.
- Malware designed specifically to steal data: This type of virus is commonly called Phishing Malware. Phishing is the data-stealing technique in which the DNS cache is manipulated, and the user is navigated to fake website pages.
Let us now consider ways to correct DNS errors, once we have a better understanding of DNS and its causes.
Methods to Resolve the DNS Server Isn’t Responding
Method 1: Switch to a Different Browser
If your browser cannot reload or DNS not responding error, then it’s the best option that you should try switching to another browser.
- Change your default browser to a different one and update it if necessary.
- If you see a DNS server not responding error, then the first thing to do is update your web browser if there are any new updates.
- You can also try switching your web browser. In case the error persists after that, try the other mentioned methods.
Method 2: Disable Antivirus Firewall
There is a possibility that your antivirus firewall is preventing the browser from loading external data. It’s best to disable data access through the firewall in such cases.
The steps to do the same are mentioned below:
In the case of any error on your browser screen or the screen shown below, it is referred to as a DNS error.
- Click the Start button, and in the search bar, type Windows Defender Firewall and click on the Windows Defender Firewall option.
- A window will open.
- There will be an option allow an application or feature through the Windows Defender Firewall. Click on it.
- A dialog box will open.
- Press on the Change Settings option in the Allowed Apps window.
- Search for the browser you are using.
- Click on each column to tick it. Both columns will be blank at the beginning.
- Attempt to reload the page again in your browser. The page will now be displayed.
Method 3: Restart Router
Even after switching the browser and giving the firewall access, the problem isn’t resolved. Restart your router to check for DNS errors. Data traffic could be the cause of DNS errors.
Method 4: Change DNS Server
There’s sometimes a high amount of data traffic on a router, causing DNS servers to not respond. Besides using the public DNS servers offered by Google, there are many other companies which can also be used as alternatives.
- Click on the Start button in Windows and type Control Panel into the search bar.
- The Control Panel window will open.
- Click on the “Network and Internet” option.
- A dialog box will open. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
- A dialog box will now open. Click on the “Ethernet” option present. There can be other options, too, if the system uses different ways to access the network.
- A dialog box will appear. Click on the “Properties’’ option present.
- A properties dialog box will now open.
- Then scroll down the list until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 or IPv4. Click on the “Properties” button present.
- A dialog box will open. In the Preferred DNS server, enter 8.8.8.8, In the Alternate DNS server, enter 8.8.4.4.
- Select Validate settings upon exit from the checkbox and click OK.
- Now, you should be able to browse the web normally after reloading your browser.
Method 5: By Clearing DNS Cache
Sometimes the main reason for your DNS error can be the extra insertion of DNS cache memory in the system, and to remove the error, it is essential to clear the cache.
For a DNS cache clean, follow the following steps:
- The following window will appear when you click on Start and search for Command Prompt.
- Type in the Command Prompt “ipconfig/flushdns”, and all DNS cache will be cleared.
