How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 11

The DNS server not responding message usually means Windows cannot get a response when translating a website name into an IP address. The cause may be your router, internet provider, DNS configuration, VPN, or security software. Try these steps in order.

1. Check whether the connection is generally working

Open another website and test another device on the same network. If all devices are offline, restart your modem and router: unplug power, wait about 30 seconds, reconnect them, and allow them to finish starting. If your provider reports an outage, local Windows changes may not help.

2. Restart the PC and temporarily disconnect VPN software

Restart Windows. If you use a VPN or proxy, disconnect it briefly and test again. Some VPNs apply their own DNS settings, so reconnect it after testing. If the connection works only without the VPN, check its app settings or contact its support team rather than leaving a required security connection disabled.

3. Run the network troubleshooter

Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and run the available network or internet troubleshooter. The exact options may vary by Windows build. Apply any suggested fix and test the connection again.

4. Flush the DNS resolver cache

Right-click Start, open Terminal or Command Prompt, and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

Wait for the success message, close the window, and retry the website. This clears cached DNS records; it does not change your router or provider settings.

5. Renew the IP configuration

In the same terminal, run these commands one at a time:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Your connection may briefly disconnect while Windows requests a new address. If you use a manually assigned static IP address, do not use these commands without understanding your network configuration.

6. Try a different DNS server

Open Settings → Network & internet, select your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, and find DNS server assignment. Choose Edit, switch to Manual, enable IPv4, and enter a reputable DNS provider’s addresses. For example, Cloudflare’s IPv4 DNS addresses are 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Save the change and test. Record your original settings first so you can restore them if needed. If your network requires internal DNS, use the administrator-provided values instead.

7. Check security software and network drivers

Review recent firewall, antivirus, VPN, or network-filter changes. Do not permanently disable protection; use the software’s supported diagnostics or contact its provider. Also check Windows Update and your PC manufacturer’s support page for appropriate network-adapter drivers.

8. Reset network settings as a last step

If nothing else works, use Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset. This removes and reinstalls network adapters and may require you to reconnect to Wi-Fi or reinstall VPN software. Save any required network details first.

Bottom line: Check other devices and restart the router before changing DNS. Flush the cache, renew the connection, and test a trusted DNS resolver. Use Network reset only after simpler checks fail.