When you encounter a “DNS server not responding” error on your Windows 11 computer, it means your system is having trouble connecting to the internet. The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating website domain names to their respective IP addresses, which your computer can understand. Without a functional DNS server, you won’t be able to browse the web, access online services, or perform any internet-based activity.

However, there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix the “DNS server not responding” error on Windows 11. In this article, we’ll go through some of the common solutions you can try.

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

Sometimes, the problem might be with your broadband modem or Wi-Fi router rather than your computer. Simply turning off your modem and router for 30 seconds, then turning them back on, can fix many network issues, including DNS errors. After power cycling your devices, give them a minute or two to reconnect with your computer and then see if the problem is resolved.

2. Check Network Adapter Settings

Incorrect network adapter settings can also cause DNS errors. Follow these steps to ensure your network settings are correct:

– Press Win + X and go to Device Manager.
– Expand the Network adapters section.
– Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties.
– From the Properties window, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
– Check if “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” options are selected.
– Click OK to save the changes.

3. Check Your Firewall Settings

Firewall settings can block your computer from communicating with the DNS server, leading to DNS errors. Check if your firewall is causing the issue by temporarily turning it off and then try accessing the internet again. If the error goes away, then you may need to adjust your firewall settings to allow DNS traffic.

4. Use Google DNS

If the above steps don’t fix the DNS server not responding error, you can try using a different DNS server. The most popular alternative is the Google Public DNS. To switch to Google DNS:

– Press Win + R and type ncpa.cpl.
– Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties.
– From the Properties window, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
– Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following values for Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

– Click OK to save the changes.

5. Flush DNS Cache

If you have an outdated DNS cache, it may be the cause of DNS errors. Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve this issue. Follow these steps to flush the DNS cache:

– Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
– Type ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter.
– Once the command is successfully executed, check if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

DNS server not responding errors on Windows 11 can be frustrating and prevent you from browsing the internet. However, with these simple troubleshooting steps, you can identify and fix the issue quickly. If the problem persists, you may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) for further assistance.