DNS is an acronym for Domain Name System. Devices that use a computer to connect to the Internet all need to use DNS. Recently there has been feedback from users that they are experiencing issues with DNS servers not responding on Windows 11.
Why is the DNS server not responding on Windows 11?
There are many reasons why the DNS server is not responding, such as third-party applications. If it is a third-party application, simply disabling the program can solve the problem of the DNS server not responding. Of course, in addition to problems caused by third-party applications, there are other reasons why the DNS server on Windows 11 is not responding. Next, we’ll tell you 13 ways to fix the “DNS server not responding on Windows 11” issue.
13 Ways to Fix “The DNS Server is Not Responding” on Windows 11
Now, let’s have a look at the details about 13 ways to fix The DNS Server is Not Responding on Windows 11. If you are experiencing this problem, you will find a solution.
Fix 1: Disable third-party antivirus
If you have AVG, Avast, McAfee or any third-party antivirus software installed on your computer, it is possible that this antivirus software and their firewall capabilities are causing the DNS servers on Windows 11 to not respond. So try disabling antivirus firewalls, network monitors and other tools.
Fix 2: Re-validate your settings
If you are using a third-party DNS service, we recommend trying to re-verify your settings. After re-authentication, simply reboot your system and you should no longer have DNS issues with your system.
Fix 3: Flush DNS
This is a common way to fix DNS errors. Here are the detailed steps to refresh and update your DNS on Windows 11. Press Windows + R on the keyboard and type CMD. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard to open CMD as administrator.
Run the following commands one by one. Press the Enter key on your keyboard to execute each command.
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
Restart your computer and see if the DNS errors on Windows 11 are resolved.
Fix 4: Change your DNS
If you are using your network provider’s default DNS provider, then we recommend that you switch to a free DNS provider from the list given below. You can change the DNS in the network adapter settings or switch to the new DNS on the router.
We have a tutorial for changing DNS on Windows, but if you wish to change DNS in your router, you will need to visit your router’s support site for more information.
4.1 Select DNS provider and its DNS address
Google: 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4
OpenDNS home page: 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1
Alternate DNS: 76.76.19.19 | 76.223.122.150
AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15
Quad9: 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112
4.2 Change your DNS in Windows 11
Press Windows + i on the keyboard to open the Settings app. Click on “Network & Internet” on the left.
Click “Wi-Fi” at the top.
Select “Hardware Properties”.
Now click Edit next to DNS server assignments.
Click the drop-down menu at the top and select Manual.
Turn on the toggle for IPV4 or IPV6 or both depending on the provider you choose.
Now enter your desired public DNS in the “Preferred DNS” section.
Likewise, enter an alternate DNS in the appropriate section.
If available and preferred, click the dropdown and enable encryption.
Click “Save”.
DNS settings should now be changed for your PC. Check your internet connection, if everything seems to be working as expected, then your problem will be solved.
Fix 5: Run troubleshooter
Press Windows + i to launch Settings.
Click Troubleshoot under System.
Click “Other Troubleshooter”.
Click Run next to Internet Connection.
If the troubleshooter finds anything wrong with your network configuration, it will fix it in the background.
Click Close when finished.
Fix 6: Disable Network Monitor and Third-Party AV Traffic Managers
Network monitors and third-party antivirus traffic managers can cause a lot of DNS errors. So try disabling these apps.
Fix 7: Restart the router
If none of the above fixes the DNS error, you can try powering off the router, waiting a minute, and then restarting. This helps to re-establish the connection with your network provider. Flush your DNS to automatically fix DNS errors for you.
Fix 8: Check if DNS errors still exist in Safe Mode
Reboot your system in safe mode and see if you are still facing DNS errors. If you don’t encounter DNS errors, a third-party application or service might be causing the problem on your system. Try disabling each application until the DNS error is resolved.
Launch the start menu and click the power icon.
Now hold down Shift on your keyboard and click Restart.
Once in the recovery options, click Troubleshoot.
Click on “Advanced Options”.
Now click on “Startup Settings”.
Click Restart.
Choose 5, restart PC in Safe Mode with Networking.
After restarting in safe mode, test your network connection.
Fix 9: Run a malware scan
It is recommended to run a malware scan or install Network Monitor. If you notice any apps or programs behaving suspiciously, let your antivirus software deal with them.
Fix 10: Check for Hardware Updates
Follow the steps below to check for updates.
Press Windows + i and click Windows Update on the left.
Click Check for Updates and install any network adapter related updates for your system.
Now click on “Advanced Options”.
Select “Optional Updates”
Install any available optional driver.
Restart PC and access the network.
Fix 11: Restore to the previous restore point
If none of the ten methods above helped you resolve the DNS not responding error, then it is recommended to restore your system to a known recovery point that did not encounter any DNS errors before.
Fix 12: Contact your Wi-Fi provider
Contact your network provider to help you troubleshoot DNS not responding.
Fix 13: Reset the PC
If all of the above did not resolve the issue, a reset is the last resort to resolve DNS server issues.
Conclusion
Today, this article introduces 13 different ways to fix the “The DNS Server is Not Responding” error on Windows 11. If you are experiencing this issue, just try these 13 ways one by one and then “The DNS Server is Not Responding” error will be solved.
