The ‘DNS server isn’t responding’ error in Windows 11 means your computer can’t translate website names into IP addresses. To fix it, flush your DNS cache, switch to Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), or restart your router and computer. Check your adapter and firewall, too.

Understanding the “DNS Server Isn’t Responding” Error

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet’s phone book. When you type a website address, your computer asks a DNS server for the IP address. If the DNS server is unavailable, your computer can’t resolve the address, and you’ll see the error. Causes range from network glitches to configuration problems.

Common Causes of DNS Issues on Windows 11

  • Router Problems: Your router might have temporary issues routing DNS requests.
  • DNS Server Outage: The DNS server might be temporarily down.
  • Firewall Interference: Your firewall might be blocking DNS requests.
  • Incorrect DNS Settings: Your computer might be using an incorrect DNS server address.
  • Network Adapter Issues: Problems with your network adapter can prevent communication.
  • DNS Cache Corruption: Your computer’s DNS cache might be corrupted.
  • ISP Issues: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be experiencing DNS server problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Here are the steps to resolve the ‘DNS server isn’t responding’ error, specifically for Windows 11.

1. Restart Your Router and Computer

Power cycle your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Restart your computer. This resolves temporary network glitches.

2. Flush Your DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can cause errors. Clearing it forces your computer to fetch the latest DNS information.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for ‘cmd’, right-click ‘Command Prompt,’ and select ‘Run as administrator.’
  • Execute the Flush Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
  • You should see a confirmation message.
  • Restart Your Browser: Close and reopen your web browser.

3. Change Your DNS Server Settings

Switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can bypass problems with your ISP’s DNS servers.

  • Open Network Connections: Right-click the network icon and select ‘Network & Internet settings’.

  • Change Adapter Options: Click ‘Advanced network settings’ and then ‘More network adapter options’.

  • Select Your Network Adapter: Right-click your active network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select ‘Properties’.

  • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and click ‘Properties’.

  • Specify DNS Server Addresses: Select ‘Use the following DNS server addresses:’ and enter the following:

    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)

    Or

    • Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS)
    • Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS)

  • Validate Settings Upon Exit: Check the box that says ‘Validate settings upon exit’.

  • Click OK: Click ‘OK’ on all windows to save the changes.

  • Test Your Connection: Open a web browser and try to access a website.

4. Check Your Firewall Settings

Your firewall might be blocking DNS requests. Ensure that your firewall isn’t blocking outbound UDP port 53.

  • Open Windows Defender Firewall: Search for ‘firewall’ and select ‘Windows Defender Firewall’.
  • Allow an App or Feature: Click ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’.
  • Look for DNS Client: See if ‘DNS Client’ is listed and checked for ‘Private’ and ‘Public’ networks.
  • Allow Another App: If it’s not listed, click ‘Allow another app…’, then ‘Browse’ and navigate to C:\\Windows\\System32\\dnsrslvr.exe. Select it and click ‘Add’.
  • Ensure Allowed: Make sure the DNS Client is allowed for both private and public networks.

5. Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause DNS issues.

  • Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select ‘Device Manager’.
  • Expand Network Adapters: Expand the ‘Network adapters’ section.
  • Update Driver: Right-click your network adapter and select ‘Update driver’.
  • Search Automatically: Select ‘Search automatically for drivers’.
  • Manual Update (If Necessary): If Windows doesn’t find a driver, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and download the latest driver. Manually update through Device Manager by selecting ‘Browse my computer for drivers’.
  • Restart Your Computer: Restart after updating.

6. Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter.

  • Open Settings: Right-click the network icon and select ‘Network & Internet settings’.
  • Run the Troubleshooter: Click ‘Troubleshoot’ and follow the instructions.

7. Disable Secondary Network Adapters

Disabling unused adapters can resolve conflicts.

  • Open Network Connections: Right-click the network icon and select ‘Network & Internet settings’.
  • Change Adapter Options: Click ‘Advanced network settings’ and then ‘More network adapter options’.
  • Disable Unused Adapters: Right-click the adapter you are not using and select ‘Disable’.

8. Check the Hosts File

An incorrect entry in the hosts file can override DNS settings.

  • Open Notepad as Administrator: Search for ’notepad’, right-click ‘Notepad,’ and select ‘Run as administrator.’
  • Open the Hosts File: In Notepad, click ‘File’ -> ‘Open’ and navigate to C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc. Select ‘All Files (.)’ and open ‘hosts’.
  • Review the Entries: By default, there should only be comments and 127.0.0.1 localhost. Comment out or delete any other suspicious entries.
  • Save the Changes: Save the changes.
  • Flush DNS Cache: Flush your DNS cache again (see Step 2).

9. Check Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

The issue might be with your ISP. Contact them to inquire about DNS server outages.

My Experience & Quick Fix

In my case, a faulty driver update and a slightly corrupted DNS cache were the problems. I manually downloaded the latest network adapter driver from Intel’s website. After installing the driver and running ipconfig /flushdns, everything worked again.

The biggest time saver was checking for a specific driver version. Windows Update said my driver was up-to-date, but the version was several months older.

Costs Associated with Troubleshooting

ItemCostNotes
New Network Adapter$15-$50Only needed if the existing adapter is faulty.
Professional Tech Support$50-$150/hourIf you can’t resolve the issue yourself.
New Router (if needed)$50 - $200+If your router is old and unreliable.

Preventative Measures

  • Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly check for and install the latest drivers.
  • Monitor Router Health: Periodically check your router’s logs for errors.
  • Consider a Better Router: An upgraded router can improve network stability.
  • Use a Reliable DNS Server: Stick to well-known DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ‘DNS server isn’t responding’ error in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting a ‘DNS server isn’t responding’ error?

This error means your computer can’t translate website names into IP addresses. It could be due to router issues, DNS server outages, firewall interference, incorrect settings, or other network problems.

How do I flush my DNS cache in Windows 11?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, type ‘ipconfig /flushdns’, and press Enter. Restart your browser.

What DNS servers should I use?

Consider using Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) as reliable alternatives to your ISP’s DNS servers.

How do I update my network adapter drivers?

Open Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click your adapter, and select ‘Update driver’. Search automatically, or manually install drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

What if none of these steps work?

If you’ve tried everything, the issue might be with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contact them to inquire about possible DNS server outages.