DNS Server Not Responding: Step-by-Step Fixes

DNS server not responding means your computer asked its DNS resolver to turn a site name into an address and got no reply. The internet link may be fine. Restarting the router, flushing the cache and switching to a public resolver such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 fixes most cases within minutes.

Public DNS resolvers you can switch to
ProviderIPv4IPv6
Cloudflare1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.12606:4700:4700::1111
Google Public DNS8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.42001:4860:4860::8888
Quad99.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.1122620:fe::fe

Updated

By default your computer uses the resolver your router hands out, which usually forwards to your internet provider. If the router hangs or the provider's resolver has an outage, pages stop loading even though apps that already know an IP keep working. That pattern, where some things work and websites do not, is the signature of a DNS fault.

Reset DNS from the command line

Windows (Command Prompt as administrator)

Run the lines one by one, then restart the PC so the Winsock and IP resets take effect.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Mac and Linux

nslookup with a resolver at the end tests that resolver directly, bypassing your router.

# macOS
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
# Linux (systemd-resolved)
resolvectl flush-caches
# Test a public resolver directly
nslookup example.com 1.1.1.1

Changing DNS on Windows 11

Open Settings, Network and internet, choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then Hardware properties. Next to DNS server assignment choose Edit, switch to Manual, turn on IPv4 and enter 1.1.1.1 as preferred and 8.8.8.8 as alternate.

If the error returns after a reboot, update the network adapter driver from the PC maker's site; old drivers cause repeated drops after sleep.

When the problem is your own domain

If everything loads except one domain you own, the fault is that domain's nameservers, not your computer. For a site on We.Inc, compare the records in your registrar with the ones shown when you connected the domain.

How it works

  1. Unplug the router and modem for 30 seconds, then reconnect.
  2. Flush the DNS cache with the command for your system.
  3. Set the network adapter's DNS to 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8, then retest.
  4. If it still fails, reset Winsock and the IP stack on Windows and restart.

Tips

  • Run ping 1.1.1.1. If it replies but ping example.com fails, the connection works and only name lookups are broken.
  • Unused virtual adapters from VPNs or virtual machines can capture DNS queries. Disable the ones you do not need in Network Connections.
  • A VPN that disconnected badly can leave its DNS settings behind. Reconnect and disconnect cleanly, or reinstall its adapter.
  • If only one device fails, change DNS on that device. If every device fails, change it on the router so the whole home benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What does the DNS server isn't responding mean?

Windows tried the resolver set for your connection and received nothing back. The resolver may be down, the router may be stuck, or something on your PC is blocking DNS traffic on port 53.

Is it safe to change my DNS to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8?

Yes. Both are large public resolvers used by millions of people. They can be faster than a provider's resolver, and you can switch back at any time by choosing automatic DNS again.

How do I fix DNS server not responding on a Mac?

Open System Settings, Network, your connection, Details, DNS, and add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8. Then flush the cache in Terminal and turn Wi-Fi off and on.

Can IPv6 cause DNS server not responding?

Sometimes. A router that advertises IPv6 but cannot route it leaves lookups waiting on a dead path. Disabling IPv6 on the adapter for a test tells you quickly whether that is the cause.

Related: Hosts file location, This site can't be reached, DNS record types, What is localhost.

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