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Guide to Fix DNS Error on Your PC in Minutes

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karen jodes

There is not a single device, gadget, or website that doesn’t create some problems with time. Among all the technical issues, it is quite common to experience the ‘DNS server not responding’ error while connecting to an IP address. If this is your first time experiencing the DNS issue, note that DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for converting a domain name into an IP address, which is then used by you. In easy terms, your PC converts the URL into an IP address to know where to take you. Here, the DNS server acts as the gateway that gives the IP address to the computer in return for a URL.



Now that you understand DNS, you would know how much work it has to do to find a perfect IP address every time you type a URL in the search box. So, when your computer fails to direct you to the desired website, DNS is not responding. Fortunately, you can fix this issue quickly. Try the following methods on your system:

Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

At times, the problem is more than what appears on the surface of the device. Notice if all the devices and computers on your local network can connect to the DNS server or not. If not, then your router is the culprit, as it might be carrying some corrupted DNS cache. To check, you can run a quick test by switching off your Wi-Fi router and using mobile data on your smartphone. If you don’t experience any issue while using your mobile data, then the router’s DNS cache is faulty. Fix it by unplugging your router for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. So, if there was any problem on the router, it will fix after the reconnection.

Use an Alternate Browser

Sometimes, the browser fails to work with a particular URL, which causes you to experience DNS server issues. So, when you experience any trouble using your default browser, switch to another browser. If you don’t share this issue after switching the browser, try to update or reinstall the default browser to fix the problems. You can also try cleaning the browser data and reinstalling or uninstalling the web extensions.

Wipe DNS Cache

If your system shows the “DNS Server Not Responding” error, then there might be some problem with the DNS cache, a file on your desktop that keeps the record of all the IP addresses you visit every day. When there is any trouble in the DNS cache, it doesn’t allow you to see the URL you want. Fortunately, you can fix it regardless of the operating system (Windows or macOS) you use. Wiping away the DNS cache will resolve the issue, and here is how to do it:

  1. If you are using a Windows system, start by clicking on the Start button, then type “Command Prompt.” Select a relevant result and type “ipconfig /flushdns.”
  2. The macOS users have to open the terminal.
  3. If you’re using El Capitan or later, type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and hit Enter.

Switch to Safe Mode

If you haven’t found the right solution until now, then the software, drivers, and apps are responsible for interfering with your DNS server connection. You can find the culprit by booting your device into Safe Mode. Every operating system has a different method for booting the device into safe mode. So, search the internet and find the correct boot mode method for your device. If entering into the boot mode solves the issue, then the software was an issue during all this time. There could be plenty of reasons that lead to this issue, so after finding the culprit, you can try reinstalling network-based drivers and software until the system is fixed.

Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus

Suppose you still haven’t found the solution for your DNS server error. In that case, it’s time to temporarily disable the antivirus programs and firewalls that are installed on your computer or laptop. Since these programs monitor your internet connection to avoid unwanted guests in your system, it can backfire and mishandle the DNS of your browser. So, check if disabling the firewall or antivirus works on your system. After the problem resolves, you have to reinstall them to let them work as before, which might consume some time.

These easy measures will help you resolve the “DNS server not working” error in seconds and get back to work or research.  However, you have to be patient with the error as it takes time to find the real culprit and reason. You have to check after every step or method that your device is working correctly.

Source: Fix DNS Error on Your PC in Minutes

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