DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10: Troubleshooting Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, if you are facing the issue of DNS server not responding on your Windows 10 device, then you have come to the right place. DNS is an essential component of the internet, and when it stops responding, it can be frustrating. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix the DNS server not responding issue on your Windows 10 device. Let’s get started.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for translating website names (URLs) to IP addresses. IP addresses are unique identifiers that computers use to communicate with one another. When you type a URL into your web browser, the browser sends a request to the DNS server to translate the URL into an IP address. This process is essential for connecting to websites on the internet.

How Does DNS Work?

The DNS process involves four primary steps:

Common Symptoms of DNS Server Not Responding Issue

Before we start with the troubleshooting process, let’s discuss some common symptoms of the DNS server not responding issue. These include:

• Unable to connect to the internet
• Internet connection is slow or intermittent
• Error message “DNS server not responding”
• Unable to access some websites or web pages

Troubleshooting DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 10

Method 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

One of the simplest solutions to fix the DNS server not responding issue is to restart your router and modem. This will refresh your internet connection and might resolve the issue. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Unplug the power cords of your router and modem.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug in the power cords of your router and modem.
4. Wait for your router and modem to start up.

Method 2: Use Google’s DNS Servers

If restarting your router and modem does not work, you can try using Google’s DNS servers. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows 10 device.
2. Click on “Network and Internet.”
3. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
4. Click on “Change adapter settings.”
5. Right-click on your active internet connection and click on “Properties.”
6. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.”
7. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
8. Enter “8.8.8.8” for the preferred DNS server and “8.8.4.4” for the alternate DNS server.
9. Click on “OK.”

Method 3: Clear Your DNS Cache

Your DNS cache stores the IP addresses of recently visited websites to speed up future visits. However, sometimes it can become corrupted and cause the DNS server not responding issue. Here’s how you can clear your DNS cache:

1. Open the Command Prompt on your Windows 10 device.
2. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the confirmation message.

Method 4: Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus

Your firewall and antivirus software can sometimes block your internet connection and cause the DNS server not responding issue. Here’s how you can disable them:

1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows 10 device.
2. Click on “System and Security.”
3. Click on “Windows Defender Firewall.”
4. Click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
5. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” for both private and public networks.
6. Click on “OK.”
7. Disable your antivirus software by following the instructions provided by the software manufacturer.

Method 5: Update Your Network Driver

Your network driver is responsible for connecting your device to the internet. An outdated or corrupted driver can cause the DNS server not responding issue. Here’s how you can update your network driver:

1. Open the Device Manager on your Windows 10 device.
2. Expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
4. Follow the prompts to update your driver.

FAQs

Q1. What Causes the DNS Server Not Responding Issue?

The DNS server not responding issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including an outdated network driver, a corrupted DNS cache, a firewall or antivirus software blocking your internet connection, or a problem with your ISP’s DNS server.

Q2. Can I Use a Different DNS Server?

Yes, you can use a different DNS server. Some popular DNS servers include Google’s DNS server (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).

Q3. Does Resetting My Router and Modem Affect My Internet Connection?

No, resetting your router and modem will not affect your internet connection. It will only refresh your connection and might resolve the DNS server not responding issue.

Q4. Why Can’t I Connect to Some Websites?

If you are unable to connect to some websites, it might be because the website is down or your ISP’s DNS server is experiencing problems. You can try using a different DNS server or contacting your ISP for further assistance.

Q5. What Should I Do If None of These Methods Work?

If none of these methods work, you can try contacting your ISP for further assistance or consult a professional technician.

Conclusion

We hope that this troubleshooting guide helped you resolve the DNS server not responding issue on your Windows 10 device. Remember to try these methods in order and contact your ISP or a professional technician if none of them work. Thank you for reading!