How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10

Hello Dev, are you having issues with your DNS server on your Windows 10 device? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. DNS server issues are a common problem among Windows 10 users, and fortunately, there are several ways to fix them. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix DNS server not responding on Windows 10.

What is DNS?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s briefly explain what DNS is. DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a system that translates domain names (e.g. google.com) into IP addresses (e.g. 216.58.194.174) that computers can understand. In short, it’s the Internet’s equivalent of a phonebook.

How Does DNS Work?

When you type a website address into your browser, your computer sends a request to the DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address. The DNS server then sends back the IP address to your computer, allowing your browser to connect to the website. If your DNS server is not responding, you will be unable to connect to the website.

Why is My DNS Server Not Responding?

There could be several reasons why your DNS server is not responding. It could be due to a problem with your router, your ISP, or your computer. Some common reasons include:

Reason
Description
Router Issues
Your router may be experiencing connectivity issues or may need to be reset.
ISP Issues
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be experiencing connectivity issues.
Firewall Issues
Your firewall may be blocking the connection to the DNS server.
Outdated or Corrupted Drivers
Your network adapter drivers may be outdated or corrupted.
Malware or Virus
Your computer may be infected with malware or a virus that is causing connectivity issues.

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10?

Method 1: Restart Your Router

One of the easiest solutions to fix DNS server not responding Windows 10 is to restart your router. To do this:

  1. Unplug the power cord from your router.
  2. Wait for 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power cord back in.
  4. Wait for the router to fully restart.

This simple solution can sometimes resolve the problem.

Method 2: Check Your Network Cables

If your DNS server is still not responding, the next step is to check your network cables. Make sure that they are properly connected and do not have any damage. You can also try replacing your network cables to see if that resolves the issue.

Method 3: Update Your Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can also cause DNS server not responding issues. To update your drivers:

  1. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters category.
  3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your drivers.

Once your drivers are updated, restart your computer and check if the DNS server not responding issue has been resolved.

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Method 4: Disable Your Firewall

Your firewall may be blocking the connection to the DNS server, which can cause the DNS server not responding issue. To disable your firewall:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Security from the left-hand menu.
  4. Select Firewall & network protection.
  5. Select your network profile.
  6. Toggle off the switch under Windows Defender Firewall.

Note that disabling your firewall can make your computer more vulnerable to security threats. It is recommended that you enable it again once you have resolved the DNS server not responding issue.

Method 5: Run a Malware Scan

If your DNS server is still not responding, it is possible that your computer is infected with malware or a virus. To run a malware scan:

  1. Open your antivirus software.
  2. Select Scan.
  3. Select Full scan.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the scan.

If the scan detects any malware or virus, follow the instructions to remove it. Restart your computer and check if the DNS server not responding issue has been resolved.

FAQ

Q. What is a DNS server?

A. A DNS server is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand.

Q. Why is my DNS server not responding?

A. There could be several reasons why your DNS server is not responding, including router issues, ISP issues, firewall issues, outdated or corrupted drivers, and malware or virus.

Q. How can I fix DNS server not responding Windows 10?

A. You can try restarting your router, checking your network cables, updating your drivers, disabling your firewall, or running a malware scan to fix DNS server not responding Windows 10.

We hope that this guide has helped you to fix the DNS server not responding issue on Windows 10. If you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy browsing!