When we encounter the “DNS server not responding” error on Windows 11, it can be a significant disruption, blocking our access to websites and online services. The DNS, or Domain Name System, is a crucial component of our web browsing experience; it translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. If there’s a problem with the DNS, our internet connectivity is compromised.
We understand how important it is to resolve these issues quickly to restore full internet access. Resuming normal operation can often be as simple as restarting your router or disabling conflicting software. In Windows 11, specific steps can be taken to diagnose and solve DNS server issues, ensuring a smooth and reliable connection to the digital world.
Our experience guides us toward practical solutions such as running Windows Network Diagnostics, checking for underlying network problems, or temporarily disabling third-party antivirus programs that may interfere with network connectivity. By methodically following troubleshooting procedures, we can address and fix DNS server problems, making them a solvable bump in our internet journey.
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Preliminary Checks and Basic Troubleshooting
Before we dive into advanced methods, let’s cover basic steps to address the “DNS Server Not Responding” error on Windows 11. These initial actions can often resolve common networking hiccups.
Verify Internet Connectivity
Restart Devices
Check for Windows Updates
By ensuring our Internet connection is active, rebooting essential hardware, and keeping our system updated, we lay a strong foundation to tackle more complex DNS issues. These steps are simple, yet crucial in maintaining a stable network connection.
Advanced Network Adapter Settings
When dealing with a DNS server not responding in Windows 11, looking into advanced network adapter settings can be crucial. We’ll walk through updating drivers, resetting IP configurations, and changing DNS servers, which are all pivotal for maintaining a stable internet connection.
Update Network Adapter Drivers
Drivers are the linchpin for hardware and software communication. It’s imperative that we keep our network adapter drivers up-to-the-minute to ensure optimal performance and resolve potential connectivity issues. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
- Access Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the menu.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click your network adapter and choose Update driver.
- Opt to Search automatically for updated driver software, and follow on-screen instructions.
Reset IP Configuration and Flush DNS
Improper IP configurations or a corrupted DNS cache can impede your connection. We use Command Prompt to refresh these settings efficiently:
- Open **Command Prompt** as administrator.
- Type
ipconfig /releaseand press Enter. - After the process completes, type
ipconfig /renewand press Enter. - To finalize, type
netsh winsock resetand press Enter, then restart your computer.
To flush the DNS:
- In the same **Command Prompt** window, type
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter.
Change DNS Servers
The default DNS servers might not always be the fastest or the most reliable, so switching to a public DNS can help:
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Navigate to Network & Internet and then select Change adapter options.
- Right-click your network and choose Properties.
- Scroll to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), select it, and click Properties.
- Click on Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the new DNS server IP addresses.
By ensuring our drivers are current, resetting IP configurations, and possibly changing our DNS servers, we can often rectify connectivity issues like a non-responsive DNS server. Keep these settings in check to help maintain a steady and reliable internet connection.
System and Security Adjustments
In overcoming the “DNS server not responding” issue on Windows 11, it’s crucial we adjust system and security settings that often impact network functionality.
Disable IPv6
IPv6 can sometimes cause network interference. Disabling it may resolve DNS problems. Here’s how we do it:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on our active network connection and select Properties.
- Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6).
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Configure Antivirus and Firewall Settings
Incorrectly configured security software might block network traffic, leading to DNS issues.
To ensure antivirus and firewall settings are not the cause, we should:
| Antivirus | Firewall |
| Temporarily disable real-time protection to test if DNS resolves. | Check for any rules that might block DNS queries and adjust them. |
| If issues resolve, consider adding exceptions or adjusting settings. | If using a third-party firewall, try disabling it temporarily to see if DNS issues persist. |
| If necessary, we can switch to Windows Security, which is less likely to cause conflicts. |
Remember to activate these settings again after testing since they are critical for our system’s safety. If we’re operating in Safe Mode with Networking, the default Windows firewall will be active, and most third-party antivirus programs will be disabled, which can also be a method to diagnose the issue.
Additional Troubleshooting Methods
In tackling the persistent “DNS server not responding” errors on Windows 11, we can explore additional steps beyond the basic fixes. Here, we will outline methods to perform a clean boot, use the inbuilt Windows Network Troubleshooter, and consider alternative DNS providers.
Perform a Clean Boot
To ensure no third-party services are causing DNS issues, initiating a clean boot is a strategic move. This process starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if background services are interfering with your DNS.
- Type System Configuration in the Start menu search bar and select the app.
- Go to the Services tab, tick ‘Hide all Microsoft services’, and then click Disable all.
- Switch to the Startup tab, open Task Manager, and disable all unnecessary startup items.
- Restart your computer and check if the DNS issue persists.
Use Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a range of troubleshooters designed to quickly resolve common issues. For DNS errors like “dns_probe_finished_nxdomain” or “dns_probe_finished_bad_config”, the Network Troubleshooter can be invaluable.
- Open Settings (Win + I) and navigate to Network & Internet.
- Find and select the Troubleshoot option.
- Click on Additional troubleshooters and run the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
Consider Alternate DNS Providers
Sometimes the issue might be with the DNS servers themselves. In such cases, it can be beneficial to switch to a different DNS provider like OpenDNS Home, AlternateDNS, AdGuard DNS, or Quad9.
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Features |
| OpenDNS Home | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Parental controls, phishing protection |
| AlternateDNS | 198.101.242.72 | 23.253.163.53 | Ad blocking |
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 | Privacy focus, ad blocking |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Security focus, block malicious domains |
To use a different DNS provider, access your network adapter’s properties and manually enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses of the provider you choose. After applying the changes, restart your network connection to check for improvements.