DNS Server isn’t responding error leads to no Internet connectionWays to Fix DNS Server isn’t responding error on Windows 10/8/7Method 1. Change the DNS ServerMethod 2. Reset Router to fix DNS Server isn’t respondingMethod 3. Reset IP and clear DNS cacheMethod 4. Try disabling your antivirus (temporarily)Method 5. Disable other network connectionsMethod 6. Enter Physical Address (MAC) ManuallyMethod 7. Disable Internet Protocol version IPV6Method 8. Boot Windows in Safe ModeMethod 9. Disable Windows Update Downloads from other PCsMethod 10. Update Drivers
If you suddenly notice that your browser fails to open websites you’re trying to visit due to No Internet, you might attempt to run Windows troubleshooter for Network Diagnostics. The handy tool is liked by computer users as it often helps to automatically resolve Internet connection issues in a few minutes. However, when it comes to the discussed error, the automatic tool provides no help but the error name. The error message reads: The DNS Server isn’t responding.Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS Server) isn’t responding. To resolve this error which is essentially similar to DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN or INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the whole concept of the Domain Name System. In simple terms, it is a naming system for devices and services connected to the Internet or a local network. In computing language, each device has its IP address, which is hard to remember for people. Therefore, DNS can be understood as an address book that resolves easy-to-remember alphanumeric names (such as geeksadvice.com) to an IP address. If the DNS server fails to resolve the name, you will run into the said DNS resolution error. The error might arise due to problems like old DNS cache, server issues, or disabling unnecessary connections. To identify the problem that is causing no Internet issue for you, follow methods listed below, try one at a time and fix DNS server isn’t responding error yourself. You might want to try fixing Internet connection issues using an all-in-one computer maintenance suite called System Mechanic Ultimate Defense.
Ways to Fix DNS Server isn’t responding error on Windows 10/8/7
Method 2. Reset Router to fix DNS Server isn’t responding
Resetting router can solve many Internet connection-related problems, including DNS server isn’t responding error on Xbox or PS4. Resetting router’s settings can clear old cache, fetch new IP addresses and make a fresh start for the Internet connection. Therefore, we strongly recommend this easy fix if you can’t connect to the Internet.To implement this, simply go to your router and find a small “Reset” button on it. The button might be hidden in a small hole, so in such case, we recommend using a small needle or, for example, iPhone SIM card tray eject opener to push it. Push it for at least 10 or 15 seconds – you will see all the light go off and turn back on. Then wait until all lights load and check if the problem is resolved.
Method 3. Reset IP and clear DNS cache
To fix No Internet: DNS server isn’t responding error, you may need to reset your IP address and clear old DNS cache. To implement this fix, you need to use two command-line phrases – netsh and ipconfig. Netsh command allows displaying or modifying network configuration of the client’s host. Besides, the scripting feature allows running a set of commands against a target computer in batch mode. Ipconfig functions as a command-line utility that displays current configuration of the IP stack installed on a networked computer. With the help of this tool, DNS resolver cache can be flushed and reset, and also renew DHCP settings. You can find an in-detail guide on FLUSH DNS here. Both commands need to be run in Command prompt in elevated mode, or, in other words, you need to run CMD as Administrator. Follow the given instructions to reset your IP and clear DNS cache to fix DNS server isn’t responding Windows 10 error.
Method 4. Try disabling your antivirus (temporarily)
Sometimes, antivirus errors might be causing no Internet problems. However, we suggest this as a temporary fix only – you should never leave your PC unprotected for an extended period of time. I addition, if the antivirus you’re using causes problems repeatedly, you might want to consider uninstalling it and using an alternative product. What is more, it could be that your computer has several security products installed that are not compatible with each other, which causes various errors to surface. To disable your antivirus, launch its icon from the hidden icons in the menu tray, then go to its settings and disable it.
Method 5. Disable other network connections
Most computers have access to more than one Internet connection available. For this reason, we recommend disabling any other networks available and leaving only the primary one. To apply this fix, follow the given directions.
Method 6. Enter Physical Address (MAC) Manually
MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique identifier for each network device or interface. These addresses are used as network addresses in the majority of IEEE 802 technologies such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet. These addresses are used in the MAC protocol sub-layer in the OSI model. By default, MAC addresses typically are set by the manufacturer of the device (such as HP) or network interface controller and typically cannot be changed. In this fix, you’ll need to find your MAC address using elevated Command Prompt, then enter it manually. Follow the given steps to apply the suggested fix. Now, open your Internet browser and check if the Internet connection is back on. The method often fixes DNS server is not responding error on Windows.
Method 7. Disable Internet Protocol version IPV6
IPv6, also known as Internet Protocol Version 6, is the latest Internet Protocol version. It is a communications protocol intended for identifying and locating computers on networks and routing network traffic around the web. Since the availability of IPv4 address identifiers is dwindling, IPv6 aims to allow more TCP/IP address identifiers to be created. Thus, disabling the IPv6 feature can fix the error in some cases. You can disable IPv6 on Windows very easily. Therefore, if you’re wondering how do I fix DNS server isn’t responding on Windows, Wireless or Ethernet, continue reading:
Method 8. Boot Windows in Safe Mode
Starting Windows in Safe Mode can disable any extra services and make a clear environment for the default programs to function. It is also known as the diagnostic Windows mode that helps to troubleshoot possible problem causes, as it starts the computer with default processes and programs required for the operating system to function. Safe Mode is available on all versions of Windows. There are three types of Safe Mode – basic, with Command Prompt, and with Networking. Your aim is to boot the system in the Mode with Networking, so that you could test the Internet connection from there. Please follow the in-detail instructions on how to boot your PC in the Safe Mode properly and check if it solved the DNS server is not responding issue. If it did resolve the problem, it means that a specific program, process or antivirus is causing the error for you.
Method 9. Disable Windows Update Downloads from other PCs
If you’re using Windows 10, you should know that this operating system version has a feature providing an option to save download bandwidth by allowing downloads from other PCs. In other words, this feature helps to speed up the download process by getting parts of previously downloaded Windows updates or apps from computers on the user’s local network. Some users report that disabling this feature fixes DNS server isn’t responding error like a charm. If previous methods didn’t work for you, consider giving this one a try.
Method 10. Update Drivers
To avoid unwanted network connection errors such as Hp Laptop DNS server isn’t responding on Windows 10, we highly recommend you to install the latest network adapter drivers on your Windows computer. Please note that the issue can arise to users of any given computer manufacturer. Often times, issues are caused by incorrect or outdated drivers. While you can easily identify and update your drivers with System Mechanic Ultimate Defense, you can also try to update them manually. However, we must point out that it is a slightly lengthy process. Here’s what you need to do to fix DNS server is not responding: That’s it! One of the given methods should have helped you to fix DNS server isn’t responding on Windows 10 or others. If you have figured out another way to solve the issue, please share it in the comments section below.
