Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf Windows 11 says the DNS server is not responding or unavailable, first check whether other devices on the same network can access websites. That quickly helps distinguish a problem with this PC from one affecting the router or internet connection. Then use Windows diagnostics, inspect the connection, and try the least disruptive fixes before changing DNS settings or resetting networking.
1. Find out whether the problem is on this PC or the network
Try opening a website on another phone or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. If those devices also fail, the fault is more likely to involve the network, router, or upstream service than this PC’s DNS cache. If other devices work, focus on Windows 11.
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- Reconnect the affected PC to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- If appropriate for your network, restart the router, then test again.
- For a Wi-Fi connection, use Windows’ connection checks and troubleshooting guidance from Microsoft Support.
2. Run Windows diagnostics and inspect the connection
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter. Also check whether the PC has an IP address and a DNS server address:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Right-click Start and open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run
ipconfig /all. - Find the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and review its IPv4 address and DNS Servers entries.
If Windows is expected to get an address automatically but the IPv4 address begins with 169.254., it may not have received an address from the router. That points to an IP assignment or connection issue, not necessarily a DNS failure. If a DNS server is listed, you can try pinging that address as a clue; a failed ping alone does not prove the DNS server is down, and a successful ping does not prove name resolution is working. Microsoft’s Windows connection guide explains how to inspect connection details.
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3. Clear Windows’ DNS resolver cache
A stale local cache can interfere with name lookups. To clear it:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run
ipconfig /flushdns. - Look for the confirmation that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed, then try the affected site again.
This clears cached DNS entries on the PC. It does not restore a failed router, an unavailable DNS service, or a broken internet connection.
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- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
4. Reset networking if the simpler checks fail
If the connection is still broken, Microsoft documents this command sequence for resetting Winsock and TCP/IP, renewing the IP address, and flushing DNS. Run the commands in order in an administrator Command Prompt:
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netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsCheck the connection after the commands finish. These steps reset network configuration state. If this is a work or school PC, or you rely on static IP settings, a VPN, or administrator-managed networking, consult the responsible administrator before running them.
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5. Change DNS settings only when the evidence points to DNS
If the PC has a working network connection but name resolution remains the likely problem, Windows 11 allows manual preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Before changing anything, note the original settings so you can restore them. Avoid changing managed workplace, school, VPN, filtering, or parental-control settings without checking the relevant policy.
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
- Open the connection’s DNS or IP settings and choose Edit for DNS server assignment.
- Choose Manual, enable IPv4 or IPv6 as appropriate, and enter the preferred and optional alternate DNS addresses supplied by your network administrator or chosen service.
- Save the changes and test name resolution. If the result is worse, restore the original setting.
There is no universally best public DNS provider established here, and changing providers is not guaranteed to improve speed, reliability, or security.
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What DNS over HTTPS changes
Windows 11 also offers DNS over HTTPS (DoH), which sends DNS queries using HTTPS when supported. In the DNS settings, the available choices include Off, On (automatic template), and On (manual template). Depending on the configuration, Windows can fall back to unencrypted DNS if encrypted DNS is unavailable, or refrain from sending the query. A fallback can preserve connectivity but may send queries without encryption; disabling fallback avoids that plaintext query but can prevent name resolution when DoH cannot be used. DoH is a DNS transport and privacy choice, not an automatic fix for an outage. Some settings may be controlled by an organization or network administrator. See Microsoft’s Windows network settings guide.
6. Check the Hosts file when only certain sites fail
If most websites work but particular hostnames do not, a custom entry in the Windows Hosts file may be overriding normal DNS resolution. This is an advanced check: preserve a backup before editing a system file, and do not remove entries unless you understand their purpose. Microsoft explains how to restore the file’s default state in its guide to resetting the Hosts file.
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7. Consider the network adapter driver as a later recovery step
If connectivity remains broken after the checks above—particularly if the problem began after an update—Microsoft suggests considering removal and restart of the network adapter driver. Have a compatible driver available before removing the existing one. If the PC is offline, download the driver from the manufacturer on another computer and transfer it using a USB flash drive or another available method. Follow Microsoft’s adapter troubleshooting guidance.
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