How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error: Easy Solutions for All Devices

The DNS server not responding error plagues countless internet users every day, causing frustration and confusion as access to websites grinds to a halt. Fortunately, in most cases, resolving this error doesn’t require advanced technical skills—just a systematic approach and an understanding of how DNS works. Drawing from best practices verified by major tech publications, hands-on troubleshooting techniques, and research conducted across OS platforms, this guide offers step-by-step solutions for Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, and PlayStation 5, insights into root causes, and smart prevention strategies for the future.

Understanding the DNS Server Not Responding Error​

When a device attempts to access a website, it contacts a Domain Name System (DNS) server to translate the human-readable domain (like "windowsforum.com") into the numerical IP address computers use for communication. If the device can’t communicate with the DNS server—due to misconfiguration, network failures, or external blocks—you’ll see a “DNS server not responding” error. In practical terms, this means your device cannot perform a key step in connecting to the web, resulting in unreachable websites and interrupted online services.
DNS problems can originate from your device, your router, your ISP’s infrastructure, or a miscommunication between them. The good news is that, armed with common fixes and a methodical approach, you can often identify and eliminate the problem yourself, minimizing downtime.

Quick Universal Fixes: First Steps for Any Device​

Before delving into platform-specific remedies, begin with these universally recognized steps to rule out simple glitches:

• Restart Your Router and Device
• Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and reconnect it. Restart your affected device as well. This resets local caches and re-establishes connections, often clearing DNS-related hitches caused by cache corruption or dropped packets.
• Try an Alternative Browser
• Use a different browser to rule out browser-based DNS resolution bugs or corruptions. If one browser works but another doesn’t, update or reset the problematic application.
• Test another Device on Your Network
• If the error affects only one device, its settings are likely at fault. If all devices are affected, the issue may be with the router or ISP.
• Disable Firewalls, Antivirus, and VPNs Temporarily
• Security applications sometimes block or reroute DNS traffic. Disable them momentarily; if the problem vanishes, adjust firewall or VPN settings to permit DNS traffic, making sure to enable your security tools again afterward.
• Disable Extra Network Adapters
• On systems with multiple network adapters (like Wi-Fi plus Ethernet or virtual adapters), disable those not in use. Multiple active routes can cause OS confusion, misrouting DNS requests.

If any of these steps resolve the error, restore your security settings, update all relevant software, and continue browsing. If problems persist, move to platform-specific troubleshooting.

Platform-Specific Solutions​

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 11​

Windows 11, Microsoft’s current flagship OS, offers extensive diagnostic tools and flexible network settings. Systematic troubleshooting follows best practices echoed by Microsoft’s official documentation and respected tech outlets such as PCMag and How-To Geek.

1. Run the Internet Troubleshooter​

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
• Locate Network and Internet and click Run
• The built-in troubleshooter often identifies and fixes DNS issues, automatically repairing misconfigured settings or stale caches.

2. Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address​

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Enter each command followed by Enter:
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew
• This clears outdated DNS data and requests new IP details from your router, resolving issues with corrupted cache or stale leases.

3. Change Your DNS Server​

• Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
• Select your active connection.
• Click DNS Server Assignment > Edit > Manual
• Enable IPv4 and set:
• Preferred: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate: 8.8.4.4 (Google Public DNS)
• Save, then restart your browser or device.

Switching to a public DNS provider (Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS) bypasses many ISP outages and can significantly enhance reliability, as confirmed by long-term independent testing from DNSPerf and Cloudflare Radar.

4. Update Network Adapter Drivers​

• Open Device Manager > Network adapters
• Right-click your active adapter, select Update driver
• After updates, restart your PC.

Out-of-date drivers, especially after a major Windows Update, can disrupt DNS handling.

5. Restart the DNS Client Service​

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc
• Find and right-click DNS Client, select Restart

This step can resolve DNS errors caused by a halted or misbehaving system service.

6. Disable IPv6​

• In Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Additional properties
• Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
• Click Save and restart.

While IPv6 offers modern benefits, inconsistent network support can trigger DNS issues. Disabling IPv6 is a recommended troubleshooting step, but re-enable it if not needed for your solution, as IPv6 adoption continues to expand globally.

7. Check for Windows Updates​

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and apply all updates.

Patches may resolve deep-seated bugs—occasionally, Microsoft ships targeted fixes in cumulative patches.

8. Additional Steps​

• Run a malware scan via Windows Security or a trusted third-party tool.
• Use Network Reset: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
• Resetting reinstalls network drivers and restores configuration to factory defaults. Use as a last resort.

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 10​

Despite Windows 10 reaching end-of-life status, it remains in extensive use. Solutions largely mirror those for Windows 11, but the navigation differs slightly.

• Troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections
• Flush DNS: Command Prompt (admin), enter:
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew
• Change DNS Server: Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Adapter Properties > IPv4, set DNS to Google’s 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4
• Update Drivers: Device Manager > Network adapters > Update
• Restart DNS Client: services.msc > DNS Client > Restart
• Disable IPv6: Uncheck in Adapter Properties

All steps cited above are endorsed by Microsoft’s own troubleshooting knowledge base and remain best practice.

Fixing DNS Server Not Responding on macOS​

Apple’s macOS ships with robust network diagnostics. DNS errors—especially on public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi—are not uncommon, but can often be remedied with Apple’s built-in utilities.

1. Run Wireless Diagnostics​

• Hold Option, click the Wi-Fi icon, select Open Wireless Diagnostics.
• Follow onscreen instructions; macOS scans for common connectivity and DNS issues and will summarize its findings.

2. Change DNS Server​

• System Settings > Network > [Your Network] > Details > DNS tab
• Remove old DNS entries, add:
• 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google)
• or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
• Save and reboot your browser.

Having verified these steps against Apple’s official support pages and expert guidance from Macworld, switching to a reliable DNS provider is the most effective and low-risk remedy, especially in environments with restrictive or overloaded local networks.

3. Restart macOS and Router​

• Power down your Mac and router, then restart both.
• This often resolves issues stemming from temporary memory corruption or dropped connections.

If issues persist, perform malware scans and check for OS updates via System Settings > General > Software Update.

DNS Server Not Responding on PlayStation 5​

Online gaming consoles like the PS5 are particularly sensitive to DNS interruptions, which can block multiplayer features, cloud saves, and media streaming. Sony recommends—and independent support forums corroborate—the following steps:

1. Restart PS5 and Router​

• Fully power off both devices; power-cycle the router for at least 30 seconds.

2. Change DNS Settings on PS5​

• Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced Settings
• Switch DNS Settings from Automatic to Manual, then enter:
• 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google)
• or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
• or 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 (OpenDNS)
• Save and test the connection.

These public DNS services are free, fast, and recommended directly by Sony for persistent DNS failures.

3. Check Internet Connection (ISP Side)​

• Test with alternative devices on the same network; network-wide outages are beyond the PS5’s control and may require ISP intervention.

4. Use Wired Ethernet if Available​

• Weak, congested, or inconsistent Wi-Fi can amplify DNS problems on consoles. Wired connections are both more reliable and faster.

The Top 8 Causes of the DNS Server Not Responding Error​

Understanding the underlying triggers can help you select the most effective fix. Cross-referencing expert and vendor resources, these are the most common root causes:

• Network or Router Issues: Unstable Wi-Fi or router freezes.
• DNS Server Outages: ISP servers overwhelmed, offline, or under maintenance.
• Incorrect DNS Settings: Typos, outdated addresses, or misapplied configurations.
• Firewall/Antivirus Blocking DNS: Overzealous security tools block queries or reroute them unsafely.
• Outdated DNS Cache: Stale entries confuse devices; cleaning the cache resolves many issues.
• Conflicting Network Connections: Multiple active connections (wired, wireless, virtual) can conflict.
• IPv6 Incompatibility: Unstable or unsupported IPv6 configurations can cause repeated failures.
• ISP/Network Restrictions: Content filtering or restrictive network policies on public Wi-Fi, in offices, or schools.

Proactive Tips to Prevent DNS Issues​

Alleviating future DNS headaches means implementing both immediate fixes and preventative maintenance.

• Switch to a Reliable Public DNS: Google DNS (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS are consistently ranked fastest and most robust in independent benchmarks
• .
• Keep Firmware and Drivers Updated: Regularly update your router and device firmware to ensure compatibility and patch known bugs.
• Limit Router Overloads: Too many active devices can overwhelm basic consumer routers. Upgrade if frequent crashes occur or if you experience overheating.
• Scan for Malware Frequently: Malicious programs are known to hijack or redirect DNS traffic for phishing or tracking purposes.
• Consider a VPN with DNS Protection: Services like Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) allow users to route DNS queries through encrypted tunnels, bypassing problematic ISP DNS—this is especially effective on restrictive networks or in regions with DNS-level censorship.
• Monitor ISP’s Service Status: If problems consistently appear across all devices, check your ISP for outages or throttling; temporarily switching to a public DNS can often offer expedient relief.

How Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) Can Help​

A VPN with its own DNS servers, like PIA, shields DNS requests from ISP monitoring and reduces susceptibility to DNS hijacking and censorship. For public, work, or school networks that filter or manipulate DNS queries, using a reputable VPN—one that offers customizable DNS settings—bypasses these restrictions and can restore internet access immediately. However, not all VPNs are well-implemented; it’s crucial to choose a service with a transparent privacy policy and a track record of upholding DNS neutrality.
When using PIA, make sure to:

• Use the app’s built-in DNS options (visible under advanced network settings)
• Confirm whether DNS leaks are blocked by running an independent DNS leak test

VPN solutions are not panaceas, though: in rare cases, a misconfigured VPN or an incompatibility can itself cause DNS errors. Thus, always try disabling your VPN temporarily to rule out such conflicts.

Conclusion: A Systematic Approach Restores Reliability​

The “DNS server not responding” error, while disruptive, can almost always be resolved without professional intervention by adhering to the steps outlined in this article. Key to success is a methodical strategy: starting with common resets, progressing through device-specific network diagnostics, and applying targeted fixes like swapping DNS servers or updating drivers. Understanding the diverse root causes—ranging from temporary Wi-Fi drops to systemic ISP DNS outages—help prevent reoccurrences.
For frequent travelers, users of public Wi-Fi, or those on restrictive corporate networks, adding a reputable VPN service like Private Internet Access to your toolkit can provide both a solution and a layer of ongoing protection. Nevertheless, always verify security claims regarding VPN DNS privacy by using independent test resources and maintaining diligent software updates.
In short: almost every DNS error has a solution—and often, it’s just a few clicks away. Build a habit of routine device maintenance, remain up to date on security and network trends, and know your DNS settings. With these measures, uninterrupted browsing will become your norm, not your exception.

• Benchmarks on DNS speed and reliability are continually updated by independent researchers such as DNSPerf, Cloudflare Radar, and Verizon’s network reliability reports. Always verify providers’ up-to-date reliability if making a business or privacy-critical switch.

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Source: Private Internet Access How to Fix the DNS Server Not Responding Error: Step-by-Step Guide