How to Fix the "DNS Server Not Responding" Error on Your Computer

Published on June 6, 2026

Why Does the "DNS Server Not Responding" Error Happen?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website address like google.com, the DNS translates it into a numerical IP address that your computer understands. When you see the "DNS Server Not Responding" error, it means your web browser has lost communication with these translation servers. This is usually caused by temporary network glitches, corrupted local cache files, or issues with your router. Here is how to fix it in under 10 minutes.

Step 1: Perform a Quick Power Cycle

Before changing any internal settings, try the simplest fix first. Routers and computers build up temporary digital clutter that can interfere with network requests.

Unplug your router and modem from their power sources.
Wait exactly 30 seconds to allow the capacitors to drain completely.
Plug them back in and wait for all the lights to turn solid green.
Restart your computer while the router is booting up.

Step 2: Flush Your DNS Cache

Your computer stores a local map of IP addresses to speed up loading times. If this cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it will block your connection. Clearing it forces your computer to request fresh DNS data.

For Windows Users:

Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select Run as administrator.
Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. You should see a message confirming success.

For Mac Users:

Open the Terminal app (press Cmd + Space and search for "Terminal").
Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
Enter your administrator password to complete the command.

Step 3: Switch to a Reliable Public DNS

By default, your computer uses your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) DNS servers, which can be slow and prone to outages. Switching to a fast, free public DNS like Google or Cloudflare often solves the problem instantly.

On Windows:

Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center, then click Change adapter settings.
Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
For Preferred DNS server, type: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
For Alternate DNS server, type: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare).
Click OK to save.

On Mac:

Go to System Settings > Network.
Click on your active connection and select Details (or Advanced on older macOS versions).
Click the DNS tab.
Click the + button under DNS Servers and add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8.
Click OK and then Apply.

Step 4: Temporarily Disable IPv6

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) is the newer web standard, but some older routers and ISPs do not handle it well, resulting in DNS conflicts. Disabling it forces your computer to use the more stable IPv4.

On Windows: Go back to your network adapter's Properties window (as done in Step 3). Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), then click OK.
On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network > Details > TCP/IP. Set "Configure IPv6" to Link-local only or Off, then click OK.

Step 5: Disable Unused Network Adapters

If you have virtual private networks (VPNs) or virtualization software installed, they may have created virtual network adapters that confuse your operating system's routing paths.

Open your network connections window (where your Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters are listed).
Look for any adapters labeled "Virtual", "TAP", or "VPN".
Right-click each unused adapter and select Disable.