What is DNS server isn't responding error? How to fix the error effectively

The DNS server isn't responding error is a common problem when users cannot access the Internet. When this error occurs, your browser will not be able to access any website. So what is the cause of the error and how to fix it? Let's find out with TipsMake through the article below.

What is DNS server isn't responding error?

The DNS Server Isn't Responding error is a common error message that occurs when your browser cannot connect to a DNS (Domain Name System) server. DNS acts as the "phone book" of the Internet, translating domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. When this server is not responding, you will not be able to access any websites.

What is DNS server isn't responding error?

When you encounter this error, the screen will usually display the message "DNS server isn't responding". This error can be caused by many different things, from network problems, incorrect configuration on your device, to problems from your Internet service provider.

Causes of DNS server isn't responding error

When the browser reports an error DNS server isn't responding, it means that the device is having difficulty finding the IP address corresponding to the website domain name. This problem can arise from many causes such as: unstable network signal, incorrect DNS configuration on the user's computer or an old browser; to more complex causes such as hardware errors related to the network card or router, antivirus software or firewall interfering with the connection, or even a problem with the DNS server itself.

To resolve the issue, users should start with basic steps like restarting the device, trying a different browser, or clearing the DNS cache. If these measures do not work, changing the DNS server or thoroughly checking the network settings may be necessary to restore connectivity.

How to fix DNS server isn't responding error effectively

Here are some things you can try to fix the DNS server isn't responding error.

Change Network Address

Changing the DNS address can fix errors related to the DNS server. Here's how:

Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

Select Change adapter settings, right-click on the network you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.

Tick ​​Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the DNS address like:

1. Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
2. Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 

Click OK and restart your computer.

Reset DNS

Resetting DNS is also an effective way to fix this error. Sometimes, the DNS files on your computer can become corrupted, resulting in the device being unable to connect to the DNS server.

To reset DNS, open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Type the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

Add Winsock Registries

Winsock Registries are an important part of networking. If you encounter errors, you can do the following:

Open the Run window (Windows + R), type regedit to open Registry Editor.

Navigate to the key: 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices.

Backup Winsock and Winsock2 by right-clicking on them, selecting Export.

Remove Winsock and Winsock2, then restart your computer.

Re-import the previous backup file by selecting File > Import in the Registry Editor

Restart the system

One of the simplest yet most effective methods to fix the DNS server isn't responding error is to restart your system. Restart your computer and check if the error still appears. 

Disable NetBIOS

Disabling NetBIOS may help resolve the issue in some cases, especially if you are not using a home network or corporate connection. To do so:

Open Control Panel and select Network and Internet.

Select Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

Right-click on the network connection you are using and select Properties.

Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Select Advanced and in the WINS tab, select Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

Once done, restart your computer and check if the error is fixed.

Turn off firewall and antivirus software

Try temporarily disabling your computer's firewall and antivirus software:

1. On Windows: Open Windows Defender Firewall and select off.
2. On Mac: Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and turn it off.

Use another browser

Sometimes the error can come from the web browser you are using. Try using a different browser to determine if the problem is with the browser. If you are using Chrome, try again with Firefox or Edge. 

Clear DNS Cache

1. On Windows: Open Command Prompt with Administrator rights and enter the command ipconfig /flushdns.
2. On Mac: Open Terminal and enter the command appropriate to your version of macOS, for example sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder for macOS Catalina and later

Update network driver

To update the driver, you can open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click on the network device you are using and select Update Driver. The system will automatically search and install the latest version for you.

Restart and Update Router

Your router may be experiencing temporary problems and restarting it may help. Unplug your router for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to boot up.

You can also try checking to see if your router needs a firmware update. Updating the firmware can help improve your router's performance and connectivity.

TCP/IP Adjustment

TCP/IP settings can also affect the ability to connect to DNS servers. Make sure your device is properly configured according to your Internet service provider's requirements.

Go to Control Panel, then Network and Sharing Center, select 'Change adapter settings'. Right-click on the network connection you are using, select 'Properties', then look for 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' to adjust.

Use Safe mode

Restart your computer and enter Safe mode. Then, check if you can access the Internet. If so, it is likely that an application is causing the DNS server isn't responding error.

Turn off all secondary connections

If the problem lies with your network connections, try turning them off to ensure that your system is not disrupted when connecting to the DNS server.

You can go to Control Panel, select 'Network and Sharing Center', then select 'Change adapter settings' to disable unnecessary connections.

Turn off Windows Peer-to-Peer feature

To turn this feature off, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. Find 'Turn off network discovery' and turn it off.

Turn off Windows Peer-to-Peer feature

Connect to Ethernet

If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, try connecting to Ethernet to see if the problem is with the wireless network. Wired connections are usually more stable and less prone to problems than Wi-Fi.

Check Antivirus Programs

Try temporarily disabling your antivirus programs and see if you can access the Internet. If so, you should consider changing your antivirus software settings or even switching to a different one.

Disable Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter

To disable Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter, you can go to Device Manager, find Network adapters, right-click on Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter and select 'Disable'.

Conclude

The DNS server isn't responding issue can disrupt the user's online experience. The methods presented above are intended to assist users in resolving this error themselves. In case the above solutions do not work, contacting your Internet service provider directly for further advice is an option to consider.

Micah Soto

Update 20 April 2025