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Windows Error dns-server-not-responding: DNS Server Not Responding
Quick fix: Restart your router and modem — Unplug both devices from power, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem first and wait 60 seconds, then plug in the router. Full step-by-step below.
What Causes Windows Error dns-server-not-responding?
Windows error dns-server-not-responding (DNS Server Not Responding) can be triggered by several issues:
- Router not forwarding DNS queries after reboot or firmware bug
- ISP DNS server experiencing an outage
- Network adapter driver crashed or in bad state
- Malware or adware modifying DNS settings
- VPN changing DNS server to an unresponsive address
| Cause | Best fix |
|---|---|
| Router not forwarding DNS queries after reboot or firmware bug | Restart your router and modem |
| ISP DNS server experiencing an outage | Change to Google or Cloudflare DNS |
| Network adapter driver crashed or in bad state | Flush DNS and reset network stack |
| Malware or adware modifying DNS settings | Update or rollback network adapter driver |
| VPN changing DNS server to an unresponsive address | Check for malware changing DNS |
How to Fix Windows Error dns-server-not-responding — Step by Step
Restart your router and modem
Unplug both devices from power, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem first and wait 60 seconds, then plug in the router. Most router-related DNS issues resolve with a proper power cycle.
Change to Google or Cloudflare DNS
Settings > Network > right-click your connection > Properties > IPv4 > Use the following DNS server addresses:
Preferred: 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1
Alternate: 8.8.4.4 or 1.0.0.1
Click OK. These are the world's most reliable DNS servers.
Flush DNS and reset network stack
CMD as Admin:ipconfig /flushdnsipconfig /registerdnsnetsh int ip resetnetsh winsock reset
Restart your computer after.
Update or rollback network adapter driver
Device Manager > Network adapters > right-click your adapter > Update driver. If the error started after a recent Windows Update, try Roll Back Driver instead.
Check for malware changing DNS
Open CMD:ipconfig /all
Check the DNS Servers line. If it shows an unfamiliar IP (not your router's IP, 8.8.8.8, or 1.1.1.1), malware may have changed your DNS. Run a full Windows Defender and Malwarebytes scan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does DNS Server Not Responding mean?
Your computer cannot reach the DNS server needed to translate website names into IP addresses. Without DNS, browsers cannot find websites even if your internet connection is working.
Is this my ISP's fault?
It could be. Test by changing your DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). If the internet works after that, your ISP's DNS was the problem.
Can I browse the internet without DNS?
Technically yes, by typing IP addresses directly, but this is impractical. DNS is fundamental to normal internet use.
Why does this happen only on my PC but not my phone?
Your phone may be using different DNS (from the router via DHCP) while your PC has a manually set DNS that is failing. Or your PC's network adapter driver has a problem.
How do I know if DNS is working?
Open CMD and type nslookup google.com. If it returns an IP address, DNS is working. If it says non-existent domain or times out, DNS is the problem.
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