How to Fix “Windows 10 DNS Server Not Responding” for Dev

Hi Dev, have you been struggling with a frustrating issue on your Windows 10 device where the DNS server doesn’t respond? This problem can be annoying as it causes internet connectivity issues and prevents you from accessing websites. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the possible causes of this issue and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix it. Let’s get started!

What is DNS?

DNS is an acronym for “Domain Name System”. It’s a system that converts human-readable website addresses into IP addresses that computers can understand. For example, if you type “google.com” into your web browser, the DNS system will translate it into an IP address such as “172.217.6.110”.

Without DNS, you’d need to remember the IP addresses of every website you want to access, which is inconvenient and impractical. Therefore, DNS plays a critical role in internet connectivity.

What Causes “Windows 10 DNS Server Not Responding”?

There are several possible reasons why the DNS server may not respond on Windows 10, including:

How to Fix “Windows 10 DNS Server Not Responding”

Step 1: Restart Your Router and Computer

The first step in fixing this issue is to restart your router and computer. This simple troubleshooting step can often resolve connectivity issues by refreshing the network connections.

To restart your router, unplug it from the power source for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for a minute or two for the router to fully reboot. Then, restart your computer and see if the issue persists.

Step 2: Check Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause connectivity issues, including DNS server problems. To check if you have the latest network drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”.
2. Expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your driver.
5. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 3: Reset Your DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings can also cause connectivity issues. To reset your DNS settings, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. Type the following command and press “Enter”: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Wait for the confirmation message and close the Command Prompt.
4. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 4: Scan for Malware

Malware can interfere with network connections and cause connectivity issues. To scan your computer for malware, follow these steps:

1. Download and install a reputable antivirus software.
2. Run a full system scan and follow the on-screen instructions to remove any detected malware.
3. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 5: Disable Your Firewall or Antivirus Software

Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking DNS requests, causing connectivity issues. To disable your firewall or antivirus software temporarily, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “control panel” and press “Enter”.
3. Click on “System and Security”.
4. Click on “Windows Defender Firewall”.
5. Select “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
6. Check the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” option for both private and public networks.
7. Click “OK” to save the changes.
8. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

FAQs

Q1. What is the DNS server?

The DNS server is a computer that stores a database of IP addresses and their corresponding domain names. When you enter a website address into your web browser, the DNS server translates it into an IP address that your computer can understand.

Q2. How can I find out if my DNS server is not responding?

If your DNS server is not responding, you may see an error message such as “DNS server not responding” or “DNS probe finished bad config” when you try to access websites in your web browser. You may also experience slow internet connectivity or complete inability to connect to the internet.

Q3. Can I use a different DNS server?

Yes, you can use a different DNS server if you experience issues with your current one. There are several public DNS servers available, such as Google DNS and OpenDNS, that you can use instead of your ISP’s DNS server. To change your DNS server, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” and press “Enter”.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties”.
4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.
5. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Conclusion

Windows 10 DNS server not responding can be a frustrating issue, but it can be resolved by following the steps outlined in this article. We hope these troubleshooting tips help you fix the problem and restore internet connectivity to your device. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below.