Common Reasons Why Your DNS Server is Not Responding on Windows 11

Hello Dev, are you struggling to connect to the internet due to DNS server not responding issues? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many Windows 11 users are experiencing the same problem. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating the website name into an IP address. Hence, when the DNS server is not responding, it can cause a lot of trouble as you cannot connect to the website. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons why your DNS server is not responding on Windows 11 and how to fix them.

Reasons Why Your DNS Server is Not Responding on Windows 11

1. DNS Server Disruption

The DNS server disruption can happen due to a lot of reasons. It can be caused by an outage, maintenance work, or even a technical glitch. When the DNS server is not responding, you may experience slow or no internet connectivity, error messages, or even no access to the internet at all. However, before you start troubleshooting, it’s essential to check whether the DNS server is down or not. You can check the DNS server status online or contact your ISP for assistance.

2. Firewall or Anti-Virus Blocking

Sometimes the firewall or anti-virus software on your Windows 11 device can block communication with the DNS server. This can lead to DNS server not responding issues. If you have installed any firewall or anti-virus, try disabling them temporarily and see if the problem resolves. If the problem persists, try configuring the firewall or anti-virus to allow DNS communication.

3. IP Address Conflict

IP address conflict can happen when two devices use the same IP address. This can cause DNS server not responding issues. To fix this issue, you can try resetting your IP address. Press ‘Windows + X’ and select ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’ Type ‘ipconfig/release’ and press enter. Then, type ‘ipconfig/renew’ and hit enter. This will reset your IP address and resolve the conflict.

4. DNS Cache Problem

DNS cache stores the IP addresses of the websites you visit frequently. If the DNS cache becomes corrupted, it can cause DNS server not responding issues. To clear the DNS cache, open the command prompt and type ‘ipconfig/flushdns’ and press enter. This will clear the DNS cache and resolve the issue.

5. Outdated Network Adapter Driver

An outdated network adapter driver can cause DNS server not responding issues. To check whether your network adapter driver is up to date or not, press ‘Windows + X’ and select ‘Device Manager.’ Expand the ‘Network Adapters’ section and right-click on your network adapter. Select ‘Update Driver’ and follow the instructions to update the driver.

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Issues on Windows 11

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

The first thing you can try to fix the DNS server not responding issue is to restart your router and modem. Turn them off for a few seconds and turn them on again. This will clear any temporary issues and reset the connection.

2. Change Your DNS Server

If your DNS server is not responding, you can try changing your DNS server. There are many public DNS servers available, like Google DNS or OpenDNS. To change your DNS server, go to the ‘Network and Internet Settings’ and select your connection. Then, select ‘Properties’ and click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4’ (TCP/IPv4). Then, select ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ and enter the preferred DNS server address.

3. Reset Your Network Settings

If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting your network settings. This will reset all the network configurations and resolve any underlying issues. To reset your network settings, press ‘Windows + I’ and select ‘Network and Internet.’ Then, select ‘Status’ and click on ‘Network Reset.’ Follow the instructions to reset your network settings.

FAQs

In conclusion, DNS server not responding issues can be frustrating, but they can be fixed with some simple solutions. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your ISP or a professional technician.