DNS server not responding: how to fix it
Fix 'The DNS server isn't responding' on Windows and other devices: restart your router, switch DNS servers, and clear old lookups.
In short: your device can't reach the DNS server that turns website names into addresses. Run our troubleshooter to test your connection.
What it means
Windows network diagnostics shows this when the DNS server your device uses isn't answering. Without DNS, websites won't load by name even if your connection itself works.
Common causes
- Your router or provider's DNS is down or overloaded.
- A frozen router.
- Incorrect DNS settings on your device.
- Security software or a VPN interfering with DNS.
How to fix it
- Restart your router and modem. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, then the router.
- Switch to a public DNS service such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 in your device's or router's network settings.
- Clear old name lookups. On Windows, open Command Prompt and run
ipconfig /flushdns. On a Mac, open Terminal and runsudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. In Chrome, you can also visitchrome://net-internals/#dnsand click Clear host cache. - Turn off your VPN, proxy, or ad-blocking extension for a moment and try again.
- Disable network adapters you don't use (for example, old VPN adapters) in Network Connections on Windows.
Still stuck? Our "Fix my internet" troubleshooter measures your connection and suggests the next step.
Last updated October 2026.