DNS Server Not Responding: Restore Now With These Steps

DNS Server Not Responding: DNS is the Domain Name System (DNS) is the telephone book of the Internet.

When people enter domain names like ‘google.com as well as ‘nytimes.com in web browsers, DNS takes responsibility for determining the proper IP address for these websites.

The browsers use these addresses to connect with the servers that originated them or edge servers of CDN for access to information about websites.

It all takes place thanks to DNS servers: computers devoted to responding to DNS requests.

What is An Internet Server?

A server is a computer or program that is designed to provide services to other software programs called ‘clients’.

DNS clients, integrated into the most current mobile and desktop operating systems, permit internet browsers to communicate directly with DNS servers.

What is the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?

This “DNS Server Not Responding” error is quite a frequent issue that is easily fixed. There are numerous reasons this problem could occur.

However, the most common reason is that the DNS server that is being contacted in the process of loading a website page is incapable of finding the web page that hosts the webpage that you’ve requested.

This article will explore what might cause this problem to happen and how you can fix the problem.

First of all, I believe it’s a great idea to get at least an understanding of the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. For this, we need to first know what DNS is.

DNS refers to Domain Name System. An easy explanation of DNS is that it’s an uncentralized storage system for human-accessible internet addresses like those with which you’re likely acquainted (for instance www.amazon.com and www.netlix.com).

The DNS converts these readable human URLs to the appropriate IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.

IP addresses aren’t as accessible to humans, however, they are crucial for the internal functioning of the Internet.

IP addresses are the only way to identify the computers that are connected to the internet. An IP address associated with the URL www.netflix.com could, for instance, appear like this: 69.53.224.255.

It’s simpler to recall ” www.netflix.com” rather than the string of numbers separated with full stops, whenever you want to get access to your favorite content from Netflix.

This is why the DNS assists you with this and you won’t need to keep track of or find unfriendly numeric string data each time you connect to a website.

A common metaphor to explain DSN is a directory of telephone numbers.

In essence, just as you find a phone number with names of people you want to contact within a directory of telephone numbers.

A similar search occurs when you type into your address (like www.amazon.com) of the web page you would like to visit in your web browser.

You don’t have to search manually for the IP address that corresponds to www.amazon.com This happens by Amazon.com behind the scenes by itself.

Thus, the correct IP address is automatically found each time you input a URL in your browser. The IP address is then utilized to connect with the server hosting the appropriate website that is associated with the URL you typed in your browser.

If you encounter the “DNS Server Not Responding” error, this indicates that the decentralized naming system that is responsible for identifying the correct IP address, based on the appropriate hostname that was entered in your web browser does not respond.

There are numerous reasons the error is triggered, but it is good to know that there are many options available for fixing the problem.

A simple solution is to change the internet browser you’re using. Or, perhaps, even more simply, reboot your PC. Simply switching it off, and restarting it can fix the problem.

If, however, you’re not quite so fortunate, and the issue continues to persist be assured that there are numerous steps you could take to figure out the root of the issue and to solve the problem.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of options to solve this “DNS Server Not Responding” error.

How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error in Windows and macOS (11 Methods)

Once you know what the message is about and know the possible causes, it’s time to start to resolve it. Let’s look at the eleven possible ways to fix “DNS Server Not Responding” on Windows and Mac devices.

1. Switch to a Different Browser

The initial step is to identify the cause by examining your DNS connections. The solution to this issue could be as easy as switching or upgrading your browser.

How Do I Switch to a Different Browser?

Try using another browser. In this case, for example, if the primary web browser happens to be Safari and Google Chrome, visit the site you want to visit using Firefox or Microsoft Edge. Firefox as well as Microsoft Edge instead.

If you can switch between browsers you likely require updating your current browser to the most recent version or either uninstall and then reinstall it. If you continue to get that “DNS Server Not Responding” message, then you should determine if your browser is the cause of the problem.

2. Connect With a Different Device

If the browser you’re using isn’t an issue, perhaps the device you’re using is. This is the reason it could be beneficial to connect another device to browse the website you are unable to view.

How Do I Connect to a Different Device?

Use your mobile phone to access the website that is not working on the same connection as previously.

Do you continue to receive this “DNS Server Not Responding” error? This could mean that the router may be at fault here.

Are you unsure? Try connecting to the website using your mobile number. If the connection is working, you’ll be able to solution that the issue lies on the site’s end, not the fault of the website.

3. Start Your Computer in Safe Mode

If the operating system you are using isn’t functioning correctly this could result in being greeted with the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message. This is why you might want to boot your Windows device using Safe Mode to see if it can resolve the problem.

Limiting the amount of data and other resources utilized in running Windows can also help diagnose issues.

How Do I Start My Computer in Safe Mode?

For you to start your Windows 10 system in Safe Mode, you must first click the Windows button before hovering on the Power icon:

After that, as you’re holding the Shift key, you can select “Restart”:

When the screen appears in the window, select Troubleshoot then Advanced. In the the Advanced option choose start-up settings which is followed by Restart. Additional options will be displayed. Press 4 or 5 to activate the Safe Mode or enable Safe Mode using Networking and vice versa. The computer will restart using Safe Mode.

If you’re running Windows 7 or earlier, you may restart the computer using Safe Mode. Go to Restart > Power. When it’s loading up, press and hold your keys F8.

This process works similarly to the process on macOS devices.

When the computer is restarting as it boots up, press the Shift button. After the Apple logo is displayed the key can be released. The device will start in Secure Mode.

When your PC is set to safe Mode you can connect to the site again. If you don’t see any indication that there may be an issue with the network connection The root of the issue may be an external software installation such as an antivirus program.

4. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software and Firewall

If you are unable to resolve the issue by switching your browser’s issues with the “DNS Server Not Responding” problem then the next step would be to deactivate temporarily the firewall. The firewall and antivirus software are crucial to safeguard your device, however, they may cause problems that affect network connectivity.

How Do I Temporarily Disable My Antivirus Software and Firewall?

Windows customers can accomplish this by going into the control panel of their computer and going to Update and Security Windows Security > Security & Threat Protection and Threat Protection > Setup the Settings.

Mac users will find this option when they go to the System Preferences menu > Security and Privacy > Firewall.

After your firewall has been disabled Try visiting the site using your web browser. If that resolves your issue, look into switching your antivirus software or changing the settings for your current application. In either case, you must activate your firewall when you’ve finished.

5. Disable Secondary Connections

If disabling your antivirus program or firewall did not do the work, another option is to block any other connection on your device. Make sure that only the one that you’re currently connecting to is working.

How Do I Disable Secondary Connections?

To access this feature within Windows you need to type “Network connections” into the search box located on the taskbar on your desktop. After that, select “View Network Connections”:

You’ll be taken to the Connections page. Connections Page. Connections that you aren’t currently connected to will display a green ( X) beside the name. Click on the right-hand side of one and then choose to disable it.:

Repetition this process for other connection that isn’t in use. After you’re finished, restart your browser, and then try to access the website once more.

If you’re running a macOS system, you can access this by pressing the Apple icon and then going to the System Preferences menu and then Network. The connections you have made will appear on the left-hand side of the screen.

To deactivate or remove one, choose it after which click on the ( –) icon on the right side of the screen.

6. Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature

If you’re running Windows and you’ve tried disabling your firewalls or secondary connections, it doesn’t resolve this “DNS Server Not Responding” error message, you have one other option to consider The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) option. Be aware that this is a feature that is only available within Windows 10.

This function helps to maintain your device’s download capacity. It lets you download an update for Windows update once, after which you can use the device to transfer the update to different computers on the local network.

It can occasionally disrupt DNS processes. So, you should disable DNS and re-enabling DNS to see if this fixes your issue. encountering.

How Do I Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature?

For this you need to click your Windows icon and then click on settings (gear icon) > Update and Security: DNS Server Not Responding

The window will open to the left side Select Deliver Optimization: DNS Server Not Responding

Then, next to the ‘Allow downloads from other computers’ choice Switch the switch to disallow it:

Once you’ve completed the process, reboot your PC and then try accessing the site again. If that doesn’t work then don’t fret. There are still other solutions to explore.

7. Restart Your Router

The next thing to do is to reboot your router. This will clear the cache of your router and may help in resolving that “DNS Server Not Responding” message.

How Do I Restart My Router?

The majority of modems have a power button, which enables the user to instantly turn it off. In about a minute then turn it back on, and then let it re-establish the connection. After that, test to determine if you’re capable of accessing the internet through your internet browser.

Be aware that at times, rebooting your router won’t be enough. It may be necessary to restart it by unplugging it completely after which you wait about 30 seconds before reconnecting it and turning it back on.

8. Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers on Your Computer

Another reason for getting another reason you might be seeing the “DNS Server Not Responding” message could be that your Windows drivers for your network are in the process of becoming obsolete or out of date. If this is the situation then installing a replacement driver for the adapter or upgrading the driver that you require.

How Do I Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers?

There are several options to update your adapter driver. One option is to perform it manually and you must make sure you’re or are at a minimum, familiar with drivers. You can also perform the update using a computerized program like Driver Easy or Snappy Driver Installer (SDI):

These solutions instantly recognize your device and identify the right drivers that you can use to work with it. We suggest this approach since it reduces the chance of a human error like installing or downloading the wrong driver for the device.

When you install SDI and are done installing the new drivers, reboot your PC. Try reconnecting to the internet to check if the issue has been resolved. the issue.

9. Flush Your DNS Cache and Reset Your IP

If you’ve excluded your browser or antivirus program, as well as your router for the cause of the problem then it’s time to switch the attention to your DNS settings. Similar to the cache of your router there’s a chance the DNS settings need to be cleared so that it can properly establish an internet connection as well as your IP could require reset.

How Do I Flush the DNS Cache and Reset My IP?

If you’re running Windows begin by entering “cmd” into the search area on the taskbar followed by selecting Command Prompt app: DNS Server Not Responding

When the screen opens in the window that opens, type “ipconfig/flushdns” (no quotations) then press enter. Enter: DNS Server Not Responding

After the procedure and the process are complete, you will see the message that informs you it was successful in flushing the DNS cache has been flushed successfully. Repeat this procedure with the next commands:

If you’re on a Mac device, you may clear your DNS cache using your Terminal program (press the Command + Space keys and input “Terminal” into Spotlight). Within the Terminal window, you can type these:

Hit your Enter button. The command won’t show a successful message like there is on Windows devices. But, running this procedure will flush the DNS cache. To get more information it is recommended to refer to our entire tutorial for the best way to flush DNS cache for Windows, Mac, and Google Chrome.

10. Disable IPv6

IPv6 is the most recent Internet Protocol version that aids in routing the flow of traffic between networks and on the Internet. It could also be the reason behind this “DNS Server Not Responding” message that you’re seeing right now.

So, a different option you could try is the deactivation of IPv6 for your personal computer.

How Do I Disable IPv6?

For this to be done in Windows start by opening the network Connections Control Panel Then, right-click the connection you are currently using. Within the drop-down menu, you can select the Properties option.: DNS Server Not Responding

In the Networking tab on the screen that pops up Scroll down until you come across Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6): DNS Server Not Responding

If the box is selected, remove the box. Then press “OK”. Try refreshing your browser, and reconnecting to the web.

To deactivate IPv6 to disable IPv6 in macOS You first have to know which interface is being used. To determine this, start the terminal application Then, issue this command

networksetup -listallnetworkservices

If you are looking to turn off IPv6 to allow wireless connections then you should use this option:

networksetup-setv6off-Wi-Fi

To connect to the purpose of an Ethernet connection, make use of:

networksetup Setv6off Ethernet

Hit Enter. Hit the Enter key and then restart your browser to determine whether the problem is fixed.

11. Change the Default DNS Server on Your Windows Computer

A different option to test to solve “DNS Server Not Responding” on Windows is to modify the preferred DNS server. For this to be done in Windows 7, 8, or 10 The first step is accessing the properties of your network connection.

How Do I Change the Default DNS Server?

Begin by pressing the Windows button at the bottom left edge of the taskbar. Then, in the search bar enter “Network connections”, and choose the network connection you want to view from the menu. DNS Server Not Responding

Then you’ll need to select the internet connection that you’re currently making use of (WLAN which is for network connectivity wireless, or the LAN option for Ethernet cable connections). Right-click the adapter to access the internet and then click Properties. the Properties: DNS Server Not Responding

When the dialog window opens in the new window, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and after that, click the Properties button: DNS Server Not Responding

For manually assigning a new DNS server, choose one of the following DNS server addresses, and enter the address of the alternative server: DNS Server Not Responding

In this case, for example, you may use Google’s DNS server which includes “8.8.8.8”, under the preferred DNS server. You can then enter “8.8.4.4” under Alternative DNS server after which click “OK.

If you’re using macOS then you’ll be able to find the settings you need by clicking the Apple icon, followed by the System Preferences: DNS Server Not Responding

Then, click on Next, and click on the Network symbol. Select the network you are currently on Then, click the Advanced button: DNS Server Not Responding

In the DNS tab, press the (+) button next to “IPv4 or IPv6 addresses” Click the button, then press the Enter key to enter: DNS Server Not Responding

Once you have entered the updated DNS details, click on OK and then apply. Start your browser again, after which you can visit the web page you want to visit. It should be apparent that the “DNS Server Not Responding” problem is resolved.

Summary

When trying to connect to a site but being met with the “DNS Server Not Responding” message can be frustrating and alarming. We’ve discussed this in our article, we have 11 possible solutions to get rid of the issue of a “DNS Server Not Responding” message on both Windows as well as macOS.