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Quick Answer

Open the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns, and press Enter to clear the corrupted cache and force your computer to find websites again.

How to Fix "DNS Server Isn't Responding" on Windows ​

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-10

Summary ​

The "DNS server isn't responding" error means your computer is connected to the network, but it can't translate website names (like google.com) into IP addresses. It's like having a working phone but no address book. This guide helps you clear the jam and get back online.

Symptoms ​

  • Your computer shows it is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet
  • Web browsers display DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN or DNS server isn't responding
  • Teams, Outlook, and other internet-dependent apps show as offline
  • Your phone or other devices on the same Wi-Fi network are working fine

Prerequisites ​

  • A Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer

Instructions ​

1. Restart Your Web Browser ​

Sometimes the issue is a stuck browser cache, not your actual network connection.

  1. Close all tabs and windows of Edge, Chrome, or whichever browser you are using.
  2. Wait 5 seconds.
  3. Open the browser again and try loading a fresh webpage (like a news site you haven't visited today).

2. Flush the DNS Cache (The Quickest Fix) ​

Windows keeps a temporary "address book" of recent websites. If it gets corrupted, clearing it out forces Windows to ask for fresh addresses.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator (if you don't have admin rights, click it to run normally — it usually still works for this command).
  3. Type the following command exactly as shown: ipconfig /flushdns
  4. Press Enter.
  5. You will see a message saying "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."
  6. Close the window and try loading a website.

3. Restart Your Computer ​

If flushing the DNS didn't work, a full restart clears out deeper network settings that might be stuck.

  1. Click Start > Power > Restart (Do not choose Shut down, as modern Windows "Shut down" acts like a deep sleep and doesn't fully reset hardware).
  2. Wait for the computer to reboot.
  3. Check your internet connection again.

4. Restart Your Home Router (If Working Remotely) ​

If you're working from home and other devices are also having trouble, your router's DNS service might have crashed.

  1. Find your home Wi-Fi router (and modem, if they are separate).
  2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the device(s).
  3. Wait 30 seconds.
  4. Plug the power cable back in.
  5. Wait 3–5 minutes for the lights to stop blinking and turn solid.
  6. Reconnect your computer to Wi-Fi and test your connection.

WARNING

Never press the small, recessed "Reset" button on your router with a paperclip. That erases all your Wi-Fi settings and passwords. Only unplug the power cord.

5. Check Your Company VPN ​

If you are connected to a company VPN, it changes your DNS settings so you can access internal company servers. Sometimes this gets stuck.

  1. Open your VPN app (GlobalProtect, Cisco AnyConnect, FortiClient, etc.).
  2. Click Disconnect.
  3. Wait 10 seconds.
  4. Try loading a public webpage (like google.com).
  5. If it works, click Connect on your VPN again. If the internet stops working immediately after connecting to the VPN, the issue is on your company's network. Ask IT to check the DNS servers your VPN hands out, and tell them public sites load with the VPN off and fail the moment it connects.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

If you still have no internet after trying these steps, your computer might have a static IP or custom DNS set incorrectly. Your IT team can remote in and fix this quickly.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Windows cannot communicate with the device or resource"Network adapter glitchRestart your computer (Start > Power > Restart)
Internet works when VPN is off, breaks when VPN is onCompany VPN DNS routing issueAsk IT to refresh the DNS servers in your VPN profile, and tell them the internet works with the VPN off and fails the moment you connect
ipconfig /flushdns says "The requested operation requires elevation"Command Prompt needs admin rightsRestart your PC instead; it performs a similar flush automatically
No devices in the house can reach the internetISP outage or router freezeRestart your home router; contact your Internet Service Provider if it continues