If you believe that the most annoying thing about using the Internet is the errors that come with it, we regret to inform you that it can get even more frustrating. The more frequently you encounter problems connecting to the Internet, the harder it becomes to fully relax or work. So, why do these issues arise?
Windows help live chat experts often attribute it to problems with connecting to the DNS. In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of the most common causes and tips on how to solve issues with DNS on your own. A crucial component of Internet access is the special domain name system (DNS). It functions by simply entering the URL into the browser bar, which instantly connects you to the desired site. But what happens if the DNS doesn’t work? Let’s find out!
What Is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System and acts as a naming system for websites. It converts domain names (e.g. www.example.com) into numerical IP addresses. When you type a website address into your browser, it sends a request to your router’s DNS server, which then converts the domain name into an IP address.
However, sometimes the DNS server fails to complete this process, causing the error message “DNS server not responding.” This can be due to several reasons such as internet connection problems, incorrect settings, outdated browser, or temporary server shutdown. To resolve this issue, you can try switching your browser, disconnecting and reconnecting to the internet, changing the DNS servers, or clearing the cache.
Best Ways to Fix a Broken DNS Server
If you encounter a problem with your DNS server not responding, there are several potential solutions. As mentioned earlier, one solution is to try changing the browser you are using or adjusting some of the settings. This may help to resolve the issue and get your DNS server working properly again. It is important to try multiple potential solutions as the root cause of the issue could be from a variety of sources.
Firewall Deactivation
If you have already changed the browser and settings but still nothing helped to solve the problem, then you need other solutions. And so, you now need to exclude as much as possible the Windows firewall because it can be the reason why the DNS server does not work. How to do it right? First, you need to bring up the control panel and try disabling the firewall for a while. Now the user can check if he has access to the required website. After that, you need to check its configuration and if you see that the error is still there after deactivating the firewall, then it may be a problem with the DNS server.
Router and Restart
As you already know from your own experience, most problems can be fixed with just a restart of the router. Almost all devices have a Power button, by pressing which the router will reboot. If you have already done everything but it did not help, then you need a stronger reboot. This all happens with a slight movement when you remove the power plug. You just need to wait about 20-35 seconds for the electrical components to shut down completely before restarting.
Change DNS Server
If all previous methods have failed, you can try changing the DNS servers. This can resolve conflicts with the Windows firewall or router software failure. Your ISP usually assigns a DNS server, but you can change it to a new one or use a public DNS server from a list of available options. Here are the steps to change the DNS server address in Windows:
- Open the “Network Connections” page by typing “ncpa.cpl” into the Windows search box and pressing Enter.
- Right-click on the connection you are using and select “Properties.”
- In the “Properties” tab, find and click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then go to “Properties.”
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the desired DNS server addresses in the “Preferred DNS server” and “Alternate DNS server” fields.
- Click “Check the box” for “Check settings on exit” and select OK.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
There are also several public DNS servers available, such as Google’s DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare’s DNS servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). You can use any of these servers as your DNS server addresses.
VPN
If you use a VPN, make sure it is not disabled before accessing websites. The VPN can add a layer to the network, which can cause problems if not working or configured correctly. Disable the VPN to see if it solves the issue.
Restart PC in Safe Mode
If the operating system failure is causing the issue, you can restart your computer in safe mode. This limits the resources and files used while the device is running. To restart in safe mode, go to the start menu, press “Shift” and “Restart“, click “Troubleshooting” and “Advanced options“, then “Startup Options” and select “Safe Mode with Networking” by pressing F5.
Disabled Connections
Disabling unused network connections can improve the performance of your computer and resolve network connectivity issues. When you have multiple active network connections, your computer may choose the wrong one for a particular task, leading to slowdowns or errors. Disabling unused connections ensures that your computer uses the best connection for a particular task, which can improve your overall network experience.
To disable unused network connections in Windows, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to Network and Internet.
- Click on Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on the connection you want to disable and select Disable.
Note that you should only disable network connections that you do not use. If you’re unsure which connections are active or inactive, you can check the Status column in the Network Connections window. Connections that are marked as Connected are active and should not be disabled.
Final Words
The “DNS server not responding” error can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as an outdated network adapter driver, an incorrectly configured firewall or antivirus software, or a malfunctioning DNS server. To resolve this issue, you can try disabling unused network connections, updating your network adapter driver, deactivating your firewall and antivirus software, or changing your DNS server address.
Each of these solutions should be implemented according to the specific steps outlined in this article. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “DNS server not responding” error and restore your ability to access the Internet. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to seek further technical assistance to diagnose the underlying cause of the problem.
