Have you ever been connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet in Windows 11 but suddenly found that websites won’t open? Your internet connection may appear to be working, yet browsers show messages such as “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN,” “DNS server isn’t responding,” or “This site can’t be reached.”
In many cases, the problem is related to DNS (Domain Name System).
DNS is responsible for translating website names such as google.com into IP addresses that your computer can use to connect to the correct server. If DNS isn’t working properly, you may be unable to access websites even when your internet connection itself is active.
Fortunately, many DNS problems in Windows 11 can be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to identify DNS problems and fix them step by step, starting with simple solutions and moving toward more advanced methods.
What Is a DNS Problem?
A DNS problem occurs when your computer cannot properly translate a domain name into the IP address needed to connect to a website or online service.
For example, when you type:
www.example.com
your computer needs to perform a DNS lookup to find the appropriate IP address.
If that lookup fails, the website may not load.
Common Signs of DNS Problems
You may be experiencing a DNS problem if:
- Websites don’t open while Wi-Fi still shows as connected
- Some websites work while others don’t
- Your browser displays DNS-related errors
- You see “DNS server isn’t responding”
- You see DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
- You see DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG
- Websites take unusually long to begin loading
- Changing DNS servers suddenly fixes the problem
Before You Start: Check Your Internet Connection
Before changing DNS settings, make sure the problem is actually related to DNS.
A disconnected internet connection can produce symptoms that look similar to DNS problems.
Check Your Network Status
In Windows 11, go to:
Settings → Network & Internet
Check whether your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection shows that you’re connected.
If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, make sure you have access to the internet rather than simply being connected to the router.
Try Another Website
Open a few different websites.
For example:
google.com
youtube.com
wikipedia.org
If every website fails, the problem could be your network connection, router, ISP or DNS.
If only one website fails, the problem may be with that particular website rather than your DNS.
Fix 1: Restart Your Router and Computer
This is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps, but it can solve temporary network and DNS problems.
Restart Your Router
Turn off your router or modem.
Wait around 30 seconds.
Turn it back on and wait for the internet connection to become available.
Then restart your Windows 11 computer.
Why Does This Help?
Your router may temporarily have:
- A DNS cache problem
- Network connection issues
- DHCP problems
- Temporary software errors
Restarting the router can clear temporary network states and establish a fresh connection with your ISP.
Fix 2: Flush the DNS Cache
Windows stores recently resolved DNS information in a local cache.
If the cached information becomes outdated or corrupted, DNS-related problems can occur.
How to Flush DNS Cache
Open Command Prompt.
You can search for:
Command Prompt
Then select Run as administrator if necessary.
Run:
ipconfig /flushdns
Press Enter.
You should see a message indicating that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
Now try opening the website again.
Why Does Flushing DNS Help?
Flushing the cache removes locally stored DNS information.
Windows can then perform fresh DNS lookups instead of relying on potentially outdated cached results.
Fix 3: Restart the DNS Client Service
Windows has a DNS Client service that handles DNS-related functions.
If this service encounters a temporary problem, restarting it may help.
How to Restart DNS Client
Press:
Windows + R
Type:
services.msc
Press Enter.
Find:
DNS Client
Right-click it and select an available restart option if Windows provides one.
Then try accessing the website again.
Fix 4: Change Your DNS Server
Your ISP automatically provides DNS servers in most cases.
However, your ISP’s DNS resolver may occasionally be slow, unavailable or experiencing problems.
Changing to another reputable DNS provider can help determine whether the DNS server itself is causing the problem.
Popular DNS Servers
You can try:
Cloudflare
Preferred DNS:
1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS:
1.0.0.1
Preferred DNS:
8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS:
8.8.4.4
Quad9
Preferred DNS:
9.9.9.9
Alternate DNS:
149.112.112.112
How to Change DNS in Windows 11
Go to:
Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi or Ethernet → DNS server assignment → Edit
Change:
Automatic (DHCP)
to:
Manual
Enable:
IPv4
Enter your preferred and alternate DNS addresses.
For example:
Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
Click:
Save
Then test your internet connection again.
Fix 5: Use the nslookup Command
Windows includes a useful DNS troubleshooting tool called nslookup.
It allows you to query DNS servers and see whether they can resolve a domain.
Test Your Current DNS
Open Command Prompt and run:
nslookup google.com
If DNS is working, you should receive an IP address in the response.
Test Cloudflare Directly
Run:
nslookup google.com 1.1.1.1
If this works but your normal nslookup google.com fails, your configured DNS resolver may be the problem.
Test Google DNS
You can also run:
nslookup google.com 8.8.8.8
This allows you to compare another DNS resolver.
Fix 6: Renew Your IP Address
Sometimes DNS problems are related to a broader network configuration issue.
Windows can obtain a new IP address from your router by renewing its DHCP lease.
Release Your Current IP Address
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Run:
ipconfig /release
Your network connection may temporarily disconnect.
Get a New IP Address
Then run:
ipconfig /renew
Windows will request a new IP address from your network’s DHCP server.
Afterward, try accessing websites again.
Fix 7: Reset the Network Configuration
If your Windows network configuration has become corrupted or misconfigured, resetting network components may help.
Reset Winsock
Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Run:
netsh winsock reset
Then restart your computer.
Reset TCP/IP
You can also run:
netsh int ip reset
Restart Windows after running the command.
These commands reset important Windows networking components.
Fix 8: Reset the Network Using Windows Settings
Windows 11 includes a built-in Network reset feature.
This should generally be used after trying less disruptive troubleshooting methods because it can remove and reinstall network adapters and reset network settings.
How to Perform a Network Reset
Go to:
Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset
Select:
Reset now
Windows will warn you that the computer may restart.
After the reset, you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and reconfigure certain network settings.
Fix 9: Check Your DNS Settings
Incorrect DNS configuration can prevent Windows from resolving domains.
Check Your DNS Configuration
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig /all
Find your active network adapter.
Look for:
DNS Servers
Make sure the listed DNS servers are correct and reachable.
If you manually configured DNS previously, verify that you entered the addresses correctly.
For example:
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
Google: 8.8.8.8
A simple typing mistake can cause DNS resolution to fail.
Fix 10: Check Your Hosts File
Windows has a local file called the hosts file that can override normal DNS resolution for specific domain names.
If the hosts file contains an incorrect entry, a website may resolve to the wrong address or fail to work.
Where Is the Hosts File?
The file is normally located at:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
You may need administrator privileges to edit it.
Be Careful When Editing the Hosts File
Don’t delete or modify entries unless you understand what they do.
If you suspect the hosts file is causing a problem, you can inspect it for unusual entries related to the website you’re trying to access.
Fix 11: Disable VPN Temporarily
A VPN can change how your DNS requests are handled.
If the VPN’s DNS configuration is experiencing a problem, websites may fail to resolve.
Test Without Your VPN
Temporarily disconnect your VPN.
Then try opening the website again.
If the website works normally after disconnecting the VPN, the problem may be related to the VPN’s DNS or network configuration.
Don’t leave your VPN disabled permanently if you need it for your privacy or security. This is simply a troubleshooting test.
Fix 12: Temporarily Check Security Software
Security software and firewalls can sometimes interfere with network traffic or DNS requests.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect security software is causing the problem, check its network or DNS-related settings.
Avoid permanently disabling your firewall or antivirus protection.
Instead, use temporary troubleshooting only when necessary and restore your security settings afterward.
Fix 13: Restart Your Network Adapter
Windows allows you to disable and re-enable your network adapter.
This can sometimes fix temporary network problems.
How to Restart the Adapter
Go to:
Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings
Find your active network adapter.
Disable it.
Wait a few seconds.
Then enable it again.
Try accessing the website afterward.
Fix 14: Update Your Network Driver
An outdated or malfunctioning network adapter driver can sometimes cause network problems.
How to Check Your Network Driver
Right-click the Start button.
Select:
Device Manager
Open:
Network adapters
Find your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
Right-click it and select:
Update driver
Follow Windows’ instructions.
When Should You Update the Driver?
Consider checking for an updated driver if:
- DNS problems started after a Windows update
- Your Wi-Fi connection frequently disconnects
- Network settings behave unusually
- Your network adapter is experiencing other problems
You can also check your computer or network adapter manufacturer’s website for the latest driver.
Fix 15: Check Your Router’s DNS Settings
If multiple devices on your network are experiencing DNS problems, the issue may not be specific to Windows 11.
For example, if:
- Your Windows PC cannot open websites
- Your phone cannot open websites
- Another laptop also cannot access websites
the router or ISP may be responsible.
Check Router DNS Settings
Log in to your router’s administration page.
Look for settings related to:
Internet / WAN / DNS
Your router may be configured to automatically obtain DNS servers from your ISP or use manually configured DNS servers.
If you change the router’s DNS configuration, all devices using that router may be affected.
Fix 16: Check Whether Your ISP Is Having a DNS Problem
Sometimes the problem isn’t your computer at all.
Your ISP’s DNS resolver may be temporarily unavailable.
How to Test This
Try a different DNS resolver.
For example:
nslookup google.com 1.1.1.1
If Cloudflare responds correctly while your normal DNS server doesn’t, your ISP’s DNS resolver could be experiencing an issue.
You can also test:
nslookup google.com 8.8.8.8
If multiple public DNS services work while your ISP’s DNS doesn’t, that provides a useful clue.
Fix 17: Try Accessing a Website Using Its IP Address
In some situations, you can use an IP address to help determine whether DNS is involved.
How This Test Works
Normally:
Domain name → DNS → IP address → Website
If DNS is failing, the first part may not work.
However, this test isn’t always reliable because modern websites often use CDNs, HTTPS, virtual hosting and multiple IP addresses.
Therefore, don’t assume that failure or success with a direct IP address proves that DNS is or isn’t the problem.
Fix 18: Check the Date and Time
Incorrect system time can cause problems with HTTPS connections and other network services.
Check Windows Date and Time
Go to:
Settings → Time & language → Date & time
Make sure:
Set time automatically
is enabled.
Also make sure the time zone is correct.
This isn’t usually a DNS problem, but checking the system clock can help when websites produce certificate or secure-connection errors.
Fix 19: Restart Your Browser
Sometimes the DNS problem isn’t actually caused by Windows.
Your browser may have its own DNS cache or network settings.
Try Another Browser
If you’re using Chrome, try Edge or Firefox.
If the website works in another browser, the issue may be related to your original browser’s settings or cache.
You can also completely close and reopen the browser before testing again.
Fix 20: Clear Browser DNS Cache
Some browsers maintain their own DNS-related caches.
Chrome-Based Browsers
In Chromium-based browsers, you can access the browser’s internal networking tools to inspect DNS-related information.
For troubleshooting, clearing browser cache and restarting the browser can sometimes help.
If the issue affects all browsers, focus on Windows, router or DNS resolver troubleshooting instead.
How to Identify the Source of a DNS Problem
Finding the exact cause is easier if you test each part separately.
Test 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your device is actually connected to the internet.
Test 2: Test Your Normal DNS
Run:
nslookup google.com
Test 3: Test Cloudflare
Run:
nslookup google.com 1.1.1.1
Test 4: Test Google DNS
Run:
nslookup google.com 8.8.8.8
Test 5: Test Another Device
Try opening the same website on your phone using the same Wi-Fi network.
If all devices fail, investigate the router or ISP.
If only Windows 11 fails, focus on the Windows network configuration.
Common DNS Error Messages in Windows 11
Windows and browsers can display several DNS-related errors.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
This generally means the DNS lookup indicates that the requested domain does not exist or cannot be resolved in the expected way.
Possible causes include:
- Incorrect domain name
- DNS configuration problems
- Incorrect DNS records
- Temporary DNS issues
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG
This usually indicates a DNS configuration problem.
Possible causes include:
- Incorrect DNS settings
- Network configuration issues
- Router problems
- DNS resolver problems
DNS Server Isn’t Responding
This means your device isn’t receiving an appropriate response from the configured DNS server.
Possible causes include:
- DNS server outage
- Network problems
- Router issues
- Firewall or security software
- Incorrect DNS configuration
What Is the Best Order to Troubleshoot DNS?
You don’t need to try every method immediately.
Start with the easiest solutions.
Recommended Troubleshooting Order
Try these steps in order:
1. Check your internet connection
2. Restart your router
3. Restart your computer
4. Flush DNS cache
ipconfig /flushdns
5. Renew your IP address
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
6. Test DNS with nslookup
nslookup google.com
7. Try another DNS server
For example:
1.1.1.1
or:
8.8.8.8
8. Reset Winsock
netsh winsock reset
9. Reset TCP/IP
netsh int ip reset
10. Use Windows Network Reset
Only if the earlier methods don’t solve the problem.
When Should You Contact Your ISP?
If DNS problems continue across multiple devices and different DNS resolvers, the problem may be outside your Windows computer.
Contact Your ISP If:
- Multiple devices cannot access websites
- Your router keeps losing internet access
- Both Wi-Fi and Ethernet have problems
- Your ISP’s DNS is consistently unavailable
- The internet connection itself is unstable
- Public DNS servers also fail from your network
Your ISP may be experiencing an outage or another network-side problem.
Final Thoughts
DNS problems can be frustrating because your computer may show that you’re connected to Wi-Fi while websites still refuse to load.
The good news is that many DNS problems in Windows 11 can be fixed without reinstalling Windows or making complicated changes.
Start with simple solutions such as restarting your router, flushing the DNS cache and renewing your IP address. If the problem continues, use nslookup to test DNS resolution and try a different DNS provider such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS.
For more serious network configuration problems, commands such as netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset, or Windows 11’s Network reset feature, can help restore the networking components to a clean state.
The most important thing is to troubleshoot systematically. Test your internet connection, test DNS separately, compare different DNS servers, and determine whether the problem affects one device or your entire network.
Once you identify where the problem is occurring, fixing the DNS issue becomes much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my internet connected but websites won’t open?
Your device may be connected to the router but unable to resolve domain names. Try flushing your DNS cache and testing another DNS server.
How do I fix DNS problems in Windows 11?
Start by restarting your router and computer, then run ipconfig /flushdns. If the problem continues, test your DNS using nslookup and consider changing your DNS server.
How do I flush DNS in Windows 11?
Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig /flushdns
What does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN mean?
It generally means the DNS lookup indicates that the requested domain doesn’t exist or cannot be resolved as expected.
What does “DNS server isn’t responding” mean?
It means Windows isn’t receiving an appropriate DNS response from the configured DNS server.
Should I change my DNS server?
If your current DNS server is slow, unreliable or experiencing problems, trying another reputable DNS resolver can help.
What DNS should I use in Windows 11?
Popular options include Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8, and Quad9 9.9.9.9. The best choice depends on your network and location.
Is Cloudflare DNS better than Google DNS?
Both are reputable public DNS services. Performance depends on your ISP, location and network routing, so testing both can help you determine which works better for you.
Does changing DNS increase internet speed?
No. Changing DNS doesn’t increase your internet bandwidth. It can sometimes improve DNS lookup performance or reliability.
Does changing DNS reduce gaming ping?
Usually not significantly. Gaming latency is primarily affected by the network route between your device and the game server.
How do I test DNS in Windows 11?
Use:
nslookup google.com
You can also test a specific DNS server:
nslookup google.com 1.1.1.1
How do I renew my IP address?
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
ipconfig /release
Then:
ipconfig /renew
What does netsh winsock reset do?
It resets the Windows Winsock network interface, which can help resolve certain network configuration problems.
What does netsh int ip reset do?
It resets parts of the Windows TCP/IP configuration and can help resolve certain networking problems.
Can a VPN cause DNS problems?
Yes. A VPN can change DNS routing and resolver settings. Temporarily disconnecting the VPN can help determine whether it is contributing to the problem.
Can my router cause DNS problems?
Yes. Router configuration, DNS settings, firmware problems or temporary network issues can cause DNS failures.
What if DNS problems affect all my devices?
If multiple devices on the same network cannot resolve websites, investigate your router and ISP rather than focusing only on Windows 11.
Should I reset Windows 11 network settings?
Network reset can help with persistent network configuration problems, but it should generally be used after trying simpler troubleshooting methods because it resets network-related settings.
How can I return to my ISP’s DNS?
Open Windows 11 DNS settings and change the DNS configuration back to Automatic (DHCP). Windows will then obtain DNS settings automatically from your network.
