How to Fix DNS Issues on Windows

What Causes This?

DNS issues on Windows usually happen when your PC is using a bad or outdated DNS cache, the wrong DNS server settings, or a network adapter that did not reconnect cleanly after sleep, restart, or a router change. In some cases, VPNs, security software, browser settings, or temporary Winsock/TCP-IP stack problems can also interfere with name resolution. The result is that websites cannot be translated from names like example.com into the IP addresses your computer needs.

Common Symptoms

• Websites fail to load even though Wi-Fi or Ethernet shows as connected
• You see errors like “DNS server not responding” or “This site can’t be reached”
• Some websites open, but others do not
• Browsing starts working again after a restart, then breaks later
• Apps that need internet access cannot connect by name

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC and router

   • Restart your computer normally.
   • Unplug your router and modem from power for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
   • Wait 2-3 minutes for the connection to fully return, then test a website.

2. Flush the DNS cache

   • Press Start, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Run this command:

     ipconfig /flushdns

   • You should see a message confirming the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.

3. Renew your IP address and reset Winsock

   • In the same Administrator Command Prompt, run these commands one at a time:

     ipconfig /release
     ipconfig /renew
     netsh winsock reset
     netsh int ip reset

   • Restart your PC after running them.
   • This clears stale network settings and rebuilds parts of the Windows networking stack.

4. Set a reliable DNS server manually

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Network & internet.
   • Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then click your active connection.
   • Find DNS server assignment and click Edit.
   • Change it to Manual.
   • Turn on IPv4 and enter:
     • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
     • Alternate DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Click Save.
   • If you use IPv6, you can also try:
     • Preferred DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
     • Alternate DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888

5. Disable and re-enable the network adapter

   • Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.
   • Expand Network adapters.
   • Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Disable device.
   • Wait 10 seconds, then right-click it again and choose Enable device.
   • Test your connection again.

6. Check for VPN, proxy, or security software interference

   • Disconnect any VPN temporarily.
   • Go to Settings > Network & internet > Proxy and make sure an unwanted proxy is not enabled.
   • If you recently installed firewall, antivirus, or network-filtering software, temporarily disable it and test browsing.
   • If DNS works after that, the software is likely blocking or redirecting requests.

7. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

   • Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Network and Internet and click Run.
   • Apply any fixes Windows suggests.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you do not want to work through DNS cache, adapter, and network stack fixes by hand, Kudu can detect common Windows networking problems and clear stale caches automatically. It is a simple way to fix DNS-related issues, restore normal browsing, and avoid digging through multiple settings menus yourself.

Download Kudu Free →