FIX: DNS server is not responding on Windows 10

by Milan Stanojevic

Deputy Editor

Last update:March 12, 2021

Affiliate Disclosure

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The DNS server is a crucial component of the Internet. Unfortunately, few users reported DNS server is not responding error messages on their Windows 10 PC, so we’re going to show you how to fix this problem.

If you want to access any website on the Internet, you need to access the DNS server first. After DNS server receives your request, you’ll be directed to the desired website.

What to do if DNS server is not responding Windows 10? The quickest fix is to change the DNS server settings manually. Then disable your firewall, reset your router and test the connection again.

If the error persists, use the additional troubleshooting methods listed below to learn how to fix the DNS server in Windows 10.

How do I fix DNS server not responding error on Windows 10?

1. Change the DNS server manually
2. Enter your MAC address manually
3. Install the latest drivers
4. Disable your antivirus and firewall
5. Update your router’s firmware
6. Use the netsh command
7. Restart your modem
8. Start your PC in Safe Mode
9. Disable Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
10. Disable Internet Protocol Version 6
11. Disable all additional connections
12. Check for third-party applications
13. Change the DNS address on your router
14. Reset your router
15. Turn off peer-to-peer update feature
16. Wait for your ISP to fix the problem
17. Fix Comcast DNS server not responding

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1. Change the DNS server manually

1. Open Network Connections. You can do that by pressing Windows Key + X on your keyboard and choosing Network Connections option.
   
2. Locate your network connection, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
   
3. When Properties window opens, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
   
4. Now select Use the following DNS server addresses option.
5. As Preferred DNS server enter 8.8.8.8. As for Alternate DNS server, you need to enter 8.8.4.4. If you want, you can also use 208.67.222.222 as Preferred and 208.67.220.220 as Alternate DNS server.
6. After you’re done, click OK to save the changes.
   
7. Optional: Disconnect from the Internet and connect back again.

When you try to access a certain website, you’ll automatically connect to your ISP’s DNS server.

However, it can happen that your DNS server is not available. If that’s the case, you’ll see DNS server is not responding error message.

One way to fix this problem is to change your DNS server to OpenDNS or Google DNS. This is a pretty simple procedure, and you can perform it by following the steps above.

After changing the DNS server, check if the problem is resolved. You should be able to browse the Internet without any problems.

Keep in mind that changing your DNS server might make your Internet connection a bit slower depending on your location, so you might want to experiment with different servers.

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Do you need to know more about DNS issues? Bookmark this page in case you need it later.

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2. Enter your MAC address manually

2.1 Locate the physical address of your PC

1. Type cmd in the search tab from Windows 10 and click on Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
2. Enter ipconfig /all and press Enter.
3. The list of information will now appear. Locate the Physical Address and write it down.
4. Close Command Prompt.

2.2 Configure your network connection

1. Open the Network Connections window.
2. Locate your connection and open its properties.
3. When the Properties window opens, click on Configure.
   
4. Go to the Advanced tab and select Network Address from the Property list.
5. Now select Value and enter the MAC address that you got from Command Prompt (Be sure not to enter any dashes while entering your MAC address).
   
6. Click OK to save the changes.

According to users, you can sometimes DNS failure simply by entering the MAC address of your network adapter manually.

This is a simple procedure, and in order to enter your MAC address, you need to find it first. To do that, follow the steps above.

Users report that this solution works best after switching to Google DNS or OpenDNS, so be sure to try it.

If you need to change your MAC address, you can use one of these MAC address changer tools.

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3. Install the latest drivers

3.1 Update your drivers manually

1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
   
2. When Device Manager opens, locate your network adapter, right-click on it and choose Uninstall.
   
3. The confirmation dialog window will now appear. If available, click on Delete driver software for this device and then click Uninstall.
   
4. After you delete the driver, restart your PC.
5. When your PC restarts, the default network driver will be installed. Check if the problem is resolved.
6. If the issue still persists, install the latest drivers for your network device and check if that solves the issue.

Your network adapter relies on drivers in order to work properly, and if you have any problems with it, it might be due to your drivers.

To fix DNS server errors on Windows 10, you need to visit your network adapter manufacturer’s website, download the latest drivers and install them on your PC.

If you can’t access the Internet at all, it might be caused by the DNS server not being unavailable, so download the drivers on a different device and install them on your PC.

Some users are also recommending uninstalling your network drivers before installing the new drivers.

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Learn how to update your drivers like a real technician with this complete guide!

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3.2 Update drivers automatically

Downloading drivers manually can cause damage to your computer in case you downloaded the wrong version. We strongly suggest doing it automatically by using a third-party tool.

The tool recommended below is extremely light and will repair or update your drivers in just a few seconds automatically and in just one go. You only need to invest a few clicks and the problem will go away.

4. Disable your antivirus and firewall

Antivirus and firewall solutions are necessary if you want to protect your PC from malicious users, but sometimes your antivirus and firewall can interfere with your Internet connection.

To fix DNS server connection issues on Windows 10, try temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall client.

Keep in mind that your PC will still be protected by Windows Defender even if you disable your antivirus, so there’s no need to worry about your safety.

If your antivirus or firewall client was causing this issue, be sure to change its configuration or switch to a different client.

Users reported that Bitdefender Total Security can sometimes cause this problem to appear. If you’re using Bitdefender, you need to go to Firewall settings and disable Block Internet connection sharing option.

After that, the problem should be resolved. Users reported that Avast can also cause this problem. To fix it, simply open Avast settings and disable the Secure DNS option.

You can also try disabling the firewall on your router. This is a bit advanced and potentially dangerous solution, so keep that in mind. By disabling your router’s firewall your PC will be completely vulnerable.

If you decide to do that, just disable your router’s firewall temporarily and check if that fixes the problem.

If the problem was your firewall, you need to turn it back on again and check your firewall configuration for the source of the problem.

To see how to disable your router’s firewall be sure to check its instruction manual.

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Do you want to browse the Internet safely? Check out the best antivirus tools for browsing!

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5. Update your router’s firmware

Few users reported that DNS servers may not be responding while using wireless networks. However, you can fix that simply by updating your router’s firmware.

We have to warn you that this is an advanced process, so you need to be extra cautious in order to avoid causing damage.

Before updating your router’s firmware be sure to back up its settings. To see how to properly update the firmware, we advise you to check your instruction manual.

If your DNS server not responding on wifi/wireless, you may also want to check the channels you’re using.

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6. Use the netsh command

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. When Command Prompt opens, enter:
   • netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
3. After all commands are executed, restart your computer.

According to users, you can fix DNS failure simply by running few commands from Command Prompt. To do that, follow the steps above.

By performing these commands you’ll reset your IP and clear the DNS cache, so be sure to try this method.

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7. Restart your modem

One way to fix DNS server not responding error on Windows 10, is by restarting your modem. To do that, simply press the power button on your modem to turn it off.

Wait for 30 seconds and press the power button again to turn it on. Wait until the modem turns on completely and check if the problem still persists.

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8. Start your PC in Safe Mode

1. Open the Start Menu and click the Power button. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart.
2. You’ll see three options available. Choose Troubleshoot.
3. Select Advanced options, select Startup Settings and click the Restart button.
4. When your PC restarts you’ll see a list of options available. Select Safe Mode with Networking by pressing F5 on the keyboard.
5. Safe Mode will now start.

Sometimes third-party applications such as antivirus or VPN tools can interfere with your Internet connection.

In order to fix DNS server not responding error on Windows 10, be sure to try accessing the Internet from Safe Mode.

If you’re not familiar, Safe Mode is a special mode in Windows that runs only with basic software and drivers.

When Safe Mode starts, check if your network connection is working. If there are no problems with your Internet connection in Safe Mode it means that third-party software is interfering with your network connection.

To fix this issue, you need to find and remove the problematic application from your PC.

Editor’s Note: This article continues on the next page. If you want to read more on how to optimize your Internet connection, feel free to explore our collection of guides.