Domain Name Server plays an important role in your day to day Internet activity. But, if the DNS server stops responding all of a sudden, you cannot access any websites.
To solve this annoying problem, many users run the built-in network troubleshooter. This is when you might receive a message that indicates the DNS server isn’t responding.
Here, we will discuss the necessary details regarding resolving the DNS server when it is not working. Along with that, you will also get additional information about how to avoid this critical problem.
Reasons Why DNS Server is not Responding
There are many possible reasons behind blocking the Internet as the DNS server is not responding. The top reasons are given below.
- Incorrect DNS address
- Presence of DNS cache files
- Outdated network adapter driver
- Router or modem in freezing condition
Now, let’s dive into the solutions to solve problems due to the DNS server not responding on Windows. However, you will be able to apply these solutions in Windows 7,8, and 10.
Solutions to Fix the Unresponsive DNS Server
You must apply these solutions when your DNS Server doesn’t respond correctly. So, go through the steps carefully which are given below.
Solution 1: Rectify the DNS Server Address
Putting the wrong address in the URL box might result in an unresponsive DNS server. To resolve this problem, follow the steps discussed below.
- Press the Windows logo key+R from your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Then type “control” and it will open the Control Panel window.
- Select the “Network and Sharing Center” and open it. Then find “Change adapter settings” and choose “Set up a new connection or network”.
- When the “Network Connections” dialog box opens, you will find the “Ethernet” adapter. Right-click on it and select the “Properties” option.
- Now go to the “Networking” tab and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\IPv4)” and hit “Properties”.
- Select the radio button beside the “Obtain an IP address automatically” option. Thereafter, choose the button next to “Obtain DNS server address automatically”.
- Now return to the “Ethernet Properties”, select the IPv6 and click on the “Properties” again.
After that, you must repeat the steps discussed above.
Now restart your computer in order to save the changes. After that, try to access the website that you were unable to launch due to unresponsive DNS servers.
If the server problem persists, then more solutions are given below.
Solution 2: Reset the IP Address by Clearing DNS Cache Files
Cleaning the DNS cache or junk files and resetting the IP address might help to solve the unresponsive server.
So, open the Command Prompt and right-click to run it as Administrator. When the black screen appears, type the following commands.
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /registerdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
Make sure that you press Enter key after typing each command. After the procedure is complete, restart your computer to save these changes. If the webpage doesn’t open, then try the next solution.
Solution 3: Update the Network Adapter Driver
There are two ways with which you can update your network adapter. One is by installing a third-party application that will help you to update it automatically. Whereas the other way involves updating your Windows OS.
To proceed with the first method, download any secured third-party application and then install it.
The application will scan your computer and provide information about all the outdated and missing drivers. The details about the network adapter driver will be there as well. So, click on the “Update” or “Download” button and the software will take care of the rest.
When any system update is available, you must know that all the missing and outdated drivers will be recovered from Windows Corporation itself. So we advise you to update your Windows at the earliest.
Solution 4: Reboot the Modem and Router
The DNS won’t work sometimes when your networking device freezes. This happens when the device is working non-stop for a longer period.
So, try to reboot your router and modem to make the DNS server respond again. For this, you need to press the Power button of the device to turn it off. Wait for some time and then turn it on. When the devices are fully ready, connect to the Internet and try to access the website.
Hopefully, you will be able to connect to any website after performing any one of these solutions.
