Windows Network Diagnostics can be performed on Microsoft computers to help the user to diagnose internet connection problems. Are your DNS servers inaccessible. Here's how to fix DNS server not responding error on Windows 10.
While attempting to connect to the internet, you may likely encounter various performance issues.
Between incorrect configuration, the website not loading, and your web browser being unable to connect, these network fails can be caused by a variety of reasons
In times like these, your Windows Troubleshooting program will automatically respond with a 'DNS Server Not Responding' notification.
The good news is, you can generally correct such issues after applying a few computing solutions. We will be describing how to use them right here.
But before we go on to explain how to fix DNS server not responding error, let's examine some common causes:
About DNS Server Issues
Domain Name System (DNS) is the program that helps your computer to translate web-based domain names into recognizable IP Addresses.
It can best be described as an online directory of records designed to facilitate a seamless all-round browsing experience.
Let's say you suddenly lose internet access, the first thing you'd likely do is check to see that your router is working. But if it is, and websites simply cannot be opened it probably means that the DNS servers aren't accessible,
Hence, you should also be able to run a few other Windows Network Diagnostic checks to troubleshoot any advanced problems.
Let's now discuss how to fix DNS server not responding error on Windows 10.
Different Troubleshooting Solutions for DNS Server Not Responding Error
Windows Network Diagnostics can be performed on Microsoft computers to help the user to diagnose internet connection problems.
Are your DNS servers inaccessible? Here's what you can do:
1. Manually Configure the DNS Server
You can learn how to fix DNS server not responding error by following these straightforward steps:
- Start by pressing the Win+X keyboard keys and then you can pick from any of the Network Connections available. You also get to launch the network panel directly with the Win+X+W shortcut keys.
- Once there, you'll see the available network connections listed and all you have to do is select any of the active networks and then select the Properties tab after right-clicking on it.
- While the Properties window is still open, go ahead and select the active Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- This next step will involve you returning to the Properties window after you've selected the TCP/IPv4 feature.
- Once this is done, you can click on "Use the following DNS server addresses".
- You can now type out 8.8.8 in the space provided on your preferred DNS server interface.
- Next, type out 8.4.4 / 208.67.220.220 or 208.67.222.222 for use as a DNS server alternative.
- Once you're done adding the numeric server details above, you can click OK to effect these changes.
- At this point, you might have to disconnect & reconnect the internet connection so that the changes you've just applied can be reflected.
That's it! You've just learned how to fix DNS server not responding error by manually configuring the server details.
2. Configuring Your MAC Address Manually
This next approach in our guide on how to fix DNS server not responding error in Windows 10 will involve you manually setting your computer's MAC address.
The main purpose of this MAC address is to identify the "physical address" network equipment. Here's how to configure your PC's MAC address manually:
- Start by pressing the Win+X+A keyboard shortcut to launch the Command Prompt window.
- Once there, you may proceed to type out "getmac /v /fo list" within the space provided in the Command Prompt interface and then hit Enter or click OK.
- You should now take note of your internet network's Physical Address from among those listed on the CMD window. You can exit the Command Prompt afterward.
This next step is the part where you get to manually configure your internet connection. Here's how:
- Press the Win+X+W keyboard shortcut to launch the Network Connections menu. Once there, navigate to the Properties tab and then right-click on your computer's active network connection.
- Next, select the Configure option from inside the Properties menu.
- You can now proceed to the Advanced tab and then select the Network Address option under the Property list.
- This is where you get to enter the MAC address you took note of earlier from the Command Prompt by clicking on Value. You must not space out any characters while inputting your MAC address.
- To round up, save the changes by clicking on the OK button.
Well done! You've now learned how to fix DNS server not responding error by configuring your MAC address manually.
3. Disable the Antivirus & Firewall Program on your Computer
Yes, your antivirus & firewall are necessary security components for your PC's protection; however, its operation can sometimes interfere with your network connections thereby leading to failure of the DNS server.
By disabling your antivirus & firewall program temporarily, you can apply fixes to this server issue.
Note that your computer will still have the Windows Defender firewall active while the antivirus client is disabled.
4. If The DNS Server Still Isn't Responding Re-Install Your Network Drivers
Uninstalling and then reinstalling the network drivers on your PC can also help with resolving the network server glitch you're currently experiencing. Here's how:
- Start by pressing the Win keyboard key, type out Device Manager in the search box, and then hit Enter.
- You can click on Device Manager from the search results. Or, you could press the Win+X+M keyboard keys to launch the DM panel directly.
- Afterward, scroll down the page and then you can expand the Network Adapters menu.
- Next, you can go ahead to uninstall the driver by right-clicking on the network connection that is active.
- Then, you can select the "Scan for hardware changes" feature after right-clicking on any other adapter option.
- At this point, the driver should have re-appeared but if it doesn't, you can try disconnecting and re-connecting your wifi network.
That's it! You have now learned how to fix DNS server not responding error by re-installing your network drivers. You can also do it with Driver Easy Tool.
Rounding Up
If you paid attention while reading this post, the question of how to fix DNS server not responding error should no longer prove difficult for you to answer.
Feel free to check back here for more handy Windows 7/8/10 tips.