How To Fix DNS Server Not Responding Issue

By Ammarrauf01

DNS Server Not Responding. In this article, you will get to know about what is DNS, why DNS server is not responding, and how to fix DNS server not responding issue.

Internet connection issues are very common nowadays. It makes the user frustrated if he is doing some important work. One of the most frequent errors that happen is the DNS server not responding issue.

What Is DNS?

DNS stands for ‘Domain Name System‘. It is also known as a domain name service or domain name server. It is an internet service that translates the name of the domain into the IP address. The domain names are very sophisticated and can be remembered easily. On the other hand, the internet is totally based on IP Addresses. It means every domain has its IP address that is translated by DNS. For example; the domain name is www.example123.com and its translated IP address is 192.765.987.0.

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Why DNS Server Is Not Responding?

You will wonder why ‘ DNS not responding or secure DNS can’t run on this network ‘ error occurs so widely and create discomfort for the users. Some reasons why this error occurs are:

-Incorrect DNS addresses.
-Corrupted DNS cache.
-Outdated or damaged network drivers.
-Internet connection doesn’t work properly.
-Firewall can cause the problem.

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DNS Server Not Responding Issue Solutions:

Solution 1 – Change The DNS Server:

Sometimes DNS server does not respond, because it is recorded incorrectly. So, you have to change the DNS server. You can do it manually or automatically, whatever you prefer.

To change the DNS server manually:

1.Type Network Status in the Windows search bar.
2.Select the appropriate option.
3.Click on the Change adapter options in the Change your network settings section.
4.Double-click on your network device. Select the Properties option.
5.Locate the Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option and double-click on it.

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5.Make sure the Use the following DNS server addresses option is checked or else check it.
6.Enter the following values:
Preferred DNS server= 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server= 8.8.4.4
If it also doesn’t work, then enter:
Preferred DNS server= 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS server= 208.67.220.220

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7.Then, click on the OK option to save the changes and restart your computer.

To change the DNS server automatically, follow the steps given below:

1.Open the Properties of your network device again (follow step 1- step 3 from the earlier steps).
2.Double-click on the Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option again to open it.
3.Check the Obtain an IP address automatically option and Obtain DNS server address automatically option.
4.Click on OK to save the changes.
5.Locate the Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option in the properties of your network device and double-click on it.

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6.Again, check the Obtain an IP address automatically option and Obtain DNS server address automatically option.
7.Restart the computer to check if the DNS not responding issue has been resolved.

Solution 2 – Clear DNS Cache And Reset The IP Address:

A corruption in the DNS cache can also cause this issue. So, to solve this problem, you gave to clear the cache and reset the IP. To flush, register, release and renew the IP, follow the steps given below:

1.Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run.
2.Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
3.Select Yes in the dialogue box to open an elevated Command Prompt.
Type the following commands:
ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter.
ipconfig /release and press Enter.
ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

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4.Restart the computer to check if the ‘secure DNS can’t run on this network’ error has been solved.

Solution 3 – Restart The Modem And Router:

Restarting your modem and router can solve the issue. It fixes many connectivity bugs that happen due to inactive connections. You only have to press the router button and wait for a few minutes before pressing the power button again.

Solution 4 – Disable Firewall And Antivirus:

Disabling the firewall can also solve your problem. Sometimes, it can be the culprit of DNS not working error and simply disabling it from your computer will work to solve the issue.

Some users have also reported that third-party antivirus like McAfee can cause the problem. It has a history of creating internet problems for various issues. Try to disable or uninstall the antivirus.

Solution 5 – Uninstall The Wireless Adapter Driver:

Uninstall the wireless adapter driver to fix the problem. To do so:

1.Open the Run utility again.
2.Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
3.The Device Manager will open on your screen.

4.Locate the wireless adapter and right-click on it.
5.Select the Uninstall Device option from the pop-up menu.
6.Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the uninstallation.
7.Now, right-click on the Network adapters option.
8.Click on the Scan for hardware changes option.
9.The wireless adapter will be installed again.

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Check whether the DNS server is not responding issue is solved or not.

Solution 6 – Update Network Drivers:

Outdated network drivers can also these types of issues. For this, you have to update the network drivers to fix the issue. To update the driver:

1.Open device manager as instructed in solution 5.
2.Expand the Network adapters.
3.Right-click on the outdated network driver.

4.Click on the Update Driver.
5.Then select the Search automatically for the updated driver software option.
6.Follow the instructions to complete the update and then restart your computer to check if the DNS server not responding issue is solved.