DNS translates website names into the numeric addresses computers use. When DNS fails, Wi-Fi may look connected while browsers show DNS server not responding, DNS probe errors, or site cannot be reached messages.
Does this affect you?
Use this on Windows 10 or Windows 11 when browsers fail with DNS errors even though the network icon says connected.
Flush DNS and renew IP
This clears stale DNS and network settings.
- Right-click Start and open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
- Run ipconfig /flushdns.
- Run ipconfig /release.
- Run ipconfig /renew.
- Close and reopen the browser, then test again.
- Restart the computer if the error remains.
Switch to public DNS
Use this if your provider DNS appears to be the problem.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
- Open adapter options, right-click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and choose Properties.
- Open Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS, or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare.
- Save and test websites again.
Restart router and isolate the cause
Use this when DNS changes do not settle it.
- Unplug the router for 30 seconds and wait for it to restart.
- Try another browser. If only one browser fails, clear its cache or check extensions.
- Try another device on the same network.
- Temporarily disconnect VPN or security software that intercepts DNS.
More control
Set DNS on the router for every device
Changing DNS in router WAN or internet settings can make all home devices use the same public DNS servers.
VPNs can bring their own DNS
A VPN may route DNS differently and cause the same error. Disconnect it briefly to test.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Fix Network Connection Issues in Windows (2025)
- Google Public DNS – Using Google Public DNS (2025)
- Cloudflare – Set Up 1.1.1.1 DNS (2025)
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