Fixed: DNS Server Not Responding on My Network
Experiencing issues with a “DNS server not responding” error can be frustrating, but this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
You will find five essential steps to get your network back on track, from checking your connection to updating your network adapter driver.
This guide will also look at what a DNS server is, common causes of this error, and the benefits of changing your DNS settings.
Read on to regain seamless internet access!
Key Takeaways:
Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
Before fixing DNS server problems, first check if your computer or device is correctly connected to the internet. This first step can find issues with your network adapter on either Windows or macOS, covering checks for both wired and wireless connections.
To start this process, first check the basics: for wired connections, make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to both the device and the router.
For Windows, right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select ‘Troubleshoot problems.’ For Mac users, open ‘Network Preferences’ and click ‘Help Me.’
If Wi-Fi is your connection method, verify that the Wi-Fi is enabled and you are connected to the correct network. Look for indicators such as yellow or red warning icons, which can signal an existing issue with the connection, and pay attention to error messages that may provide direction for further troubleshooting.
Step 2: Restart Your Router and Modem
Restarting your router and modem is a simple yet effective method to resolve network issues, including those related to DNS server not responding. This process helps refresh your network settings and can often restore connectivity to your devices.
To begin the restart process, you should first locate both the router and the modem, which are typically found near the main internet cable connection.
Unplug each device from the power source, ensuring that they remain disconnected for at least 30 seconds; this pause allows the components to fully power down and clear any temporary settings or issues.
After waiting, plug the modem back in first and give it a moment to establish a connection before reconnecting the router.
This simple step can significantly improve internet speed and solve usual issues, making your connection more reliable for online tasks.
Step 3: Flush DNS and Renew IP Address
Flushing the DNS cache and renewing your IP address can resolve many connectivity issues, especially if the DNS server is not responding. In this step, open the Windows command prompt or macOS terminal to remove outdated DNS records and restore your network settings.
By performing these actions, users can eliminate stale or corrupt entries that may hinder internet browsing or access to specific websites.
Changing the IP address helps the computer connect to the best DNS server, which can lower delay and make browsing faster. Some leading researchers from Cloudflare suggest that understanding DNS processes like caching and server selection is key to optimizing internet speed.
Users should open the command prompt or terminal as an administrator. Once there, they can enter the appropriate commands to flush the DNS cache and renew the IP address, making sure that the device retrieves updated information from the network.
Step 4: Change DNS Server Settings
Changing your DNS server settings can dramatically affect your internet experience, especially if the current DNS server is not responding. Opting for a public DNS service like Google DNS can improve your connection speed and reliability while allowing for better DNS resolution. According to Google Developers, utilizing Google Public DNS can significantly enhance the performance and security of your internet connection.
By taking the time to adjust these settings, users may experience faster loading times and a more secure online environment. If you are experiencing connectivity issues beyond DNS settings, one of our most insightful case studies demonstrates a practical solution for resolving laptop WiFi issues.
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To change the DNS settings on a Windows device, go to the Control Panel, pick ‘Network and Internet,’ then ‘Network and Sharing Center,’ and click ‘Change adapter settings.’
Right-click the network connection, choose ‘Properties,’ and double-click ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).’ Now, you can enter the primary and secondary Google DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
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For macOS users, open ‘System Preferences,’ go to ‘Network,’ choose the active network connection, click ‘Advanced,’ and then ‘DNS.’
You can add the same Google DNS addresses to improve your internet experience.
Step 5: Update Your Network Adapter Driver
Updating your network adapter driver is essential for ensuring optimal performance and resolving connectivity issues, including those related to DNS services on your Windows device or macOS. Outdated drivers can lead to network issues and should be checked regularly via the device manager or system preferences.
A seamless internet experience hinges on keeping these drivers current. Users should first assess their current driver version, which can typically be found in the device manager for Windows or system preferences for macOS.
If the version displayed is outdated, the next step is to download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. Doing regular updates fixes current problems and stops possible issues like often losing connection or slow network speeds.
Troubleshooting connectivity often begins with verifying driver status, making this an essential practice for maintaining reliable network connections.
What Is a DNS Server and How Does It Work?
A DNS server, or Domain Name System server, is an important part of the internet that converts easy-to-remember domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers to reach websites. Using the internet relies on DNS, which uses various methods and safety steps to make sure connections work well and are secure.
Learning how these servers work shows how important they are for keeping networks safe. When a user enters a domain name, the DNS server initiates a query process, often reaching out to various servers in a hierarchical manner to locate the correct IP address.
This process of resolving can be open to attacks, so DNS security features like DNSSEC are important for stopping data corruption. Public DNS services, such as those from Google or Cloudflare, give quicker response times and better security rules, making them dependable for users. According to Cloudflare, DNSSEC is crucial in protecting against threats by ensuring that the data received is authentic and has not been tampered with ( read more about DNS security).
As the world moves to IPv6 because IPv4 has limitations, DNS servers must change to manage more addresses and keep strong security measures. The evolution of these systems illustrates their fundamental importance in enabling seamless and secure browsing experiences.
What Are the Common Causes of DNS Server Not Responding?
Common causes of a DNS server not responding include network issues, misconfigured firewall settings, and conflicts with antivirus software. Recognizing these factors can help in troubleshooting the problem effectively and restoring internet access promptly.
For instance, if there are incorrect DNS settings on the device, it may be helpful to double-check the server addresses entered in the network configuration.
In the same way, a firewall might accidentally stop DNS traffic. If this happens, it’s important to check the firewall settings for any blocks.
If the local network is experiencing connectivity problems, resetting the router can often resolve temporary outages.
By thoroughly examining these situations, you can find the main reasons for the DNS problems and make the needed corrections to get it working again.
How Can You Determine If the Issue Is with Your Network or the DNS Server?
To check if the problem is with your network or the DNS server, follow these steps: conduct network tests, use the command prompt, and attempt to visit a website in your browser. This method helps identify the cause of the problem to solve it effectively.
- Start by typing the ‘ping’ command in the command prompt to check the connection between the device and a server or website.
- Following that, testing connectivity with ‘ipconfig’ can reveal if the local network is configured correctly.
- If everything appears fine, moving on to browser tests, such as trying to access websites directly via their IP addresses, can help determine if it’s a DNS resolution issue or a broader connectivity problem.
- Looking at the results of these commands will help determine if the problem is due to network settings, the DNS server, or another cause.
What Are the Benefits of Changing Your DNS Server?
Switching your DNS server can provide benefits like faster DNS response, access to restricted content, and better network security. Public DNS services like Google DNS often provide faster and more reliable connections compared to default DNS settings provided by ISPs.
In fact, many users have reported significantly quicker loading times for websites when switching to a public DNS. For example, while a typical ISP might have issues with delays, services like Cloudflare DNS guarantee fast performance and use advanced security measures to guard against usual dangers like phishing.
By choosing an alternative DNS provider, individuals can bypass geo-restrictions, enabling access to content that’s otherwise unavailable in their region. Switching from standard ISP settings to these DNS services can really improve your browsing experience.
How Often Should You Update Your Network Adapter Driver?
Regularly updating your network adapter driver is important for keeping a good connection and performance, ideally every few months or when you have network problems. Using the device manager lets you quickly look for updates and make sure your settings are up to date.
Frequent checks can significantly improve speeds and reduce lag, enhancing the overall online experience. Users should consider checking for driver updates whenever they notice a slowdown or connectivity problem, as outdated drivers can hinder performance.
Go to the networking tab in device manager to locate the updates you need. Here, a simple right-click on the network adapter will reveal options to update the driver automatically or manually.
Adding this practice to regular maintenance can stop problems from happening later, keeping browsing smooth and networks reliable.