How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 11

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Windows 11NetworkWi-FiFix

The Problem

Sites fail to open with DNS server isn't responding or DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET, but Wi-Fi shows connected. Windows is not translating names (like google.com) into IP addresses—often a local DNS cache, adapter, or router issue, not a dead internet line.

Wi-Fi says "No Internet, secured" with a yellow triangle? Start with fix No Internet, secured—symptoms overlap but the first steps differ slightly.

Symptoms

  • Every browser fails; chat apps may still work on IP-based backends.
  • ping 8.8.8.8 works in Command Prompt but ping google.com fails.
  • Problem started after VPN software, parental controls, or a router firmware update.

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Quick Browser and Connection Check

  1. Try another browser or an InPrivate window (extensions can hijack DNS).
  2. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on, or unplug Ethernet for ten seconds.
  3. Test another device on the same network. If all devices fail, reboot the router.

Step 2: Flush the DNS Resolver Cache

  1. Open Terminal (Admin) (Win + X → Terminal (Admin)).
  2. Run: 
    ipconfig /flushdns
  3. Retry a website. If it works briefly then breaks, continue below.

Step 3: Set Public DNS Manually

Bypass flaky ISP DNS.

  1. Win + R → ncpa.cpl → Enter.
  2. Right-click your active adapter → Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
  4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses:
    • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate: 8.8.4.4 (Or Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1.)
  5. Click OK on all dialogs. Open Command Prompt and run: 
    ipconfig /registerdns

Step 4: Reset Winsock and TCP/IP

Corrupt stacks cause DNS timeouts even with good DNS servers.

  1. In Terminal (Admin): 
    netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
  2. Restart the PC—this matters; skipping reboot leaves half the reset in place.

Step 5: Disable IPv6 Temporarily (Test Only)

Some routers mishandle IPv6 DNS.

  1. In adapter Properties, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
  2. Test browsing. If fixed, update router firmware or leave IPv6 off until the router is patched—then re-enable IPv6.

Step 6: Remove Stale VPN and Security Filters

  1. Settings → Network & internet → VPN → remove unused profiles.
  2. Uninstall old VPN clients (Nord, Express, corporate SSL VPN) if you no longer use them—they leave virtual adapters behind.
  3. Check third-party "web protection" suites; disable their DNS filtering for a test.

Step 7: Reinstall the Network Adapter

Device Manager → Network adapters → uninstall Wi-Fi or Ethernet → Action → Scan for hardware changes → reboot.

Verify It Worked

In Command Prompt:

nslookup google.com

You should see an address under Non-authoritative answer. If nslookup fails but ping 8.8.8.8 works, DNS on the PC or router is still broken—repeat Step 3 on the router's LAN DNS settings (set to Automatic or forward to 8.8.8.8).

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