Learn How to Fix DNS Server not Responding

The Domain Name System or DNS translates hostnames to IP addresses. Suppose you are trying to fetch some website with a specific hostname, DNS translates that hostname to its corresponding IP address and redirect you to that particular website. 

If the DNS server stops responding then you can’t reach any website just by using the hostname. Rather, you have to enter an IP address for each website. That’s not possible.

If you can’t access any website through its hostname then you can run the network troubleshooter. If there is something wrong with the DNS then the troubleshooter will show that the DNS server is not responding.

Probable Fixes to Solve DNS Server Not Responding:

If the network troubleshooter fails to resolve the DNS server issue, then there are multiple fixes available, that you might try on your own to fix the issue. Otherwise, you can contact any professional to deal with the issue. But, it is advised to try these simple fixes beforehand.

Fix 1: Modify the DNS Server

An incorrect DNS server address can lead to this issue. Make sure that the DNS server address is correct. Let’s check out the process of changing the DNS server address.

1. Press and hold Win and R keys to open the Run dialogue box. Type in the box ‘control’ and click the OK button. The Control Panel will appear. Change the View By option to Large Icons.
2. After that, click the “Network and Sharing Center” section. Choose the Change Adapter Settings option from the left pane. Whatever network option you are using, right-click on the network option and click Properties option.
3. Afterwards, choose the Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4). Proceed with its Properties. Check the circles next to the ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ and ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ options. Confirm the changes with the OK button.
4. Now, select the Internet Protocol Version 6(TCP/IPv6) option. Repeat Step 3 for IPv6. Click on the OK option.

Finally, reboot your Windows computer and visit any website using any web browser. If you can visit the website then the issue is no more present on the system.

Fix 2: Restart the Router

Another possible cause behind the DNS server not responding issue is the failure of the proper functioning of the modem or router. Restarting the modem and router can solve the issue.

1. Switch off the modem and router by pressing the Power buttons and wait for a while.
2. Next, press and hold the Power buttons of the devices to turn them On.
3. Reconnect the computer to the router. 

Try to fetch any website by its hostname. If it doesn’t work please move on to the fixes below.

Fix 3: Deactivate IPv6

Some users have claimed that they solved this DNS issue just by deactivating the IPv6 protocol. You might give it a try. Use the following guidelines:

1. Explore the Control Panel. From there go to the “Network and Sharing Center”. Choose the Network connection and choose its Properties.
2. Search for the Internet Protocol Version 6 option. Uncheck the checkbox to disable the protocol.
3. Finally, click the OK button to save the modifications.

Restart the computer to check if the issue is still there.

Fix 4: Clear DNS Cache

The overloaded cache items can lead to the DNS server not working on Windows 10. Check if you have to clear the DNS cache. Stick to the guidelines below:

1. Fill out the Search box with ‘cmd’. Choose the Command Prompt option. Then, click the “Run an Administrator” option from the drop-down menu. Confirm the prompt with the Yes option.
2. Now, you have to type the following commands followed by pressing the Enter key.
   1. ipconfig/flushdns
   2. ipconfig/registerdns
   3. ipconfig/release
   4. ipconfig/renew

1. Don’t forget to press Enter after you type each command. Finally, reboot the computer and try to access any website and check if the process is successful or not.

Fix 5: Launch the Safe Mode

Safe Mode can help you in this scenario. This Diagnostic Mode can start up the DNS server. Safe Mode is available for Windows 10, 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP. You can enter the Safe Mode on Windows OS while booting the device. It helps to troubleshoot all the basic problems.

Just keep in mind to continue with the required network connection before you enter the Safe Mode. If you can reach websites while you are operating in Safe Mode then the problem might appear due to installed third-party antivirus software.

Fix 6: Deactivate the Antivirus

If you have installed a third-party antivirus program, then it might restrict the DNS server to work properly. The temporary deactivation can solve the issue. We don’t recommend deactivating the antivirus program. 

Rather you can switch to another antivirus program that doesn’t restrict the DNS. Otherwise, uninstall all those third-party antivirus applications and turn on the in-built Windows Defender Firewall.

Fix 7: Provide Mac Address 

This fix is quite complicated. Here, you have to make some serious changes for the network configuration. That’s why you should go through the steps very carefully.

1. Run a Command Prompt window. Make sure that you run the window as an administrator. Type ‘ipconfig/all’ on the window and press Enter. You can notice some configuration status.
2. Find out the Physical Address and note it somewhere down. This is the Mac address. You have to use this address to configure the Network Settings.
3. Go to the Network and Sharing Center through the Control Panel. Choose the network and choose the Change Adapter options. 
4. Right-click on the network connection. Select the Properties option. Under the Networking tab, check the box next to “Client for Microsoft Networks”. Now, choose the Configure button.
5. Stay in the tab named Advanced. Browse the Network Address option from the list. There you can find a box for the Value. Now, provide that physical address on that Value box.

Finally, you can click the OK button. Check if this fix has solved the DNS server issue.

Fix 8: Update Corresponding Drivers

An outdated network driver can cause this issue. Make sure that the computer is connected to the network and then follow the tasks below.

1. Open the window of the Device Manager. Just fill out the Search box with ‘device manager’. Choose Device Manager from the results.
2. You can notice Network Adapters on the left pane of the window. Expand it and opt for the correct Network driver.
3. Right-click on the driver. A drop-down menu appears. Select the Update Driver option. 
4. You can choose either the automatic or manual search option. Try both and find out if the issue gets resolved.

Fix 9: Switch off the Windows Update 

Windows 10 comes with an automatic Windows update and you can disable it to get the DNS server working. Deactivate the update on Windows 10 in the following manner:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu. Choose the “Update and Security” section.
2. Check if the Windows Update option is selected on the left pane. Now, browse the Advanced options. Choose the Delivery Optimization option.
3. Uncheck the box next to the ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’ option.

Now, check if the DNS server starts working or not. Hopefully, the fixes have helped you to fix the DNS server not responding. If you are still getting the error, you might consider a professional for further assistance in eradicating the error.