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How to Fix DNS Server Unavailable Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing a “DNS Server Unavailable” error on your Windows 11 device can be frustrating. This problem usually prevents you from accessing websites and online services. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to fix it.

This article will guide you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue. Whether you are a beginner or have some technical knowledge, these instructions are clear and straightforward.

By following these methods, you can restore your internet connection and browse the web without interruptions. Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into detailed fixes.

Understanding the basics of DNS and why it matters will help you troubleshoot this problem effectively.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Troubleshooting

  • Check your internet connection: Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet properly.
  • Restart your modem and router: Sometimes, simply rebooting your networking devices fixes temporary glitches.
  • Confirm other devices work: Check if other devices on the same network can access the internet.
  • Disable VPN or proxy: VPNs or proxy settings can interfere with DNS, so temporarily disable them.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer is the simplest way to clear temporary issues. This resets network settings and refreshes system processes that might be causing the DNS error.

How to restart:

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.

Once your PC restarts, try accessing a website again to see if the DNS error has cleared.

Step 2: Flush DNS Cache

Your computer stores DNS information temporarily to speed up website loading. Sometimes this cache becomes outdated or corrupted, causing connection issues.

Flushing the DNS cache forces your PC to get new DNS information from the server.

How to flush DNS cache on Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + S and type Command Prompt.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns

You should see a message saying the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed. Try reconnecting to the internet now.

Step 3: Change DNS Server Address

Your DNS server translates website names into IP addresses. Sometimes your default DNS server may be slow or unreachable. Changing to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare can help.

How to change DNS settings:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Internet.
  3. Select Advanced network settings at the bottom.
  4. Click on More network adapter options.
  5. Right-click your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  6. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  7. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
  8. Enter the following addresses:
  • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
  • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)

Alternatively, you can use Cloudflare DNS:

  • Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
  • Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
  1. Click OK to save changes, then close all windows.

Check your internet connection to see if this resolves the error.

Step 4: Reset TCP/IP Settings

TCP/IP controls how your computer connects to the internet. Resetting these settings can fix problems caused by misconfiguration or corruption.

How to reset TCP/IP:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 2).
  2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

After running these commands, restart your computer to apply changes.

Step 5: Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

Sometimes the network adapter needs to be refreshed to fix DNS-related errors.

How to disable and enable network adapter:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
  3. Click on More network adapter options.
  4. Right-click your active network adapter and select Disable.
  5. Wait a few seconds, then right-click it again and select Enable.

Test your internet connection after this step.

Step 6: Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Security software can sometimes block DNS requests by mistake. Temporarily turning off your firewall or antivirus may help identify if they are the cause.

Important: Only disable these protections briefly and turn them back on after testing.

  1. Open your antivirus program and look for an option to disable protection.
  2. For Windows Firewall, open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  3. Turn off the firewall for your active network profile.

Try accessing the internet again. If the error disappears, adjust firewall or antivirus settings to allow DNS traffic.

Alternative Method: Use Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix network problems automatically.

How to run the troubleshooter:

  1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Internet Connections and click Run.
  4. Follow the instructions on screen.

This tool can often pinpoint the issue and offer fixes without manual steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “DNS server unavailable” mean?

This error means your computer cannot reach the DNS server that translates website names into IP addresses. Without this, browsing the internet is impossible.

Can I use any DNS server address?

Yes, but it’s best to use reliable public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) for better speed and security.

Is flushing DNS safe?

Absolutely. Flushing DNS only clears temporary cache and does not harm your system. It often fixes browsing issues.

Why does restarting help fix DNS problems?

Restarting resets your network connections and services, clearing temporary errors that may cause DNS failures.

What if changing DNS servers doesn’t work?

Try resetting TCP/IP settings or disabling security software temporarily. If problems persist, more advanced troubleshooting or contacting your ISP may be necessary.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still see the “DNS Server Unavailable” error, consider the following options:

  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP): There might be issues with your ISP’s DNS servers or network.
  • Update network drivers: Visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download the latest network adapter drivers.
  • Use Windows System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring your system to an earlier point might help.
  • Visit Microsoft Support: Check the official Microsoft Support site for more detailed guidance.

Conclusion

The “DNS Server Unavailable” error on Windows 11 can usually be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by restarting your PC and flushing the DNS cache. Changing DNS servers and resetting network settings often resolve more stubborn issues.

Remember to check your network connection and temporarily disable any firewalls or antivirus programs that might block DNS requests. If needed, use the built-in Windows troubleshooter for assistance.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to restore your internet access and enjoy smooth browsing again. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or contact your ISP.

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