{"id":30654,"date":"2025-07-17T14:58:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T21:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=30654"},"modified":"2025-07-29T03:53:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T10:53:39","slug":"dns-server-not-responding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/dns-server-not-responding\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error: Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A DNS server not responding is pretty annoying and fairly common; it often comes down to minor network or configuration problems. The good news is you can usually fix it yourself without needing to be a tech expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll explain what it means, why it happens, and walk you through step-by-step solutions for any device \u2013 including specific instructions for Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, and PlayStation 5. We\u2019ll also give you some tips to prevent future DNS issues and explain how Private Internet Access (PIA VPN)<\/a> can help in certain cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the \u201cDNS Server Not Responding\u201d Error Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cDNS server not responding\u201d error means your device is unable to connect to the Domain Name System (DNS) server. This server translates the human-friendly names for websites, like privateinternetaccess.com, into IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, when you enter a web address, your device asks the DNS server for the corresponding IP address to connect to. The DNS server then typically asks a couple of other DNS servers to find the IP you need, and once it finds it, it sends it back to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you get a DNS server not responding error, it means the lookup process isn\u2019t working, and as a result, your device can\u2019t connect to the service you\u2019re trying to reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DNS Server Not Responding: Quick Fixes to Try First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before we go through troubleshooting steps for specific devices, you can try these quick troubleshooting solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Restart Your Router<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unplug the router\u2019s power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it reconnects, test your connection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it works:<\/strong> Restarting forces the router to clear its memory and refresh its connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This can fix DNS issues caused by a full cache, dropped packets, or a stalled connection to the DNS server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Try a Different Browser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To rule out a browser issue, try another browser. If a website loads in one browser and not another, check to see if there\u2019s an update for the browser that\u2019s not working.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it works:<\/strong> Browser bugs, corrupted settings, or outdated versions can interfere with DNS resolution. Switching browsers helps confirm if the issue is browser-specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Test Another Device on the Same Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you think the issue is with a particular device, you can run a test on a second device. For instance, if your PC has DNS errors, connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network and see if you can open the website you\u2019re trying to access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n
  1. If only one device is affected, the problem is likely with that device\u2019s settings.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n
  2. If no device can browse, the issue may lie with your router or ISP.<\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Why it works:<\/strong> This helps you identify if only one device is affected, after which you can check it for incorrect DNS settings, outdated network drivers, or a misconfigured firewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall, Antivirus, or VPN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Turn off your firewall and antivirus temporarily and try to access the web. If the website loads without an error message, adjust the settings to allow DNS traffic (look for any \u201cDNS protection\u201d or network settings).

    If you\u2019re using a VPN, you can disconnect from it and see if that resolves the DNS problem. Keep in mind that doing so will expose your internet traffic, so only try this if you don\u2019t currently need the protection provided by the VPN. PIA VPN users shouldn\u2019t face DNS errors when using the default PIA DNS servers. You can check your DNS settings in the app and toggle between different options to troubleshoot your issue.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why it works:<\/strong> Security tools and VPNs sometimes block or redirect DNS requests. If they\u2019re misconfigured or too aggressive, they can interfere with normal DNS resolution and lead to connection errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Disable Extra Network Adapters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Go to your network settings and disable any connection you aren\u2019t using, such as a second Wi-Fi interface or VirtualBox network. After disabling them, restart your browser and try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why it works:<\/strong> Having multiple active adapters can confuse your operating system about which one to use for DNS queries. This can lead to misrouted or dropped DNS requests, which in turn cause connection errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Fix a DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 11<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re seeing a DNS server not responding error on Windows 11, you can generally repair it with one of several easy fixes. Below are the most effective methods with clear, step-by-step instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Run the Internet Troubleshooter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"Visiting<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n
      1. Select Other troubleshooters.<\/em><\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        Troubleshoot tab on Windows 11 with the \"Other Troubleshooters\" option highlighted.<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
          \n\n
        1. Find Network and Internet<\/em> and click Run.<\/em><\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \"Screenshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
            \n\n
          1. Follow the on-screen instructions. If Windows detects a DNS issue, it may fix it automatically.<\/li>\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

            2. Flush DNS Cache and Renew Your IP<\/h3>\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Type \u201ccmd\u201d in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt<\/em>, and select Run as administrator.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              \"Finding<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. In the command prompt window, type the following three commands, pressing the Enter<\/em> button after each one. This clears old DNS entries and gets a new IP address from your router.\n