DeviceHowTo
Windows 10⏱ 8 min

How to Fix DNS Errors on Windows 10

Resolve DNS server not responding and website-not-loading errors.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

DNS errors on Windows manifest most visibly as specific sites failing to load while others work fine, or as the "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET" error in Chrome, both of which indicate the device can't resolve hostnames to IP addresses correctly. The Windows DNS cache retains mappings for visited sites and can preserve stale records after a router's DNS settings change — flushing it with ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt forces fresh lookups on every next request. Overriding the router's DNS with a reliable public resolver (Google's 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1) in the network adapter settings is a permanent fix if the router itself is providing unreliable name resolution.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: ipconfig /flushdns. Then close and reopen your browser.
  2. 2Set a reliable public DNS manually: Primary 8.8.8.8, Secondary 8.8.4.4, found in your network adapter or Wi-Fi settings.
  3. 3Restart the browser and test loading sites that previously failed.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 10 have a built-in way to fix dns errors?
Yes. Windows 10 includes a native option to fix dns errors without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to fix dns errors on Windows 10?
Most users complete this in about 8 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to fix dns errors on Windows 10?
Yes — this is a standard Windows 10 operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if fix dns errors doesn't work on Windows 10?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

Same task, different device

Windows 11macOSiPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyGoogle PixelChromebook

Related guides for Windows 10

Fix Wi-Fi Not Working

Restore internet access with fast, high-success diagnostic steps.

Fix Bluetooth Not Working

Resolve pairing failures, connection drops, and missing Bluetooth toggle.

Take a Screenshot

Capture your full screen or a selected region using built-in shortcuts.

Record Your Screen

Start a native screen recording without installing third-party software.