How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding (Windows & Mac)

Encountering a “DNS Server Not Responding” error can be frustrating. DNS is one of the primary components needed to browse the web, and if your DNS is not working, then a vast majority of your internet traffic will come to a halt.

DNS is notoriously infamous for being poorly designed, as it was developed in 1983 when only a handful of computers were connected to the internet. Since then, the internet (and networking problems) have grown exponentially. This is portrayed perfectly by this XKCD comic:

This guide will help you diagnose and resolve DNS connectivity issues across various devices and operating systems. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, or facing router-related challenges, we’ll provide systematic solutions to restore your internet access efficiently.

Following this guide, you’ll learn how to identify DNS server errors, implement targeted solutions, and prevent future connectivity disruptions. We’ll explore troubleshooting techniques for Windows and Mac systems, and general network configurations to ensure you have a comprehensive toolkit to address DNS server challenges.

Let’s get started!

What Causes A ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ Error?

DNS reliability has become such a notorious challenge that it spawned a popular tech community meme: the “It’s ALWAYS DNS” flowchart by Tales of a Tech Rule, which humorously captures the frustrating reality that most network issues ultimately trace back to DNS configuration or resolution problems.

The “DNS server not responding” error typically occurs due to several simple network connectivity and configuration problems. When your computer cannot successfully communicate with the designated DNS server, or receive a proper IP address translation, you will see a “DNS Server Not Responding” error message.

Technical misconfigurations, such as incorrect DNS server settings, network interface issues, or temporary service interruptions, can all interrupt the domain name resolution process. This can also be caused by outdated network adapter drivers, misconfigured network settings, internet service provider (ISP) DNS server problems, firewall interference, or temporary DNS cache corruption.

Router misconfigurations, network malware infections, or unstable internet connections can also disrupt DNS resolution, causing domain name translation failures and affecting network connectivity.

Suggested read: How To Flush DNS Cache — A Full Guide

11 Ways to Fix ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ on Mac & Windows

As is clear already, many things can cause a DNS server to malfunction. Let’s look at common troubleshooting steps to help you resolve these issues.

#1 – Try Using A Different Browser

When you encounter a DNS server problem, switching browsers can help diagnose whether the issue is browser-specific or a broader network problem. If your primary browser shows a “DNS Server Not Responding” error, try opening the same website using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

This quick test helps determine if the problem is isolated to a single browser or represents a more complex network configuration challenge. Sometimes browser-specific settings, cached data, or temporary glitches can interfere with domain name resolution, making browser switching an effective first troubleshooting step.

If the website loads successfully in an alternative browser, consider clearing your original browser’s cache, resetting browser settings, or updating to the latest version. These actions can resolve browser-specific DNS resolution complications and restore your internet browsing experience.

Suggested read: How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

#2 – Check The Site From A Different Device

Another quick and easy way to diagnose DNS issues is by testing website accessibility from another device such as a smartphone, tablet, or a secondary computer. If the problematic website loads correctly on another device connected to the same network, the problem likely resides with your original device’s network configuration. This approach helps isolate whether the “DNS Server Not Responding” error is device-specific or is caused by a broader network-level misconfiguration.

When performing this test, ensure both devices use the same network connection (either Wi-Fi or ethernet) to maintain consistent testing conditions. Pay attention to whether the website loads normally on the alternative device, indicating a localized issue with your primary device’s DNS settings or network adapter. If the site remains inaccessible across multiple devices, the problem might involve your router, internet service provider, or the website’s server infrastructure.

Suggested read: What is DNS & How Does It Work? Everything You Need To Know.

#3 – Restart Your Computer to Resolve DNS Server

Restarting your computer might be the simplest way to resolve DNS server connectivity problems. This action clears temporary network configurations, refreshes system memory, and resets network adapters, potentially eliminating temporary issues preventing successful domain name resolution. A full restart ensures that all background processes are terminated and reinitialized, which can clear cached network settings and restore proper DNS functionality.

When restarting, choose a complete shutdown rather than a quick restart option. Allow your computer to power down completely for about 30 seconds before turning it back on. This approach ensures a more thorough reset of network interfaces and system configurations. After restarting, you can attempt to access the previously problematic website to verify whether the DNS server issue has been resolved.

Suggested read: How To Speed Up DNS Propagation | Ultimate Guide

#4 – Restart Your Computer In Safe Mode

Booting your computer in Safe Mode provides a controlled environment to diagnose potential DNS server problems caused by third-party software, drivers, or system conflicts. Safe Mode loads only essential system processes and drivers, which can help isolate whether external applications or drivers are interfering with your network connectivity. This allows you to isolate potential software-related misconfigurations that might be disrupting DNS resolution.

To enter Safe Mode, you must restart your computer and use specific key combinations depending on your operating system. If you are using Windows, press F8, or hold the Shift key during a Mac restart.

Once in Safe Mode, you can attempt to access websites and observe whether DNS resolution functions correctly. If internet browsing works smoothly in Safe Mode, it suggests that a third-party application, recently installed software, or conflicting driver might be causing your DNS server issues. You can then systematically investigate and uninstall or update potential problematic software to restore normal network functionality.

Suggested read: Amazon Route 53 vs. Cloudflare DNS – Which Is Better?

#5 – Turn Off Antivirus Software And/Or Your Firewall

Antivirus programs and firewalls can sometimes interfere with network connectivity, resulting in DNS resolution problems. These security tools might mistakenly block legitimate network connections or interrupt DNS lookup processes. To troubleshoot this issue, you can temporarily disable your antivirus software and firewall to determine if they’re causing the DNS server to not respond to an error.

When disabling the security software, you should proceed cautiously and only temporarily. Access your antivirus or firewall settings through the control panel or system tray icon, and look for options to disable protection briefly. After turning off these programs, try accessing the problematic website. If the site loads successfully, you’ll know your security software was blocking the connection. In this case, consider updating your antivirus or adjusting its network settings to prevent future DNS resolution interruptions.

Suggested read: Cloudflare DNS for RunCloud (Security & Performance)

#6 – Disconnect From Your VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can sometimes cause DNS server connectivity issues by routing your Internet traffic through alternative servers or creating network configuration conflicts. If you’re experiencing persistent DNS problems, temporarily disconnecting from your VPN can help isolate the source of the issue.

Open your VPN application and select the option to disconnect or turn off the VPN connection. Once disconnected, attempt to access the website that was previously unavailable. If the site loads normally, your VPN might be causing DNS resolution problems. Consider switching VPN servers, updating your VPN client, or checking your VPN’s DNS settings to ensure compatible network configuration.

Suggested read: Hostname vs Domain Name: What’s the Difference? [With Examples]

#7 – Flush DNS Cache to Clear Out Corrupted DNS Records

Your computer stores DNS lookup information in a local cache to improve internet browsing speed. However, this cache can become corrupted or contain outdated records, leading to the “DNS Server Not Responding” errors. Flushing the DNS cache clears these stored records, forcing your computer to request fresh DNS information from servers. This process can resolve many temporary DNS resolution issues.

The process differs slightly between operating systems:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
• Mac: Open Terminal, type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.
• Linux: Use “sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches” or distribution-specific commands.

After flushing the DNS cache, restart your web browser and attempt to access the previously problematic website. This simple maintenance task often resolves unexpected DNS connectivity problems.

#8 – Restart Your Router to fix DNS Errors

Routers can experience temporary glitches that disrupt network connectivity and DNS resolution. Restarting your router clears its internal memory, reestablishes internet connections, and often resolves intermittent network problems. This straightforward troubleshooting technique can quickly restore your internet connection and resolve DNS server issues.

To restart your router:

1. Unplug the power cable from the router
2. Wait at least 30 seconds to fully discharge the device
3. Plug the power cable back in
4. Wait 2-3 minutes for the router to fully restart and reconnect to your internet service provider.

During the restart process, all connected devices will temporarily lose internet access. Once the router’s lights stabilize, check your internet connection and attempt to access websites.

#9 – Disable IPv6

IPv6 is a relatively newer internet protocol, and it can sometimes cause DNS resolution problems as many services and software are not configured for it. Disabling IPv6 might resolve connectivity issues.

To disable IPv6 on Windows, open Network Connections, right-click your network adapter, select Properties, and uncheck the IPv6 protocol box.

On Mac, you can go to System Preferences, select Network, choose your connection, and uncheck IPv6 in the TCP/IP tab.

After disabling IPv6, restart your computer and test your internet connection. This step can help eliminate potential conflicts causing the “DNS Server Not Responding” errors, especially if your network or internet service provider has incomplete IPv6 support.

#10 – Change The Default DNS Server to Improve Website Access

Your internet service provider’s default DNS servers might be slow or unreliable. Switching to public DNS servers such as Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) can improve internet speed and reliability.

You can change your DNS server on Windows by navigating to Network Connection and clicking Edit next to the DNS Server Assignment option.

This will open a pop-up menu. Here, you can select the IPv4 option and manually enter alternative DNS server addresses. We recommend using 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8 as your DNS servers. These public DNS servers are typically faster and more secure and can help resolve persistent DNS server issues.

#11 – Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause DNS server connectivity problems. You can try updating or reinstalling your network adapter drivers to fix the corrupted files.

To update drivers on Windows, open Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click your adapter, and select Update Driver. Choose the automatic update option to ensure you have the latest compatible drivers.

For Mac users, system updates typically handle driver updates automatically. To ensure your operating system is current, check System Preferences > Software Update.

Wrapping Up

DNS server issues can be complex technical challenges that require systematic and strategic approaches. By understanding the underlying network mechanisms and applying targeted troubleshooting techniques, you can easily diagnose and resolve connectivity problems.

New protocols and technologies constantly evolve, and maintaining websites requires staying updated with the latest networking trends, security protocols, and troubleshooting techniques.

If you are a website developer, you can avoid half of the problems with your DNS servers by simply using RunCloud’s automated DNS manager.

RunCloud works with Cloudflare to automatically update your DNS records worldwide whenever you deploy a new web application.

You can also take advantage of its one-click WordPress install and one-click staging site functionality to build and deploy websites without ever needing to log in to a terminal.

Get started with RunCloud.

DNS Server Error FAQs