How to fix DNS server could not be found?

The DNS Server Couldn't Be Found: Troubleshooting Windows 10 Network Issues

The dreaded "DNS server could not be found" error in Windows 10 can halt your internet access completely. Fortunately, this frustrating issue is often solvable with some straightforward troubleshooting. Before you call your internet provider, try these steps to get back online.

This error means your computer can't communicate with a Domain Name System (DNS) server. The DNS server acts as a translator, converting human-readable website addresses (like google.com) into the numerical IP addresses computers use to connect. Without a working DNS server, your browser can't find the websites you're trying to visit.

1. The Simple Restart:

Often, the easiest fix is also the most effective. Start by restarting your network hardware. This includes:

• Your modem: Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
• Your router: Unplug it after the modem has restarted, wait another 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

Allow a few minutes for your network to fully re-establish its connection. Try accessing a website again. If this solves the problem, congratulations! If not, move on to the next steps.

2. Flushing the DNS Cache:

Your computer stores a cache of DNS records to speed up website access. Sometimes, this cache can become corrupted or outdated, causing the "DNS server not found" error. Flushing the cache clears this stored information, forcing your computer to request fresh data from the DNS server.

To flush your DNS cache:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd," right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.
4. Try accessing a website.

3. Renewing your IP Address and Releasing the Lease:

Sometimes, your IP address assignment can become problematic. These commands can help refresh your network connection:

1. In the elevated Command Prompt (as described above), type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
2. Then, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
3. Try accessing a website.

4. Switching to a Public DNS Server:

Your internet service provider (ISP) provides a DNS server, but sometimes these can be unreliable or slow. Switching to a public DNS server like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS can significantly improve performance and stability.

To change your DNS server settings:

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center (search for it in the Windows search bar).
2. Click on your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click on Properties.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
5. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses."
6. For Google Public DNS: Enter 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the Alternate DNS server.
7. For Cloudflare DNS: Enter 1.1.1.1 as the Preferred DNS server and 1.0.0.1 as the Alternate DNS server.
8. Click OK on all open windows.
9. Restart your computer or router to apply the changes.

5. Check your Network Adapter:

Ensure your network adapter is properly installed and functioning correctly. Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar), expand "Network adapters," and check for any errors or yellow exclamation marks next to your adapter. If you find issues, try updating the driver or reinstalling the adapter.

If none of these steps resolve the "DNS server could not be found" error, contact your internet service provider for further assistance. They may be experiencing an outage or there might be a problem with your internet connection that requires more advanced troubleshooting. Remember to document the steps you've already taken to expedite the support process.