DNS Server Not Responding Error on Windows 8? [Fixed 2024]

Encountering a “DNS Server Not Responding” error on your Windows 8 computer can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to browse the internet or complete important tasks. This error indicates that your computer is unable to connect to the DNS server, which translates domain names into IP addresses, making it impossible to reach websites. In this article, we’ll walk you through various steps to diagnose and fix the DNS Server Not Responding error on Windows 8.

What is a DNS Server?

A DNS (Domain Name System) server translates human-friendly domain names like www.example.com into IP addresses that computers can understand. When this system fails, your browser cannot reach the websites you’re trying to access.

Common Causes of DNS Errors

• Incorrect DNS server settings
• Network issues or ISP problems
• Outdated network drivers
• Firewall or antivirus interference
• Router or modem issues

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error

Before diving into more complex solutions, try these basic troubleshooting steps:

Solution 1: Restart Your Computer and Router

The simplest solutions often work best. Restarting your computer and router can resolve many temporary network issues.

Solution 2: Check Your Network Connections

Ensure all cables are securely connected, and your Wi-Fi is functioning properly.

Solution 3: Try Another Device or Browser

To determine if the issue is with your computer or network, try accessing the internet on another device or using a different browser.

Fix 1: Network Configuration Solutions

Solution 1: Change Your DNS Server

Changing your DNS server to a public DNS can often resolve this error.

• Press Windows + X and select Control Panel.
• Click on Network and Sharing Center.

• Select Change adapter settings.

• Right-click your network connection and select Properties.

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

• Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
• Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google’s Public DNS)

• Click OK and restart your computer.

Solution 2: Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can resolve issues with outdated or corrupted DNS information.

• Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).

• Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

• You should see a message confirming the DNS Resolver Cache has been flushed.

Solution 3: Reset TCP/IP

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can fix various network-related issues.

• Open Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

• Restart your computer.

Solution 4: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause DNS issues. Ensure your network drivers are up-to-date.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.

• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Solution 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software can interfere with your network connection. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause of the issue.

• Open your antivirus software and disable it temporarily.
• To disable Windows Firewall:
• Press Windows + X and select Control Panel.
• Click on System and Security and then Windows Firewall.
• Select Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
• Choose Turn off Windows Firewall for both private and public networks and click OK.
• Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall after testing.

Fix 2: Router and Modem Solutions

• Restart Your Router and Modem
• Unplug your router and modem, wait for a minute, and then plug them back in. This can resolve many connectivity issues.

Solution 1: Update Router Firmware

Check your router’s manual for instructions on how to update its firmware. An outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems.

Fix 3: Advanced Troubleshooting

Solution 1: Check for Malware

Malware can interfere with your network settings. Run a full system scan using your antivirus software to ensure your computer is clean.

Solution 2: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if any startup programs or services are causing the issue.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items and close Task Manager.
• Click OK in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.

Solution 3: Check for Network Conflicts

Sometimes, multiple devices on your network can cause IP conflicts. Ensure each device has a unique IP address.

• Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
• Look for IPv4 Address and ensure it is unique across all devices on your network.

Check Article: How To Fix “Something Went Wrong” Error

Conclusion

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error on Windows 8 can be annoying, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it. From simple solutions like restarting your devices and checking connections to more advanced fixes like changing DNS servers and updating network drivers, there are various ways to tackle this issue. Remember to take each step methodically to identify the root cause and apply the appropriate fix.

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