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Step-by-Step: Resolving Printer Not Printing Problems

If you’ve ever encountered the frustrating issue of your printer not printing, you’re not alone. Many people have experienced this problem at some point. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to fix this issue and get your printer up and running again in no time. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to resolve printer not printing problems.

Check Connections and Power

The first thing to do when your printer is not printing is to check all the connections and power supply. Start by ensuring that the power cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the wall outlet. If it’s connected to a surge protector or power strip, try plugging it directly into a wall outlet. Sometimes, an unstable power supply can cause issues with printing.

Next, check the USB or Ethernet cable connecting your printer to your computer. Make sure it’s properly connected on both ends and that there are no visible damages or loose connections. If necessary, try using a different cable to eliminate any potential issues.

Verify Printer Status

After checking the connections and power supply, it’s time to verify the status of your printer. Open the print queue on your computer by clicking on the printer icon in the taskbar or navigating through the control panel settings.

If there are any pending print jobs in the queue, try cancelling them and then resend a test page for printing. Sometimes a stuck print job can prevent new documents from being printed.

Additionally, make sure that your printer is set as the default device for printing on your computer. Sometimes another device may be selected by accident, causing confusion when trying to print.

Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can often be the culprit behind a non-printing printer. To resolve this issue, you need to update your printer drivers.

Start by identifying which model of printer you have. Visit the manufacturer’s website and navigate to the support or downloads section. Locate the drivers for your specific printer model and download the latest version compatible with your operating system.

Once downloaded, run the driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions to update your printer drivers. After installation is complete, restart your computer and try printing a test page to see if the issue has been resolved.

Clear Printer Spooler

If none of the previous steps have resolved your printer not printing problem, clearing the printer spooler may help. The print spooler is a service that manages all print jobs on your computer.

To clear the print spooler, begin by opening the Services window on your computer. You can do this by typing “services.msc” in the Run dialog box or searching for “Services” in the Windows start menu.

In the Services window, locate and right-click on “Print Spooler”. Select “Stop” from the context menu to temporarily stop this service. Once stopped, navigate to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS folder and delete all files within it.

After deleting these files, return to the Services window and right-click on “Print Spooler” again. This time select “Start” from the context menu to restart this service.

Now try printing a test page again and see if it works. Clearing out any stuck print jobs from the spooler can often resolve issues preventing new documents from being printed.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to resolve most common printer not printing problems. If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, it may be necessary to contact professional technical support for further assistance.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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DNS Server Not Responding – How to Fix the Error in Windows 10

I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of professionals depend on the internet these days.

So being denied access to the internet when you are trying to mine nuggets of valuable information from your go-to web sites can be quite an ordeal. Especially when you are under pressure to complete a piece of urgently required work.

One particularly unwelcome cause of being denied access to the internet is the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. It’s like that old fable where a troll sits under a bridge and says “You shall not pass!”, or something about gobbling up those that wish to cross the bridge.

I’m happy to tell you that you should be able to defeat the troll and cross the bridge to internet access joy by following the simple trouble shooting steps discussed in this article.

What is the "DNS Server Not Responding" Error?

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error is a fairly common issue and is generally easy to fix. There are many reasons why this issue may occur. But fundamentally it is caused because the DNS server that is contacted during the processes of loading a web page is unable to find the site that contains the web page that you have requested.

This article explores what may have triggered this issue to occur and how you may go about fixing the issue.

Firstly, I think it is a good idea to gain at least a basic understanding of the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. To do this, let’s first understand DNS.

DNS stands for Domain Name System. A simple explanation of DNS is that it is a decentralised storage of human readable internet addresses, like the ones with which you will almost certainly be familiar (for example www.amazon.com or www.netlix.com).

The DNS maps these human readable URLs to their appropriate IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.

IP addresses are much less human readable, but are essential for the inner workings of the internet. IP addresses uniquely identify computers on the internet. The IP address associated with the URL, www.netflix.com, might for example, look like this, 69.53.224.255.

It is clearly easier for you to remember “ www.netflix.com ", rather than a string of numbers delimited by full stops, when you wish to access your favourite content on Netflix. So the DNS facilitates this for you, so that you don’t have to remember or manually lookup unfriendly strings of numeric data every time you wish to access a web site.

The common analogy to explain DSN is a telephone directory. Basically, as you would look up a telephone number using the name of the person you wish to call in a telephone directory, a similar look up is performed when you type in the URL (like www.amazon.com) of the web site you wish to view within your browser.

Thankfully you don’t have to manually look up the corresponding IP address for www.amazon.com, as this is performed behind the scenes for you automatically.

So the appropriate IP address is retrieved automatically every time you type in a URL into your browser. This IP address is then used to contact the appropriate server that hosts the relevant web site associated with the URL you have entered into your browser.

When the “DNS Server Not Responding” error occurs, this means that the decentralised naming systems responsible for automatically looking up the appropriate IP address based on the relevant hostname that you entered into you browser fails to respond.

There are many reasons why this error occurs, but fortunately there are also many solutions available to you to fix the issue.

An easy solution may be to simply change the web browser you are using or even simpler still, simply restart your computer. Yup, simply turning it off and then turning it on again could fix the issue.

However, if you are not so lucky and the problem still persists, don’t despair – there are many steps that you can take to find out the cause of the issue and subsequently fix it.

In this article you will learn a number of possible solutions to the “DNS Server Not Responding” error.

How to Fix "DNS Serger Not Responding"

Below, I've listed out the ways that you can try using to fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. The subsequent sections of this article provide details on each of these methods:

Use a Different Web Browser

• Try Accessing a Web Site with a Different Device
• Restart your Router

Investigate Possible Network Issues

• Manually Set your DNS Server

Clear the DNS Cache

Disable internet protocol version 6.

• Temporarily Deactivate your Firewall and Disable your Antivirus Software
• Reset your DNS Settings

Update the Network Adapter Driver

• Disable all Network Connections Except the Connection you are Using to Access the Internet

Restart your Computer in Safe Mode

A potential solution to the “DNS Server not Responding” issue that's really simple is to try accessing the relevant website using a different browser.

If, for example, you are using Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox as your browser at the time that the issue occurs, try using a different browser like Google Chrome to access the relevant website.

If using a different browser solves the problem, then make the browser that works your default browser. But if the issue still persists, then we at least know that the browser you have been using is not the source of the issue and our investigation into finding a solution to the DNS Server not Responding” issue must continue…

Try Accessing a Website With a Different Device

Try to use a different device connected to your home network to access the website you were trying to access when you received the error.

For example, use Wi-Fi from your mobile phone to access the relevant web site. If the issue persists, you know that the issue isn’t just with your primary device and the problem may have something to do with your router.

Restart Your Router

The “DNS Server not Responding” issue may occur simply due to data traffic. It may be that simply restarting your router can fix this issue.

You can restart your router by pressing the power button on your router. You can then unplug your router's power cable. Wait for about 30 seconds then plug your router into the power outlet again and press the power button to restart it.

Running network diagnostics may point to network issues as the root cause of the issue.

Running Network Diagnostic is very simple on a Windows 10 OS. You can do this by following these steps:

• Open Control Panel. One way to do this is press the Windows Key + R to activate the “Run” box, then type “control” in the text box presented in the “Run” box and hit the enter key.

• Select the Network and Internet option presented within the Control Panel window.
• Click the Network and Sharing Center option from within the “Network and Internet” window.
• Click the Troubleshoot problems option presented under the "Change your network settings” heading within the “Network and Sharing Center” window.
• Click Additional troubleshooters -> Internet Connections -> Run the troubleshooter

The next step is to wait for the troubleshooter task to finish. If you are presented with any error messages, simply follow the steps on how to fix the relevant network issue.

Manually Set Your DNS Server

The source of your issue may be that your DNS server is down. In this case you’ll be pleased to know that you are able to manually change your DNS server.

You can change your DNS server to, for example, Googles Public DNS or CloudFlare’s public DNS. To change your DNS server, follow these steps:

• Invoke your Control Panel. One way to invoke your Control Panel is to activate your Start Menu and search for the Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel window click the Network and Internet option.
• In the Network and Internet window, click the Network and Sharing Center option.
• On the   Network and Sharing Center window click on your active connection. For example, click the “ethernet” option if this is the connection currently being used or click the “Wi-Fi” option if it is clear that this is your active connection.
• In the dialog box that is presented to you, click the “Properties” button.
• In the dialog presented to you, you’ll see a list is presented under the “The connection uses the following items” heading.
• In this list, select the list item labelled “Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” then click the “Properties” button.

• You will be presented with another dialog box where you’ll see two fields. One will be labelled “Preferred DNS Server”, and the other which is directly under this field will be labelled “Alternate DNS Server”.
• First click the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button.
• To use Googles Public DNS server, enter 8.8.8.8 in the field labelled “Preferred DNS Server” and enter 8.8.4.4 into the field labelled “Alternate DNS Server”.

• You are also able to use CloudFlare’s DNS server for the same purpose. CloudFlare’s DNS address is simply 1.1.1.1
• Once you have entered your desired DNS server settings, ensure that the “Validate settings upon exit” checkbox is checked.
• Click the “OK” button to save your new DNS server settings.
• Restart your computer.

You are able to flush the DNS cache which may resolve the “DNS Server not Responding” issue. This action will clear IP addresses and other DNS related data from  your cache.

You can clear the DNS cache by running a command using your command prompt.

One way to invoke the command prompt is to press Window Key + R to invoke the “Run” box. Type “cmd” within the “Run” box and press shift+ctrl+enter to run the command prompt as an administrator.

At the command prompt, type in the following command: “ipconfig /flushdns” and them press the enter key. If the command has executed successfully, you'll see the appropriate message in the command window.

At the time of writing this article, Internet Protocol Version 6 is the latest version of the internet protocol. Disabling the Internet Protocol Version 6 will not have detrimental effects on your computer’s operations, but it's been known to fix the “DNS Server not Responding” issue.

To disable the Internet Protocol version 6 on a Windows 10 operating system, just follow these steps:

• Go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center
• Click on the relevant connection, for example “Wi-Fi”
• Click the “Properties” button on the dialog that is presented to you.
• In the list presented under the “This connection uses the following items” heading, uncheck the item labelled “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.

• Press the “OK button”

Temporarily Deactivate your Firewall and Disable Antivirus

If your firewall is Defender, you can follow these steps to disable it:

• To open control panel, press Windows Key + R to activate the “Run” box, then type “control” in the text box presented in the “Run” box and hit the enter key.
• In the top right hand text box, type in “win”

• An option labelled "Windows Defender Firewall” should appear in the search results. Click the “Windows Defender Firewall” option.
• Click the “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” option.

• Click the “Change settings” button.

• From the list presented to you within the dialog box that has just been invoked, find the browser that you are using, for example Google Chrome. Then make sure that both the private and public checkboxes next to the relevant item are checked.

• Once you've done this, try to access the relevant website using the relevant browser and see if the issue has been fixed.

There is a chance that your firewall was preventing you from accessing external data through your browser.

Note that it is not recommended to leave your operating system unprotected by reliable antivirus software indefinitely. Disabling your antivirus software in this instance is only recommended for testing if the relevant antivirus software is the cause of the “DNS Server not Responding” issue.

To temporarily turn off Microsoft Defender antivirus protection, follow these steps:

• Select Start and then type in "Windows Security” in order to search for the relevant application.
• Select Windows Security App from the search results.
• Go to Virus & Threat Protection .
• Under Virus & threat protection settings select Manage settings.
• Switch Real-time protection off.

Attempt to access the relevant website through the relevant browser to test if the “DNS Server not Responding” issue still occurs.

Reset DNS Settings

To reset your DNS Settings, follow these steps:

• Run the command prompt as an administrator. To do this activate the “Run” box by pressing Windows key + R .
• In the run box type “cmd” and press shift + ctrl + enter
• Type the following commands in the command prompt. After entering each command press the enter key, so that each command is run individually.

ipconfig /registerdns

ipconfig /release

Ipconfig /renew

netsh winsock reset

Once you have run these commands, close the command prompt and restart your computer.

You can manually update your network adapter driver, but it is much easier to automate this task.

You can automate this through the use of free software like “Driver Easy” (https://www.drivereasy.com/download-free-version/). Simply download the free version of this software.

Make sure that before you run the free version of the Driver Easy software that you create a system restore point. This provides you with insurance, so in the unlikely event that you encounter a nasty surprise that adversely effects your computer, that you are able to return your Windows OS back to the state that it was in before you ran the Driver Easy software and encountered an unexpected issue.

To use the Driver Easy software, follow these steps:

• Run the software
• Click the “Scan Now” button
• Press the “Update” button next to any outdated drivers.

Disable all Network Connections Except for the Connection that you are Using

Disabling the additional network connections you may have setup on your computer (other than, for example, the Wi-Fi connection that you are using to access the internet) might fix the “DNS Server not Responding” issue.

To disable the relevant network connection, follow these steps:

• Firstly you must access your Network Connections. To access your Network Connections, press Windows Key + R to invoke the “Run” box
• In the “Run” box type in “ncpa.cpl” and press enter.
• Right click the relevant network connection and select “Disable” from the relevant context menu. Repeat this action until all connections except for the Wi-Fi connection you are using are disabled.

When you start your computer in Safe Mode, this means the Windows operating system loads with a limited set of drivers and files. This can help you diagnose what is causing your “DNS Server not Responding” issue through a process of illumination (as it were).

So to start your PC in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Select Update & Security -> Recovery
• Under Advanced startup , select Restart Now
• Once your PC has startup to the “Choose an option” screen, select Troubleshoot ->   Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart
• Once your PC has restarted you’ll see a list of options
• Select 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Try to access the web site that resulted in you getting the “DNS Server not Responding” issue. If the problem does not occur in safe mode this means that additional software may be the cause of the issue.

You can uninstall any additional software from your PC, one by one, and then test to see if the issue still occurs. If the issue does not occur after uninstalling particular software, this means that it is likely that this software was interfering with your internet access.

The “DNS Server not Responding” issue is relatively common and thankfully it is also relatively easy to fix.

It can be incredibly inconvenient to be denied access to the internet but hopefully the potential solutions outlined in this article will help you to once again have access to your favorite web sites.

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How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error on Windows and Mac

You can’t visit a website without first accessing a Domain Name Server (DNS) . In the process, you might be met with a message such as “DNS server not responding.” This means that the decentralized naming systems responsible for turning hostnames into IP addresses failed to respond.

There are a variety of reasons these types of DNS errors can occur. Fortunately, most of them have simple resolutions. In fact, fixing the issue could be as easy as restarting your computer or changing web browsers.

In this post, we’ll explain what the “DNS Server Not Responding” message means and some common causes for it. Then we’ll walk you through several solutions for how to fix it, both on Windows and macOS devices.

Let’s get started!

What Does “DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?

A DNS is a naming system that takes alphanumeric domain names (or “hostnames”) and turns them into numeric IP addresses. Essentially, DNS servers act as translators .

When you input a web address into your browser , it is forwarded to a DNS server from your router, where it’s then dissolved and returned as an IP address. However, if the DNS server is unable to properly complete this name resolution process, the end result is usually a message indicating that the DNS server is not responding.

“DNS Server Not Responding” means that your browser was unable to establish a connection to the internet. Typically, DNS errors  are caused by problems on the user end, whether that’s with a network or internet connection, misconfigured DNS settings, or an outdated browser. They can also be attributed to a temporary server outage that renders the DNS unavailable.

Therefore, it’s possible that you might be able to resolve the problem simply by switching browsers. In other cases, you may need to disable connections, change DNS servers, or flush the DNS cache.

How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error in Windows and macOS (11 Methods)

Now that you understand what this message means and are familiar with some potential causes, it’s time to get to work resolving it. Let’s take a look at eleven potential ways you can fix “DNS Server Not Responding” on Windows and Mac devices.

1. Switch to a Different Browser

The first step is to troubleshoot the issue by testing your DNS connections. Fixing this problem might be as simple as switching or updating your web browser.

How Do I Switch to a Different Browser?

To do this, try accessing the web from a different browser. For example, if your default browser is Safari or Google Chrome, visit the desired website from Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge instead.

If switching browsers works, you’ll likely need to update your default browser to the latest version or uninstall and reinstall it. However, if you still see the “DNS Server Not Responding” message, you can rule out your browser as the source of the issue.

2. Connect With a Different Device

If your browser is not the problem, maybe your current device is. That is why it might be interesting to connect to a second device and access the site you’re unable to see.

How Do I Connect to a Different Device?

Grab your phone and try to access the site you’re having trouble with using the same network as before.

Still getting the “DNS Server Not Responding” error? Then this might indicate that your router is the issue here.

Not so sure about it? Connect to the site using your mobile data. If it works, you’ll have the answer that the problem is in fact on your end and not on the site’s end.

3. Start Your Computer in Safe Mode

If your operating system is not functioning properly, it can result in the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message. Therefore, you may want to try booting your Windows device in Safe Mode to see whether this resolves this issue.

Doing so will limit the files and resources used for running Windows, and can be an effective way to troubleshoot problems.

How Do I Start My Computer in Safe Mode?

To start your Windows 10 computer in Safe Mode, first select the Windows button , and then hover over the Power icon :

Next, while you’re holding down the Shift  key, select Restart :

In the window that appears, click on Troubleshoot > Advanced . Under Advanced options , select Start-Up Settings , followed by Restart . More options will appear. You can press 4 or 5 to Enable Safe Mode  or Enable Safe Mode with Networking  respectively. Your computer will then restart in Safe Mode.

If you’re using Windows 7 or earlier, you can restart it in Safe Mode by going to Power > Restart . Then, while it’s booting up, hold down the F8 key .

The process is similar on macOS devices.

While the machine is restarting and booting up, hold down the Shift key . Once the Apple logo appears, you can release it. Your device will then start in Safe Mode.

Once your computer is in Safe Mode, try to access the website again. If there doesn’t seem to be a network connection issue, the source of the problem may be a third-party software or installation, such as an antivirus application.

4. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software and Firewall

If switching browsers doesn’t resolve the “DNS Server Not Responding” issue, the next step is to temporarily deactivate your firewall . Antivirus software and firewalls are critical for safeguarding your devices, but they can sometimes cause issues that interfere with network connections.

How Do I Temporarily Disable My Antivirus Software and Firewall?

For Windows users, you can do this by going to your control panel and navigating to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings .

Mac users can find this option by navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall .

Once your firewall is deactivated, try visiting the website again from your browser. If this resolved the issue, you might consider switching antivirus programs or reconfiguring the settings of your existing application. Either way, remember to reactivate your firewall once you’re done.

5. Disable Secondary Connections

If disabling your antivirus software or firewall didn’t do the trick, another potential solution is to disable any secondary connections available on your device. You want to make sure that only the connection you’re currently using is active.

How Do I Disable Secondary Connections?

To do this in Windows, type “Network connections” into the search box of your desktop taskbar. Next, click on View network connections :

This will bring you to the Network Connections  page. Any connections you’re not currently using will have a red ( X ) next to them. Right-click on one, and then select Disable :

Repeat this for any other connections that are not currently active. When you’re done, restart your browser and try visiting the website again.

If you’re using a macOS, you can do this by clicking on the Apple icon, then navigating to System Preferences > Network . Your connections will be listed on the left side of the window.

To disconnect or disable one, select it, and then click on the ( – ) sign at the bottom of the window.

6. Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature

If you’re using Windows, and disabling your firewall or secondary connections hasn’t resolved the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message, there’s one more option you can try: the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) feature. Note: This is something you’ll only find in Windows 10.

This feature helps preserve your device’s download bandwidth. Essentially, it lets you download a Windows update one time, then use your device to spread or share the updated version across other computers included in your local network.

Unfortunately, it can also sometimes interrupt DNS processes. Therefore, it’s worth disabling to see if this resolves the error message you’re currently facing.

How Do I Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature?

To do so, click on the  Windows icon , followed by the Settings (gear icon)  >  Update & Security :

In the window that opens along the left-hand side, select Delivery Optimization :

Next to the ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’ option, toggle the switch to disable it:

When you’re done, restart your computer and try accessing the website again. If this doesn’t work, don’t worry. We still have more solutions to try.

7. Restart Your Router

The next troubleshooting step is to restart your router. Doing so will flush your router’s cache and could be the solution for resolving the “DNS Server Not Responding” message.

How Do I Restart My Router?

Most modems come with a power button that enables you to quickly power them off. After a minute or so, turn your modem back on and wait for it to re-establish a connection. Once it does, check to see whether you’re able to access the internet from your browser.

Note that sometimes simply restarting the router isn’t enough. You may want to reboot it by unplugging it entirely, and then waiting at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in and powering it on again.

8. Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers on Your Computer

Another reason you may be seeing the “DNS Server Not Responding” message is if your current Windows network adapter driver is old or outdated. If this is the case, getting a new adapter driver or updating yours may be the solution you need.

How Do I Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers?

There are a couple of ways to update your network adapter driver. One is to do it manually , which you should only do if you are at least somewhat familiar working with drivers. Alternatively, you can do it using an automated tool such as Driver Easy  or Snappy Driver Installer (SDI) :

Either of these solutions will automatically recognize your system and locate the appropriate drivers for you to use with it. We recommend this method because it eliminates the risk of human error, such as downloading or installing the wrong driver on your device.

Once you download SDI  and finish installing the updated drivers, restart your computer. Then try reconnecting to the internet, to determine whether this resolved the issue.

9. Flush Your DNS Cache and Reset Your IP

If you’ve eliminated your browser, antivirus software, and router as the source of the issue, it’s time to turn your attention to your DNS settings. As with the router cache, it may be that your DNS needs to be cleared before it can properly make a connection to the internet, or your IP might need a reset.

How Do I Flush the DNS Cache and Reset My IP?

If you’re using Windows, start by typing “cmd” into the search field along the taskbar, and then selecting the Command Prompt app:

In the window that opens, enter “ipconfig/flushdns” (no quotations), and hit Enter :

When the process is finished, it will display a message letting you know that the DNS cache was successfully flushed. Repeat this process for the following commands:

If you’re using a Mac device, you can flush your DNS cache by opening the Terminal application (press the Command  + Space  keys, and then type “Terminal” into Spotlight). In the Terminal application window, enter the following:

Press the Enter  key. There won’t be a success message as there is on Windows devices. However, simply running this command will flush the DNS cache. For further guidance, you can refer to our full guide on how to flush your DNS cache  in Windows, Mac, and Chrome.

10. Disable IPv6

IPv6 is the latest Internet Protocol version that helps route traffic between networks and the internet. Unfortunately, it may also be behind the “DNS Server Not Responding” message you’re currently seeing.

Therefore, another potential solution to try is disabling IPv6 on your computer.

How Do I Disable IPv6?

To do this in Windows, open your Network Connections control panel , then right-click on your current connection. In the drop-down menu, select  Properties :

Under the Networking  tab of the panel that opens, scroll down until you see Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6):

If it’s selected, unselect the box, then click on OK . Refresh your browser and try connecting to the internet again.

To disable IPv6 in macOS, you first need to determine what network interface you’re using. To do this, open the Terminal application , then issue the following command:

If you want to disable IPv6 for a wireless connection, you would use the following command:

For an Ethernet connection, you would use:

Then hit the Enter  key, and refresh your browser to see if the issue is resolved.

11. Change the Default DNS Server on Your Windows Computer

Another solution you can try in order to fix “DNS Server Not Responding” in Windows is to change your default DNS server. To do this in Windows 7, 8, or 10, the first step is to access your network connection properties.

How Do I Change the Default DNS Server?

Start by clicking on the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of the task bar. In the search field, type “Network connections”, and then select View network connections  in the menu that appears:

Next, choose the internet adapter you’re currently using (WLAN for wireless network connections or LAN for ethernet cable connections). Right-click on the internet adapter, followed by Properties :

In the window that opens, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4 ), and then click on the Properties  button:

To manually assign a different DNS server address, select Use the following DNS server addresses  and input the address of an alternative server:

For example, you can enter Google’s DNS server, which is “8.8.8.8”, under Preferred DNS server . Then you can add “8.8.4.4” under Alternative  DNS server , and hit OK .

If you’re running macOS, you can locate these settings by clicking on the Apple icon followed by System Preferences :

Next, select the  Network  icon. Choose your current network, and then click on the Advanced  button:

Under the DNS  tab, click the (+)  button next to “IPv4 or IPv6 addresses”, and hit Enter :

After you enter the new DNS information, click   on OK  followed by Apply . Restart your web browser, and then visit the website you were trying to access. You should find that the “DNS Server Not Responding” issue is now resolved.

Trying to access a website only to be met with a “DNS Server Not Responding” message can be both frustrating and concerning. While there are a variety of reasons this error may occur, the good news is that most have simple resolutions.

As we discussed in this article, there are 11 potential solutions you can use to fix a “DNS Server Not Responding” message, in both Windows and macOS:

• Switch to a different browser, and if necessary, update your default browser to the latest version.
• Connect With a Different Device
• Start your computer in Safe Mode.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus software and firewalls.
• Disable secondary connections.
• Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer feature.
• Restart your router.
• Install updated network adapter drivers on your computer.
• Flush your DNS cache and reset your IP.
• Disable IPv6.
• Change the default DNS server on your computer.

Suggested reading: How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error Code . How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Code

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How to fix: Windows can't communicate with the device or resource

We use the internet for so many different things that it has become a part of our day-to-day lives. Having issues with your internet connection can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with.

You can diagnose the error by using the Windows Network Diagnostics tool. Once the tool finishes scanning for issues, it will return the “ Windows can't communicate with the device or resource primary DNS server) ” error.

Are you not sure what the next step should be to fix this issue in Windows 10 ? Don’t worry, we compiled multiple useful methods for you. Even if you’ve never performed any troubleshooting in the past, you can easily follow along and get back online from your computer.

What Causes Windows can't communicate with the device or resource error

There are three common causes for this error to happen. You either have outdated network drivers , badly configured settings , or connection issues to the DNS server you’re using.  Something many users report is proxy servers causing trouble that can lead to this error message appearing as well. Before you attempt any of our methods, try simply disabling your proxy server to see if you can gain your internet back.

If you have a restricted internet connection (college, work, public wifi, etc.) it’s best not to mess with the settings, as it can cause the error as well. These connections use different settings and guidelines than home connections. This can cause conflict in settings, making you unable to go online.

Fix: Windows can't communicate with the device or resource (Primarily DNS Server)

There are several quick and easy ways of fixing this Windows 10 issue. Although these methods are all safe, we recommend setting up a System Restore point, just in case something goes wrong.

Note : If you’re unsure of how to set up and use System Restore points, you can watch this video by MDTechVideos . They offer an in-depth tutorial on the entire process, allowing you to follow along and keep your computer safe.

Method 1. Update your drivers

Keeping your drivers up-to-date is extremely important. An outdated driver can cause more issues than you’d imagine. There are multiple ways in which you can update your drivers. Follow one of the guides which suit your approach.

Update your driver from Windows itself

In this method, we will be using the Device Manager to find a new, updated driver.

• Press and hold the Windows key, then press R . This will launch the Run application.

• Expand the Network adapters section by clicking on the arrow icon .
• Right-click on your audio driver and select Update Driver .

• If Windows can find an updated driver, it will automatically download and install the update to your computer.
• Restart your PC and test if you can connect to the internet.

Update your drivers with a third-party app

You can also find and download third-party updater tools such as Driver Booster , DriverHub or DriverPack Solution . These three tools are all free and easy to use, but you can always look around the web for more advanced apps.

Note : Always make sure that the app you’re using is trustworthy. Many applications that promise to fix or update your drivers contain malware, adware or spyware. We recommend searching the name of the product and reading reviews made by real people.

Method 2. Clear the DNS Cache

Caching data is often useful and can speed up the performance of many applications and services. However, it can also backstab you by storing outdated information, for example.

We recommend trying to clear the DNS cache before any other methods, as it’s a simple and easy task to perform. If it works, you’re saving a lot of precious time. For this method, you will be required to have a local user with administrator permissions . 

• When you see the “ Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache. ” message, you can close the Command Prompt. Try and see if you can connect to the internet now.

Method 3. Reset Connection Settings

There is a second method that allows you to flush the IP and DNS settings on your computer . This is a little bit more advanced, which means it might work even if the previous solution failed.

Once again, you will be required to have a local user with administrator permissions . Follow these steps to reset your connection settings:

• Type in Command Prompt to the search bar within your taskbar. Right-click on it from the results, then select Run as administrator .
• Input the following four commands. After each one, press the enter key to execute the command:
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /registerdns
• ipconfig /release

• Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer . When you’re done, try to connect to the internet to test your connection.

Method 4. Change your IPV4 and IPV6 Settings

Messing around with the settings of your wifi can often lead to unpredictable issues with your connection. For example, you might have a static IPv4 or IPv6 address that’s preventing you from establishing a connection.

Note : A static IP address means that the address your computer is using was entered and configured manually. This can cause a number of issues on your network.

We will attempt to have an IP address automatically assigned to your device by your router. To do this, you need to change both your IPv4 and IPv6 settings , as they are separate protocols.

• Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard, then press R . This will bring up the Run utility.
• Type in ncpa.cpl and click on the OK button. Doing this will open up the Network Connections window.
• Right-click on the network you’re using, then select the Properties option.
• Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .
• From the General tab, select both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically . Click the OK button when you’re done.
• Double click on Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) .
• Click the OK button on both windows and restart your computer. Once your computer is booted up again, try and connect to the internet.

Method 5. Reset TCP/IP with the NetShell Utility

Corrupted TCP/IP files can also be the culprit behind the “ Windows can't communicate with the device or resource ” error.  Luckily, Microsoft has addressed this issue and provided an accessible fix for anyone to download.

Note : If you can’t access the internet from your own device at all, download the tool on a PC or laptop with a working internet connection. After you’re done, simply transfer the file to your device.

Follow our steps to download and run the NetShell utility distributed by Microsoft. This tool is completely free and safe of any malware, as it comes from the official website of Microsoft.

• Click here to open the official Microsoft download page of the utility.
• Click on the Download button. Even though it doesn’t list Windows 10 as a compatible operating system, you can still run the tool.
• Double click on the .diagcab file you just downloaded to launch the NetShell utility . Simply click the Next button and follow the instructions on the screen to have your TCP/IP reset.

Final Words

We hope that our article was able to provide you with a way of fixing the “ Windows can't communicate with the device or resource ” error. Enjoy your connection to the internet!

If you’re looking for a software company you can trust for its integrity and honest business practices, look no further than SoftwareKeep. We are a Microsoft Certified Partner and a BBB Accredited Business that cares about bringing our customers a reliable, satisfying experience on the software products they need. We will be with you before, during, and after all the sales.

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Home › Knowledge Base › Common Errors

DNS Server Not Responding (4 Easy Solutions)

Suddenly you cannot access any websites through the Internet. Then you try to troubleshoot the network problems on your Windows. It tells you the DNS server not responding is the culprit. You may see one of these:

“ The DNS server isn’t responding . Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding .”

If this problem occurs, don’t worry. Follow this guide to fix it.

Try these fixes

If you’d like to know why you can’t browse the Internet due to the ‘DNS server not responding , you can go to read the reason part . Otherwise, follow along with the solutions directly.

• Correct your DNS server address
• Clear your DNS cache and reset your IP
• Update your network adapter driver
• Restart your modem and router

Bonus Tip: Try using VPN to fix the connection problem.

Note:  The screens shown below are from Windows 10, but all the methods also apply to Windows 11/8/7.

Solution 1: Correct your DNS server address

The DNS server not responding error could be probably caused by an incorrect DNS server address . So you can follow these to correct your DNS server address:

1) On your keyboard, press the  Windows logo key  and  R  at the same time to invoke the Run box.

Restart your computer and try to access the website you want to go to again and see if it succeeds.

Solution 2: Clear your DNS cache and reset your IP

There may be problems with your DNS server if its cache is getting full. To see if that’s the case, try clearing the DNS cache and resetting the IP address.

Note: Click  Yes  when prompted by the User Account Control.

Then restart your computer and try to access the website you want to visit again and see if it succeeds.

Solution 3: Update your network adapter driver

Your DNS server won’t respond if the network adapter driver is outdated.  You can update your network adapter driver manually or, if you’re not confident playing around with drivers, you can do it automatically with  Driver Easy .

Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.

You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money-back guarantee ):

1) Download   and install Driver Easy.

After updating your network adapter driver, please restart your computer. Try to access the website you want to go to again and see if it succeeds.

Solution 4: Restart your modem and router

If your modem or router doesn’t work properly, the DNS server could stop responding, either.  You can restart your modem and router if you have one to solve the problem.

2) Try to access the website you want to go to again and see if it succeeds.

Why can’t I access websites when the DNS server not responding? 

First, let’s figure out what a DNS server is. DNS ( Domain Name System) server helps to translate the website address into the IP address for your browser to connect to.

For example, when you want to access our website: www.drivereasy.com on Chrome, the DNS server translates it into our public IP address:  144.217.68.24 for Chrome to connect to. 

So you may know if there’s any wrong with your DNS server, you cannot access any website on your browser. No exception that if your DNS server stops responding, you cannot access the websites through the Internet.

Hopefully, this article has helped you fixed the problem. Feel free to comment below with your own experiences and share with your friends or colleagues if they’re experiencing the same problem.

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As a technical writer for Driver Easy, April writes articles related to various tech issues, including Windows computer problems and game errors. She's never happier than when her articles help people solve their problems - whether they're Windows errors and blue screens to network errors and faulty hardware. As a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), she focuses on Windows system problems and daily tips and tricks. When she's not writing, she likes reading literary novels and poetry.

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How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Problem

Last Updated: June 6, 2022 Tested

This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 5,575,397 times.

Are you getting DNS errors when you try to browse the web? If your web browser can't translate hostnames into IP addresses , you'll encounter a DNS error and won't be able to connect to websites—frustrating, right? But we're here to help! This wikiHow article will help you troubleshoot your connection, flush the DNS cache, reset your router, and perform other tasks that will help you get back to web browsing in no time.

Troubleshooting

• Not being able to connect with the second device doesn't necessarily mean that the router is the problem.

Tip: If you're having trouble with a specific website, try accessing it using mobile data. If you still can't access the site, the issue is on the site's end.

• If the issues are resolved, uninstalling and then reinstalling your old browser will likely fix the problem.

• Unplug your modem's power cable as well as your router's power cable.
• Allow both your modem and your router to sit for at least 30 seconds.
• Reconnect your modem and wait for it to come back online.
• Reconnect your router to your modem and wait for it to come back online.

• If you can connect to a web page while using Ethernet, the problem may stem from your router. You'll most likely need to reset it .
• If you can't connect to a web page while connected via Ethernet, your DNS settings may be the problem.

Flushing the DNS Cache

• If you're still experiencing connection issues, proceed to the next method.

• You can also press ⌘ Command + Space to open Spotlight.

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

• You may have to enter your administrator password first.

Disabling Extra Connections

• The most common cause for DNS issues is the existence of "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter". [1] X Research source

• On Windows, each icon on the page represents a connection.
• On Mac, the connections are on the left side of the window.

• Windows - Click Disable this network device at the top of the window.
• Mac - Click the minus sign ( - ) at the bottom of the network window.

Editing the DNS Server

• If you don't see this window, click the Networking tab at the top of Wi-Fi Properties.

Luigi Oppido

Our Expert Agrees: If you restart your router and modem and you still don't have internet, go into the adapter settings for your device in your Control Panel or System Preferences, and double-click on your IPV4 settings. In that window, double-click on the TCP-IP settings and make sure everything is set to automatic. If it is and you're still not online, contact your ISP.

• OpenDNS - Enter 208.67.222.222 .
• Google - Enter 8.8.8.8 .

• OpenDNS - Enter 208.67.220.220 .
• Google - Enter 8.8.4.4 .

• If your computer can connect, consider calling your Internet Service Provider to notify them about the DNS issues.
• If you still can't connect, proceed to the next method.

• Google - 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 .
• OpenDNS - 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220

Resetting the Router

• You'll usually need a needle, a paperclip, or a similarly thin item to press the "Reset" button.
• Resetting your router will also disconnect every device you have connected to the router.

• If resetting the router does indeed resolve the DNS issues, consider picking up a newer router if yours is more than a couple of years old.

Community Q&A

• Resetting your router periodically is a good way to prevent DNS issues from happening. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• After resetting your DNS cache, your computer will load websites a little bit slower the first time you visit them. This is because your computer is establishing and verifying a new DNS address for the site. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 6

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/245874-dns-server-not-responding.html

About This Article

To fix a DNS server not responding problem, try reaching the site with another device like a phone, since if this works you’ll know that the issue is with your other device. Alternatively, try to visit the site using a different web browser, such as Firefox or Chrome. If this works, try uninstalling and reinstalling your original browser to solve the problem. You could also try power cycling your modem and router by disconnecting them and letting them sit for at least 30 seconds. Then, reconnect them to the power supply, wait for them to reload, and try the website again. As another option, try connecting your device to the router with an Ethernet cable, since if you can access the site via the Ethernet it shows you have a problem with your wireless router. If this is the case, reset your router to resolve the issue. For tips on how to flush the DNS cache, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to fix a "dns server is not responding" error on windows.

Get around your PC's DNS problems with these methods.

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Why do you get a "dns server not responding" error, fixes for a dns server not responding error on windows, key takeaways.

To resolve DNS issues on Windows, try opening your site in a different web browser, restarting your router, disabling your VPN, or running the "Internet Connections" troubleshooter. Other options include deleting your DNS cache, trying another device on the same network or another DNS server, updating your network adapter drivers, turning off your antivirus or IPv6, deactivating other network adapters, and booting your PC in safe mode.

DNS servers' unavailability causes your Windows PC to display a "DNS Server Is Not Responding" error. Various items can cause your DNS servers not to work. Luckily, it's easy to fix many of those items and resolve your problem. Here's how to do just that.

A "DNS server not responding" error appears when the server your device uses to resolve domain names is down or otherwise can't be reached. If that's confusing, let's review the function of a DNS server.

When you type in a domain name in your PC's web browser, your web browser asks your DNS server to translate your domain name to an IP address . Your browser then uses this IP address to locate your site on the internet and let you access its contents.

Related: What Is DNS, and Should I Use Another DNS Server?

When your DNS server is down or is experiencing an issue, your web browser can't retrieve your site's IP address , resulting in an error message. Many problems can cause your DNS servers to go down, and other issues could simply prevent your PC from connecting to your specific DNS servers.

Some of those potential problems are a malfunctioning router, a faulty web browser, an incompatible VPN app, a corrupt DNS cache, and more.

Related: How Do IP Addresses Work?

To resolve your Windows DNS error and access your sites, use the methods below that fix the underlying items causing the problem. Once you've resolved the issues, your DNS error will be gone, and the sites you're trying to reach will open just as they should.

Use a Different Web Browser

When you encounter a DNS issue in a web browser, the first thing to do is try accessing your site in another web browser . This helps you find out if your issue is device-specific or browser-specific.

To do that, launch a different web browser on your PC and try to access your site. If your site loads in this browser, your previous browser likely had issues. In this case, apply some fixes like clearing your previous browser's cache ( Chrome , Firefox , Edge ), turning off your browser's extensions ( Chrome , Firefox , Edge ), and resetting your web browser ( Chrome , Firefox , Edge ).

If you get the same error in your other browser, read on to discover more fixes.

Related: Why You Should Use Multiple Web Browsers

Reboot Your Router

Your router may be acting up, causing your PC not to reach your DNS servers. In this case, give your router a reboot to possibly fix your issue .

You can restart most routers by pressing the Power button on them. If yours hasn't got a Power button, unplug it from the power socket to turn the router off and (after at least 10 seconds) back on. Then, launch your web browser and try to access your site.

Related: Why Rebooting Your Router Fixes So Many Problems (and Why You Have to Wait 10 Seconds)

Turn Off Your VPN

Your VPN app transmits your data via a third-party server, letting you bypass your ISP's restrictions. Sometimes, this mechanism causes issues with your DNS servers, leading to errors like the one you're experiencing.

To verify that, turn off your VPN service and see if your site loads. If it does, reach out to your VPN provider to seek a permanent solution.

Use the Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Windows has many troubleshooters to help you fix issues with your PC's various components. When you have trouble connecting to the internet , use your PC's Internet Connections troubleshooter to find and fix all the faults with your connection.

To run the troubleshooter on Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters. On the open page, next to "Internet Connections," click "Run."

If you're on Windows 10, head into Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters. Click "Internet Connections" and choose "Run the Troubleshooter."

Follow the troubleshooter's instructions to detect and resolve your DNS issues.

Related: Internet Connection Not Working? 10 Troubleshooting Tips

Flush Your DNS Cache

Windows caches your DNS queries to help you quickly translate domain names to IP addresses. It's possible this cache has become corrupted, causing issues with your web browsers.

In this case, clear your bad DNS cache , and your issue will be resolved. Note that you don't lose any personal data when you do this.

To start, open the "Start" menu, find "Command Prompt", and launch the utility. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

Windows will clear your current DNS cache, and you're all set.

Use Another Device on the Same Network

To ensure your router configuration isn't the cause of the issue, use another device on your network and see if you can access your site on it. You can use any of your devices to do this, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, or any other machines.

Related: How to See Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows 11

If your site fails to load on your other device and you get the same DNS error, your router likely has an issue. In this case, speak to your internet service provider (ISP) for help. Another thing you can do is  reset your router to the default settings , but you'll need your ISP's configuration to re-configure your router and make it work with your current internet company.

In case your site opens just fine on your other device, your Windows PC has a problem. In this case, read on to learn more fixes.

Change Your PC's DNS Servers

If your DNS servers are down or are experiencing technical glitches, that may be why you can't access sites on your PC. In this case, change the current DNS servers on your PC to fix your issue.

We've already written guides on how to change your DNS servers on Windows 11 and Windows 10 , so check them out to learn how to perform the procedure.

Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Your network adapter drivers tell your physical adapter how to communicate with your PC. If these drivers are outdated or corrupted, that may be why Windows displays a DNS error message.

In this case, resolve your issue by updating your drivers . Do this by first right-clicking the "Start" menu and choosing "Device Manager."

Then, expand "Network Adapters," right-click your adapter, and choose "Update Driver."

Select "Search Automatically for Drivers" and download and install the available drivers.

Restart your PC, and try to access your site.

Related: How to Update Drivers on Windows 11

Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus

Your PC's antivirus program may be interfering with your browsing sessions, causing your browsers to display a DNS error message. Usually, this happens when your antivirus detects a potential threat in your browsers.

If you trust your site and your DNS servers, temporarily turn off your antivirus protection to see if you can then load your site. Check out our guide on how to turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus to learn how to do that.

Make sure to turn real-time protection back on when you've checked your site.

Turn Off IPv6 on Your PC

IPv6 is the latest Internet Protocol version, which aims to fix many IP-related issues on your devices. Sometimes, when this protocol version is enabled, you can get errors like a DNS server not responding.

To fix that, disable IPv6 on your PC, and your issue will be resolved.

To turn off IPv6, head into Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings. Right-click your adapter and choose "Properties." Disable "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and click "OK."

And that's it.

Related: Are You Using IPv6 Yet? Should You Even Care?

Disable Other Network Connections

Your computer might have other network connections, causing an issue with your DNS queries. If you don't use those other adapters, it's a good idea to turn them off to potentially resolve your problem.

To do that, navigate to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. Find an unused adapter, right-click it, and choose "Disable."

Repeat the above step for each unused adapter to disable it on your PC.

Reboot Your PC in Safe Mode

With Windows' safe mode, you can turn on your computer by only loading the essential files. This helps you find out if a third-party app installed on your PC is causing the problem. And if that's the case, you can remove that app from your PC.

Check out our guide on how to use Windows' safe mode . When in safe mode, if your web browser can open your site without the DNS error message, your third-party apps are likely the culprit.

You can start fixing the issue by removing your recently installed apps . Feel free to uninstall any app that you think might be the cause of the issue.

And that's how you resolve a "DNS Server Is Not Responding" error on a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. Enjoy browsing your favorite sites!

Related: How to Fix "This Site Can't Be Reached" ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE in Chrome