How to Resolve the “DNS Server Unavailable” Error

Encountering the “DNS Server Unavailable” error can be frustrating as it prevents you from accessing websites. This guide provides several methods to troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding the DNS Server Unavailable Error

DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses. When the DNS server is unavailable, your computer cannot translate the domain names, leading to connectivity issues.

1. Restart Your Router and Computer

A simple restart can often resolve DNS issues.

Steps:

1. Unplug your router, wait for 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
2. Restart your computer.

2. Change DNS Server Addresses

Switching to a public DNS server can resolve DNS-related problems.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
2. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

3. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can resolve DNS lookup issues.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. You should see a confirmation message.

4. Reset TCP/IP Stack

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

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
   • netsh int ip reset
   • netsh winsock reset
3. Restart your computer.

5. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, firewall and antivirus software can block DNS requests. Disable them temporarily to see if they are causing the issue.

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus software and disable real-time protection.
2. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall and turn off the firewall.
3. Try accessing the internet again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall afterward.

6. Update Network Adapter Driver

An outdated or corrupted network adapter driver can cause DNS issues.

Steps:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

7. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix network issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
2. Click Network troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

8. Check Router Settings

Ensure that your router’s DNS settings are configured correctly.

Steps:

1. Access your router’s admin panel by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your web browser.
2. Log in with your credentials.
3. Check the DNS settings and ensure they are set to obtain DNS automatically or use a public DNS server.

9. Disable Proxy Settings

If you are using a proxy server, it could be causing DNS issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
2. Ensure that Use a proxy server is turned off.

10. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if third-party applications are causing the issue.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items and restart your computer.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “DNS Server Unavailable” error message. Regular maintenance and keeping your network settings updated can help prevent such issues in the future.