DNS address cannot be found Windows: As a Windows user, you may have encountered the frustrating “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error while trying to access a website. This error indicates that your computer is unable to establish a connection to the website’s server because it cannot resolve the domain name into an IP address.
Common causes of the error ” DNS address cannot be found Windows”
Table of Contents
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to find out the common causes of the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error.
DNS cache issues
Your computer stores DNS information in a cache to speed up future requests. However, if the cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it can cause DNS resolution problems.
TCP/IP settings
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings on your computer play a crucial role in establishing network connections. Misconfigured TCP/IP settings can result in DNS-related errors.
DNS Server Problems
The DNS servers you use can affect your ability to resolve domain names. If your DNS server is experiencing issues or is misconfigured, it can lead to the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error.
Proxy Settings
Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your computer and the internet. If your proxy settings are misconfigured or if you are using a proxy that is not functioning properly, it can prevent DNS resolution.
Malware or adware infections
Some malicious software can modify your DNS settings or inject unwanted ads into your browsing experience. These infections can disrupt DNS resolution and result in the error you are encountering.
Outdated Network Drivers
Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause various network-related issues, including problems with DNS resolution.
ISP Issues
In some cases, the fault may lie with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They may be experiencing DNS-related problems or have misconfigured their DNS servers. By identifying the potential cause of the error, you can proceed with the appropriate troubleshooting steps to resolve it.
Troubleshooting steps for the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error
Now that you understand the common causes of the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error, it’s time to delve into the step-by-step solutions. Follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the error –
Solution 1: Resetting TCP/IP
Resetting your TCP/IP settings can help resolve network-related issues, including problems with DNS resolution. To reset your TCP/IP settings, follow these steps:
STEP#1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
STEP#2. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
STEP#3 .Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.
STEP#4. After the restart, try accessing the website that was giving you the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error.
Resetting TCP/IP can often fix underlying network issues that may be causing the error. If the error persists, continue to the next solution.
2: Flushing DNS
Flushing the DNS resolver cache can help resolve DNS-related errors by forcing your computer to retrieve fresh DNS information. To flush the DNS resolver cache, follow these steps:
STEP#1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
STEP#2.– Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
STEP#3. Wait for the confirmation message that the DNS resolver cache has been flushed.
STEP#4. Close the Command Prompt and try accessing the website again.
Flushing the DNS resolver cache can often resolve DNS-related errors. If the error persists, proceed to the next solution.
3: Changing DNS servers
Sometimes, the DNS servers provided by your ISP may be slow or unreliable. Changing your DNS server settings to use a more stable and faster DNS server can potentially resolve the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error. To change your DNS server settings, follow these steps:
STEP#1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
STEP#2. Type control panel and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
STEP#3. In the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet.
STEP#4. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
STEP#5. Click on Change adapter settings on the left-hand side.
STEP#6. Right-click on your network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties.
STEP#7. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
STEP#8. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
Enter the IP addresses of a reliable DNS server (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
STEP#9. Click OK to save the changes and try accessing the website again.
Changing your DNS server can often provide a more stable and reliable connection, resolving the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error. If the error persists, proceed to the next solution.
4: Disabling Proxy Settings
Proxy settings can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution, leading to the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error. Disabling proxy settings can help eliminate this potential problem. To disable proxy settings on Windows, follow these steps:
STEP#1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
STEP#2. Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter to open the Internet Properties window.
STEP#3. In the Internet Properties window, go to the Connections tab.
STEP#4. Click on the LAN settings button.
STEP#5. Uncheck the box next to Use a proxy server for your LAN.
STEP#6. Click OK to save the changes and try accessing the website again.
Disabling proxy settings can often resolve DNS-related errors. If the error persists, proceed to the next solution.
5: Checking for Malware or Adware
Malware or adware infections can tamper with your DNS settings and cause the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error. Running a thorough scan of your computer using reliable antivirus or anti-malware software can help detect and remove any malicious programs that may be causing the issue.
Ensure your antivirus or anti-malware software is up to date and perform a full system scan. If any threats are detected, follow the software’s instructions to remove them. After the scan and removal process, restart your computer and try accessing the website again.
6: Updating Network Drivers
Outdated or incompatible network drivers can lead to various network-related issues, including problems with DNS resolution. Updating your network drivers to the latest version can help resolve these issues. Here’s how you can update your network drivers on Windows:
STEP#1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
STEP#2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters category.
STEP#3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
STEP#4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows find and install the latest driver for your network adapter.
STEP#5. Once the update is complete, restart your computer and try accessing the website again.
Updating your network drivers can often solve network-related problems, including the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error. If the error still persists, try the final solution.
7: Contacting your ISP
If none of the previous solutions have resolved the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error, it’s possible that the issue lies with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contacting your ISP’s customer support can help identify and resolve any DNS-related problems they might be experiencing.
Provide them with detailed information about the error you are encountering and the troubleshooting steps you have already tried. Your ISP’s technical support team will be able to guide you further and provide specific instructions based on their network infrastructure.
Conclusion :DNS address cannot be found Windows
Encountering the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error can be frustrating, but with the step-by-step solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to the websites you want to visit. Remember to clear your DNS cache, reset TCP/IP settings, flush DNS, change DNS servers, disable proxy settings, check for malware or adware, update network drivers, and contact your ISP if necessary.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address the “DNS Address Cannot Be Found” error and ensure a smooth browsing experience on your Windows computer.
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