How to Resolve the “DNS Server Unavailable” Error Message – 2025

How To Fix the “DNS Server Unavailable” Error Message

Getting the “DNS server unavailable” error on your computer can be frustrating—especially when everything else on your device seems to be working. This issue often stops you from browsing the internet or accessing any online services. But don’t worry—there are several ways to fix this problem and get back online quickly.

This guide will explain what a DNS server is, why the “unavailable” error happens, and provide a set of practical solutions to fix it.

What Is a DNS Server and Why Is It Important?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. When you enter a website name (like www.google.com), your computer contacts a DNS server to translate that name into a numerical IP address. Only then can your browser connect to the correct server.

If the DNS server is not working or cannot be reached, your browser won’t be able to load any websites—even if your internet connection is otherwise fine.

Common Causes of the DNS Server Unavailable Error

Several things can cause this error, including:

• Problems with your internet service provider (ISP)

• Incorrect DNS settings

• Faulty router or modem

• Temporary outages or glitches

• Antivirus or firewall conflicts

• Outdated network drivers

Now that we understand the basics, let’s look at how to fix the issue.

Step 1: Restart Your Router and Computer

Before doing anything technical, try this simple fix. Restarting often clears temporary network glitches.

How to Do It:

1. Turn off your router and unplug it from power.

2. Wait at least 30 seconds.

3. Plug it back in and power it on.

4. Restart your computer.

Now check if the DNS error is resolved.

Step 2: Switch to a Different DNS Server

Sometimes your ISP’s default DNS servers are down or unreliable. You can change your settings to use public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

Steps to Change DNS Settings (Windows 10/11):

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Right-click your active network connection and choose Properties.

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

4. Click Use the following DNS server addresses.

5. Enter:

   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (for Google DNS)

   Or for Cloudflare DNS:

   • 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

6. Click OK to save the changes.

7. Restart your browser and try visiting a website.

Step 3: Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can remove old or corrupted entries that may be causing the issue.

How to Flush DNS:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type:

   bash

   ipconfig /flushdns


3. Press Enter.

4. You should see the message:
   “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

Now test your connection again.

Step 4: Reset the Network Stack

If flushing the DNS didn’t help, you can reset the network settings using several commands.

Run These Commands One by One:

In Command Prompt (admin):

After entering all commands, restart your computer.

Step 5: Disable IPv6

In some cases, the IPv6 protocol can interfere with DNS and cause problems.

To Disable IPv6:

1. Open Network Connections (ncpa.cpl).

2. Right-click your active network and select Properties.

3. Find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

4. Uncheck the box next to it.

5. Click OK and restart your PC.

Step 6: Disable Antivirus and Firewall (Temporarily)

Some security software may block your DNS requests. To test this:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus and/or firewall.

2. Try visiting a website.

3. If it works, consider adjusting your antivirus settings or switching to another program.

Important: Make sure to enable your security software afterward to stay protected.

Step 7: Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can lead to DNS problems.

To Update Drivers:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Expand Network adapters.

3. Right-click your network adapter and choose Update driver.

4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Restart your PC after updating.

Step 8: Try Accessing Websites with IP Addresses

To test whether the problem is DNS-specific, try visiting a website using its IP address.

How:

1. Open your browser and enter an IP address like 142.250.190.14 (Google.com).

2. If it loads, DNS is definitely the issue. If it doesn’t, your entire network might be down.

Step 9: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking

Booting into Safe Mode with networking can help isolate the problem.

How to Boot in Safe Mode (Windows 10/11):

1. Press Shift while clicking Restart on the Start Menu.

2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

3. Click Restart, then press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

4. Try browsing again.

If the DNS works in Safe Mode, third-party apps or drivers are likely interfering.

Conclusion

The “DNS server unavailable” error is one of the more annoying internet problems, but it’s usually solvable. By restarting your equipment, changing DNS servers, resetting your network stack, or disabling conflicting software, you can usually get things working again.

If none of these steps solve the problem, contact your internet service provider—there may be an issue on their end that only they can resolve. Otherwise, with a bit of patience, you’ll be back online in no time.