If you’re experiencing internet problems on your Windows 10 or 11, there’s a strong chance it’s due to a corrupted DNS cache. Flushing the DNS cache can quickly fix this issue and get your computer back online.
Clearing your DNS cache helps enhance your privacy, fix HTTP errors, and prevent potentially harmful DNS spoofing.
Check out the ultimate guide below to learn how to flush DNS cache in Windows 10 and 11 and fix your connection problems quickly.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Clear DNS cache in Windows 10 and 11 for better web access.
- Improve online access by resolving connectivity issues.
- Enhance privacy and prevent DNS spoofing through cache flushing.
- Various methods are available for Windows 10 and 11 DNS cache clearing.
- DNS cache boosts web access while flushing it fixes site and app problems.
- Quickly clear DNS cache on Windows with Command Prompt and PowerShell.
- No need for advanced tools. Streamline DNS cache clearing via the ‘Run’ command.
- Resolve browsing problems by clearing browser DNS caches in Chrome and Edge.
How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows 10 and 11
DNS, known as the Domain Name System, is like the internet’s phonebook. Its job is to translate domain names into IP addresses so web browsers can load the online content. The DNS cache keeps these translations to speed up later access to the same sites.
In Windows 10 or 11, you may encounter various issues related to the local Domain Name System (DNS) cache.
These issues include:
- Websites failing to appear
- Internet-dependent apps malfunction
- Tools like “ping” or “nslookup” indicating the wrong locations
This guide shows you how to fix it by clearing the DNS cache or resetting it.
| ✅ Pro Tip If you’re curious about your device’s DNS server and its owner, check its DNS through the What is My DNS Server website for free. |
Maximize web performance using the following approaches to flush DNS cache:
Method 1: Clear Your DNS Cache with Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is the go-to way to clear DNS in Windows, and it’s popular for good reasons. The “flush dns” command is simple, quick, and easy to recall. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Type cmd into the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
4. After hitting the Enter, you should see a message confirming that the you “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”
| ✅ Pro Tip If you’re having trouble accessing websites due to IP address problems, your server could be the culprit. Flushing or changing DNS might help, but upgrading your VPN could fix IP problems faster. |
Method 2: Flush DNS Cache Using Powershell
The PowerShell (or Terminal in newer versions) is another tool you can use to flush dns win10 and win11. This method is compatible with various command-line utilities, including Windows Terminal, Windows PowerShell, and the older Command Line (cmd) utility.
If you’ve got to clear the DNS cache on Windows 10/11, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X
2. Choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). This will open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
3. Type Clear-DnsClientCache in PowerShell and press Enter.
4. Wait for a few seconds for the command to execute, and this should successfully clear your DNS cache.
| ⚠️ Warning While PowerShell is a powerful tool, it should be used with caution. Incorrect commands can cause system instability. |
Method 3: Easily Clear DNS Cache with Keyboard Command ‘Run’
There’s an even simpler way to clear the DNS cache — you don’t need to deal with Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt. You can do it right from the Run dialog box. Just follow the steps below:
1. To your keyboard, press Win + R to open the Run command box.
2. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit Enter.
| 👍 Helpful Article To better grasp DNS concepts and address a DNS leak issue, check out Techjury’s guide. It explains DNS leaks, their origins, and how to avert them.  What Is a DNS Leak? Here’s How To Prevent It (techjury.net) |
Method 4: Speed Up Web Access by Flushing Browser DNS Cache
Sometimes, clearing the DNS cache on your browser can also help resolve browsing issues. DNS cache isn’t only stored by your OS like Windows; your web browser might also hold onto DNS records.
Luckily, you can clear the cache on your browser as well. Just open your chosen browser and follow the steps below.
Chrome
Some Windows apps and browsers, like Google Chrome, come with DNS caches. These caches are separate from the ones your OS handles.
So, apart from clearing the DNS cache for your OS, you should also clear Chrome’s DNS cache. Follow the steps below to do it:
1. Press Ctrl + T to open a new tab.
2. Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the URL bar and press enter.
3. Click Clear host cache to wipe the local DNS cache.
| 👍 Helpful Article If your system error persists despite flushing your DNS cache, explore Techjury’s guide for more insights Ways to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 11 Edition |
Edge
In 2020, Microsoft Edge made a change to improve itself by moving to Chromium. This boosted its stability and performance.
The steps to clear its DNS cache are similar to Chrome because it now shares the same browser engine. Just repeat the following:
1. Open a new tab.
2. Click the URL barand type edge://net-internals/#dns.
3. Press enter to open DNS settings.
4. Click Clear host cache to flush Edge’s DNS cache.
| 🎉 Fun Fact Microsoft Edge is said to be a more efficient browser than Chrome, using less RAM and providing better battery life. |
To Cap It All Off
Flushing your DNS cache has numerous benefits, including:
- Safeguarding your computer against phishing attacks.
- Ensuring you access the latest versions of frequently visited sites.
- Restoring your internet connection.
- Maintaining your privacy.
The clearing process is remarkably simple. Following the outlined steps, you can swiftly perform a DNS flush on any operating system. This lets you quickly resume your website development tasks and help improve your internet browsing experience.
FAQs
How do I fix my DNS problem?
Start by flushing your DNS cache, but if the problem continues, consider altering your DNS server or verifying your internet connection.
How do I refresh DNS?
To refresh DNS, clear your DNS cache using various methods like the ‘Run’ command, Command Prompt, or PowerShell on Windows 10 and 11.
What causes bad DNS?
Bad DNS can be caused by various issues, including outdated DNS cache, incorrect DNS settings, or problems with your internet service provider (ISP).
Is it safe to Flush DNS?
Yes, it is safe to flush DNS. It does not affect your internet speed or performance but can help resolve browsing issues.
Timeline Of The Article
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Aditya is an Azure DevOps and Infrastructure Virtualization Architect with experience in automation, infrastructure management, and designing and implementing virtualization solutions. His expertise encompasses both on-premise and cloud-based systems. Aditya's articles on TechJury serve as a reliable resource for individuals and organizations looking to harness the power of cloud computing, embrace automation, and leverage infrastructure-as-code practices.