[FIXED] Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found on Windows 10/11

Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users have complained that when they try to access some websites on their browser, such as Google Chrome, they are presented with an error message that says, ‘Server DNS address could not be found.’

If you have encountered this issue on your PC, you may wonder what it means and how to fix it.

As you may know, every website has a domain name and a numerical IP address. The IP (Internet Protocol) address is a series of numbers that represent a website.

DNS servers match the domain name of the website you want to visit with its associated IP address.

This process happens quickly. However, if the DNS server fails to retrieve the IP address, you will get the error message discussed here.

This problem often occurs in the following scenarios:

• The domain you are trying to access is down.
• The DNS server is not accessible.
• There is an IP address change at the server level, and your local cache is still returning the old IP address.

In this article, we’ll show you how to fix the “Server DNS address could not be found on Windows 11 and Windows 10” error.

How to Fix the “Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found” Error

The error might not prevent you from accessing all websites. Sometimes, it may appear on random pages, so you could still be able to perform searches on Google, but other sites, such as YouTube and Facebook, will fail to load.

The solutions we’ve presented below will help you resolve the issue. However, you can do nothing if the problem is due to a server misconfiguration of the web page you are trying to visit.

How to Fix the “Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found” Issue in Windows 10

Fix 1: Restart your router

The “server DNS address could not be found” error message may be showing because of a malfunctioning router or modem.

Your router or modem may get stuck because its memory is clogged up. That’s why it’s recommended to restart your internet device from time to time.

Rebooting it may free up the memory and allow it to function normally again.

You should reboot your computer while at it.

Unplug the router or modem from their power source. Then, completely turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall socket.

Wait for about 2 minutes before turning your devices on again.

Also Read: [FIXED] Server DNS address could not be found on Windows 10/11

Fix 2: Run the network adapter troubleshooter

Windows 10 and 11 come with built-in troubleshooters designed to fix different issues. Since you’re experiencing Internet connection problems, the issue may lie with your network adapter.

So, you can run the network adapter troubleshooter to fix conflicts and issues related to the device driver that may be triggering the issue.

Let’s start with running the troubleshooter on Windows 10:

• Open the Settings app.
• Head to the Settings home page’s bottom and click Update & Security.
• Click on Troubleshoot in the left pane of the next page that shows up.
• Click on Additional Troubleshooters on the Troubleshoot page.
• Go to Find and fix other problems on the Additional Troubleshooters page and click on Network Adapter.
• Next, click on Run the troubleshooter and allow the tool to find and fix issues that may be causing the error.

Follow these steps to run the troubleshooter on Windows 11:

• Start the Settings app using the Windows + I shortcut.
• Scroll through the System options and click on Troubleshoot.
• Once the Troubleshoot page appears, select Other Troubleshooters.
• Go to the Other section and click on the Run button beside the Network Adapter.
• Allow the tool to check for issues with the network adapter and fix them.

Also Read: How To Fix “Can’t Connect to This Network” Error on Windows 10/11

Fix 3: Resolve network adapter driver issues.

The first thing you have to do is to make sure your network adapter driver is not missing or faulty. This driver establishes communication between your computer and your network connections.

Therefore, the DNS error can occur if your network adapter driver is corrupt, incorrect, outdated, or not properly installed.

You can proceed by updating the driver. We will look at the different methods you can use to get that done.

Perform a Windows Update

Windows Update is a Microsoft service that provides patches, service packs, and other updates for your operating system, ensuring that it continues to function optimally.

It also updates driver software for your hardware devices, including the network adapter driver. Therefore, installing Windows updates is one way to get the latest drivers compatible with your device.

Here’s how to install Windows updates:

• Open the Settings app on your computer by pressing the Windows key + I combination on your keyboard.
• On the open page, click on Update & Security, and then click on Windows Update in the left pane of the subsequent page.
• Now, click the Check for updates button on the right. The operating system will detect new updates and download and install them.
• Restart your PC to complete the process.

You can also check for drivers using the Windows Update client. Follow these steps:

• Once you open the Windows Update client, click the View Optional Updates link.
• After the Optional Updates window appears, expand the Drivers section to display the list of available driver updates.
• Scroll to your network adapter’s driver and mark its checkbox.
• Click on the Download and Install button.

Follow these steps to update your Windows 11 PC:

• Head to the Start menu and click on the Settings icon, or right-click the Start menu and select Settings.
• After seeing the Settings page, head to the top-right corner and click on Windows Update. Alternatively, you can go to the left pane and click on Windows Update.
• Click on the Check for Updates button once the Windows Update screen appears.
• Windows update will now search for the latest available updates for your PC and download them.
• The client may ask you to click the Download and Install button if the downloads are large.
• Windows update will attempt to install the updates once the downloads are complete. You may have to restart your PC to complete the installation.

To look for optional updates in Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Go to the Windows Update page and click on Advanced Options under More Options.
• On the Advanced Options page, go to the Additional Options section and click on Optional Updates.
• Expand the Driver Updates list to see the available driver updates.
• Search for your network adapter and select its checkbox.
• Click on the Download and Install button.

Update the network driver through the Device Manager

Since you are only interested in updating your network adapter driver and might not care about updating other Windows components, you can go straight to the Device Manager and update the desired driver right away.

Follow the easy steps below:

• Open the Run accessory by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard combination.
• Type ‘Devmgmt.msc’ into the search field and hit Enter on your keyboard or click the OK button on the Run accessory.
• Once the Device Manager window opens, locate Network Adapters and expand it by double-clicking or clicking the arrow next to it.
• Right-click on your network adapter device and select Update Driver Software from the context menu.
• Opt for Search automatically for updated driver software. The system will search your computer and the internet for the updated version of your driver and then download and install it.
• Restart your computer when the process is complete.
• If the driver has already been updated, you can try reinstalling it. In Step 4, right-click on your device and click on Uninstall Device. After you restart your computer, the system will reinstall the driver.

Visit the website of your device manufacturer

Another option is to visit your PC manufacturer’s official website, search for the latest version of your network adapter driver, and download it. Then, go to the location where the file was saved on your computer and run it.

Keep in mind that this method requires that you know your computer’s specifications to ensure that you get the correct driver.

The website likely has a wizard that will detect the specs automatically.

However, if you are not confident about this method, you can always use an automatic driver updater to handle your driver issues.

Update Your Drivers with an Automatic Tool

This is the easiest and most efficient method of updating your device drivers. A tool like Auslogics Driver Updater ensures you won’t run into driver-related problems on your computer.

Driver Updater runs a complete scan of your system and detects missing, corrupt, incorrect, and outdated drivers, allowing you to update any or all of them.

Since it automatically detects your device’s specifications, you are sure to get the correct drivers required for your computer’s proper functioning.

It also runs a backup before the update so that you can readily roll back to the previous versions of your drivers if ever necessary.

Roll back your driver

You can try rolling back your network adapter driver if you performed an update just before the ‘Server DNS address not found’ issue started. The new driver version might be faulty, thus causing the error.

Also Read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Fix 4: Clear the host cache in Google Chrome

The error message when you try to visit a website could be caused by third-party extensions and plug-ins in Chrome.

So, in this case, the best way to resolve the issue is to clear the host cache, which is probably corrupt or full.

Follow the steps below to complete the procedure:

• Launch your browser.
• Click the hamburger menu (the vertically arranged three dots in the top-right corner of your browser page) and select “New incognito window” from the context menu.

• Once the incognito window opens, type chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar and hit Enter.
• The Clear host cache button is on the open page. Click on it.
• Afterwards, try again and see if you can browse the web normally. The ‘Server DNS address could not be found’ error message will no longer appear. However, if it still does, other fixes must be tried.

Also Read: Simple Guide: How to View and Clear DNS Cache on Windows 10/11?

Fix 5: Flush and renew the DNS

When you visit a website, Windows automatically stores its IP address, allowing you to access the website faster next time. However, when the cache gets corrupt or outdated, you encounter issues, such as the ‘Server DNS address could not be found’ error.

Flushing and renewing the DNS resolves this. You must run a couple of commands in an elevated Command Prompt. Simply follow the steps presented below:

• Press the Windows icon key on your keyboard to bring up the Start menu. You could also click the Windows icon on your screen.
• Type Command prompt into the search bar. The option will appear in the results. Right-click on it and then click on Run as administrator.

Alternatively, you can open the Command Prompt (Admin) option through the WinX menu.

To do so, press the Windows key + X combination or right-click on the Windows icon on your screen. When the menu appears, locate and click on Command Prompt (Admin).

• You will be presented with a User Account Control (UAC) prompt that asks you to confirm letting the Windows Command Processor make changes to your computer. Click the ‘Yes’ button to proceed.
• Now, enter the following commands in the CMD window and press enter after you type or paste each one:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /registerdns
netsh int ip reset

The above command lines will flush the DNS and renew/reset TCP/IP. Afterwards, restart your computer and see if the server DNS address issue has been resolved.

Also Read: Simple Guide: How to View and Clear DNS Cache on Windows 10/11?

Fix 6: Configure your DNS server

Ensure that your DNS server settings are configured correctly. Otherwise, you won’t be able to connect to the internet. Follow the steps below to configure the DNS server settings on your computer.

Here is how to change the DNS server settings in Windows 10:

• Call the Run accessory using the Windows keys + R keyboard combination.
• Type ‘Control Panel’ into the search field on the dialog box and then click the OK button or press Enter on your keyboard.
• Expand the View by clicking the drop-down menu at the top-right corner of the Control Panel page. Select Small icons from the menu.
• Scroll through items on the list. Locate and click on Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on Change adapter settings. It is displayed in the left pane.
• On the open page, right-click on your connection (whether Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection) and select Properties.
• Locate and click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) under the This connection uses the following items category. Make sure that the checkbox beside the item is marked. Then click on the Properties button.
• See that you are in the General tab once the Properties box opens. Select the Use the following DNS server address option.
• Try using Google’s public DNS. The service and servers are owned and maintained by Google. Enter the settings as presented below:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Alternatively, you could use the following settings:

Preferred DNS server: 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS server: 208.67.220.220

• Click the OK button to effect the changes.
• Launch your browser and see if you can now visit a website without the Server DNS address could not be found error popping up.

Use the Windows settings

You can also carry out the above procedure through the Windows Settings app:

• Press the Windows + I combination on your keyboard to invoke the Settings page.
• Click on Network & Internet. Then click on your connection type in the left pane of the new page.
• Now, click on the Change adapter options link in the left pane.
• Right-click on your connection and select Properties in the context menu.
• Locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) under the This connection uses the following items list. Ensure that the checkbox for it is marked. Select it and then click the Properties button.
• Select the ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ option in the General tab and enter the following addresses:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• Click the OK button to save the changes.

Windows 11

Follow these steps on Windows 11:

• Press the Windows + I combination on your keyboard to invoke the Settings page.
• Select Network and Internet in the left pane and click on Advanced Network Settings.
• Once the Advanced Network Settings page opens, scroll down to Related Settings and click on More network adapter options.
• Right-click on your connection and select Properties in the context menu.
• Locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) under the This connection uses the following items list. Ensure that the checkbox for it is marked. Select it and then click the Properties button.
• Select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option in the General tab and enter the following addresses:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• Click the OK button to save the changes.

Afterwards, open your Google Chrome browser and see if the error message will still appear when you try visiting a website.

The issue will have been resolved. However, if it persists, move on to the next solution.

Also Read: [FIXED] “Your DNS Server Might Be Unavailable” Error On Windows 11

Fix 7: Delete files in the ‘ETC’ folder

The HOSTS file is a text-based file (which means that you can make changes to it by using a text editor) that was designed to serve the purpose that DNS servers now serve, i.e. to map IP addresses to their domain names.

Another use for the HOSTS file is that it speeds up your browsing.

If your DNS server is down or not fast enough, you can choose not to rely on it and manually enter the domain name and IP address mappings in your HOSTS file so that your computer can quickly find the addresses.

The HOSTS file is contained in the ETC folder on your computer. Some users have reported that deleting the contents of the etc folder helps resolve the ‘Server DNS address not found’ issue. Follow the easy steps below to get it done:

• Press the Windows key + I button on your keyboard to open File Explorer on your computer.
• Navigate the following path to get to the etc folder:

C: > Windows > System32 > drivers > etc

• Now, once you are in the etc folder, click on a blank area and press Ctrl + A to select all the items. Then press Delete on your keyboard or right-click on one of the highlighted items and select Delete from the context menu.
• When prompted, click the ‘Yes’ button to confirm the deletion.

Afterward, close File Explorer and launch Chrome. Try visiting a website and see if the error message has been resolved.

Fix 8: Restart the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Service

The Internet Connection Sharing Service is a Windows service responsible for name resolution, network address translation, and intrusion prevention, especially if you use an office or a home network.

The error may appear because this particular service is malfunctioning or not running. Restarting the service should potentially resolve the problem.

Thus, follow these steps to restart the service on Windows 10 and Windows 11:

• Open the Start menu and search for Services.
• Click on the Services app in the search results.
• After the Services app shows up, scroll to the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) service and click on it.
• Go to the Services window’s upper-left corner and click the Stop button.
• After the service stops, click on Start.

Fix 9: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you encounter a server DNS address issue when visiting a website, a VPN can help resolve it. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have blocked the website’s DNS.

You can use reputable VPN software to bypass the restriction. Make sure to obtain it from a trusted source to avoid infecting your computer with viruses and other malware.

Also Read: Why Do You Need a VPN for Gaming?

Fix 10: Disable Internet Protocol Version

IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet protocol. However, IPv4 is still commonly used today.

Some DNS servers and websites are not yet compatible with IPv6, which could be the cause of the DNS error you’re experiencing.

You can fix the problem by disabling IPv6 from your network adapter settings.

Follow these steps:

• Call up the Run command dialog box using the Windows key + R keyboard combination.
• Type Control Panel into the search field of the dialog box, click the OK button, or press Enter on your keyboard.
• Expand the View by drop-down menu at the top-right corner of the Control Panel page. Select Small icons from the menu.
• Scroll through items on the list. Locate and click on Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on Change adapter settings. It is displayed in the left pane.
• On the open page, right-click on your connection (whether Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection) and select Properties.
• Locate and untick the checkbox for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) under the This connection uses the following items category.
• Now, click on the OK button and check for the error.

Fix 11: Perform a DNS client service reset

Windows services manage system resources and settings and run programs on your computer. You can modify these services through the “Services” accessory on your computer.

This allows you to troubleshoot problems and improve security and performance.

Restarting the DNS client service on your computer may resolve the issue you are facing with the server DNS address.

The DNS client service registers a name for your computer and caches Domain Name System identifiers.

If the service is deactivated, your computer’s name will not be registered, and the DNS name query results will not be cached, although DNS names will continue to be resolved.

Also, if the service is stopped, other services explicitly connected to it cannot start. Therefore, follow the steps below to restart the DNS client service:

• Invoke the Run dialog box. Search for its name in the Start menu search box or press the Windows icon + R keyboard combination to open it quickly.
• Once the Run dialog box comes up, type Services.msc into the search field and click the OK button or press Enter on your keyboard.
• Locate DNS client in the Services list and right-click on it. Then click Restart in the context menu that opens.
• Close the Services window and check whether the server DNS address issue has been resolved.

Also Read: How to Change DNS Server on Windows 10

Fix 12: Look Up the IP and Add It to the Hosts File

Some users reported that this solution had worked for them. However, it may not be effective since it still requires querying the IP using DNS servers.

Nevertheless, it can give you more insight into the Chrome error. If you are still able to visit some websites, then follow the steps below; otherwise, move on to the next fix:

• Visit https://www.whatsmydns.net/#A/com.

• Copy the IP address as listed on the resulting page. Note that the IPs listed will generally be the same. Otherwise, copy the one that is mostly used.
• Go to the Start menu by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard or clicking the icon on your screen.
• Type Notepad into the search bar. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
• Click Yes when the UAC prompt is displayed.
• Once Notepad opens, click the File tab and click on Open in the menu.
• Navigate the following path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
• Select All Files > Hosts and open it.
• Go to the bottom of the file and use the format 0.0.1 domain.com to enter the IP address you copied earlier, i.e. replace 127.0.0.1 with the IP address you copied and replace domain.com with the domain you queried in Step 1.
• Press Ctrl + Sto save the file.

Afterward, try visiting the problematic website again. The procedure we applied above will help look up the route locally before your DNS is queried. The domain to the IP address has already been pointed.

However, if the website still doesn’t open, then the fault is not from your computer. You can try opening the site on your mobile device just to confirm.

Fix 13: Reinstall Google Chrome

Another option you have is to try reinstalling your Chrome browser. You can do that through the Control Panel or through the Settings app. Here’s how:

Uninstall Google Chrome via Windows 10 Settings:

• You can open the Windows Settings app by heading to the Start menu and clicking on the Settings icon. Alternatively, you can quickly open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I keyboard combination.
• Click on Apps on the Settings page that opens.
• Under the Apps & Features page, use the search bar to call up Google Chrome.
• Now, click on Chrome and select the Uninstall button to remove the app.

Uninstall Google Chrome via Windows 11 Settings:

• You can open the Windows Settings app by heading to the Start menu and clicking on the Settings icon. Alternatively, you can quickly open the Settings app by pressing the Windows icon + I keyboard combination.
• Click on Apps in the left pane of the Settings window.
• Go to the right side, on the Apps page, and click on Apps & Features.
• Next, go to the Apps List section and use the search bar to locate Google Chrome.
• Once Chrome shows up, click on the three dots to the app’s right and select Uninstall from the menu.

Follow the prompts to remove the browser from your computer.

Uninstall Google Chrome via the Control Panel

• Open the Run dialog by right-clicking the Windows icon to bring up the Power User menu. Then click on Run in the list. You could also use the Windows key + R keyboard combination to invoke the accessory.
• Type Control Panel into the text area and hit Enter or click OK.
• Select ‘Category’ in the ‘View by:’ drop-down displayed in the top-right corner of the page.
• Now, click on Programs > Programs and Features.
• Locate Chrome in the list of apps, right-click on it and select Uninstall from the contextual menu.
• Afterward, visit the official website of Google Chrome and download the latest version of the browser. Then, try to see if the error message will still appear.

Also Read: How to Hard Refresh Your Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari

Conclusion

That’s how to fix the “DNS server might be unavailable” issue on Windows 11 and 10.

We hope our guide has been of help in resolving the annoyance posed by the ‘Server DNS address could not be found’ message.

Feel free to reach out to us if you need more help. You can also comment to let us know which fixes worked for you.

If any solutions are not included in this guide but that helped you resolve the issue, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section.

FAQ