07 Apr DNS Address Could Not Be Found Windows 10: Troubleshooting Steps for Dummies

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Are you frustrated by the dreaded DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error on your Windows 10 computer? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This pesky error can be a real pain, but with a little know-how, you can troubleshoot and fix it in no time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple steps to get your internet connection back up and running smoothly.

The DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error on Windows 10 typically occurs when your computer is unable to connect to the internet due to a DNS server-related issue. This error can be caused by various factors, such as incorrect DNS settings, network issues, or problems with your DNS server. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly resolve the error and get back to browsing the web without any interruptions.

What is it?

The DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error occurs when your computer is unable to resolve a domain name into an IP address using the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS is like the internet’s phone book, translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other. 

Several factors can contribute to this error. It may be due to issues with your internet connection, problems with the DNS server settings, or incorrect DNS configurations on your computer. Sometimes, the error can also occur due to temporary glitches in the DNS server or conflicts with third-party software.

To resolve the DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error, you can try several troubleshooting steps. These include checking your internet connection, restarting your router and computer, flushing the DNS cache, changing your DNS server settings, and disabling proxy settings. By following these steps, you can often resolve the error and get back online quickly.

What to do?

The good news is that fixing this error is usually quite simple. Here are some troubleshooting steps that even the most technologically challenged individuals can follow:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving into more complex solutions for the DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error, it’s essential to ensure that your internet connection is working correctly. Start by checking if you can open other websites or if other devices on the same network can access the internet. If other devices can connect, the issue is likely specific to your Windows 10 computer.

If your internet connection is the problem, try restarting your router and modem. Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve connectivity issues. Additionally, ensure that your network cables are securely connected and that there are no physical obstructions or interference affecting your connection.

If the DNS address could not be found Windows 10 problem persists, you can try troubleshooting your network connection in Windows 10. Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar and select “Troubleshoot problems” to let Windows attempt to diagnose and fix the issue automatically.

2. Restart Your Router and Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix a multitude of issues. Try turning off your router and computer, waiting a few minutes, and then turning them back on again.

3. Flush the DNS Cache

The DNS cache in Windows 10 stores information about previously visited websites, which can help in loading websites faster by avoiding the need to query DNS servers repeatedly. However, sometimes this cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to DNS-related issues such as the DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error.

Flushing the DNS cache can often resolve these problems. To do this, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Simply type “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.” Once the Command Prompt is open, type the command “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. This command will clear the DNS cache on your Windows 10 system.

After flushing the DNS cache, try accessing the website again to see if the issue has been resolved. If the error persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.

4. Reset Your TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can also help resolve network issues. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each one:

   – netsh int ip reset

   – netsh winsock reset

5. Change Your DNS Server

If you’re encountering the DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error, consider switching to a public DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1). This change can help bypass any problems with your ISP’s DNS server and potentially resolve the issue. To switch DNS servers, go to your network settings, find the TCP/IP settings, and manually input the new DNS server addresses. After making the change, restart your computer and see if the error persists.

6. Disable Proxy Settings

If you’re using a proxy server, try disabling it to see if that resolves the issue. To do this, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and turn off the “Use a proxy server” toggle.

7. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

If you’re facing the DNS address could not be found Windows 10, your firewall or antivirus software could be the culprit. These security programs sometimes block internet connections, mistakenly identifying them as threats. To test if this is the case, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software, then try accessing the website again. If the error is resolved after disabling these programs, you may need to adjust their settings to allow the connection. Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus software after testing to maintain your computer’s security.

8. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause network connectivity issues. Update your network drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.

9. Perform a System Restore

If none of the above solutions work, you can try performing a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state when the internet was working correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DNS address could not be found Windows 10 error can be a frustrating issue, but it is usually easy to fix with the right troubleshooting steps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to browsing the internet hassle-free.

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