flush dns cache windows 11
flush dns cache windows 11

flush dns cache windows 11

Flushing DNS Cache in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

Hi Readers!

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on flushing the DNS cache in Windows 11. This crucial step can often resolve internet connectivity issues by clearing any outdated or incorrect DNS records. Let’s dive right in!

What is DNS?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is like an address book for the internet. It translates human-readable domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 64.233.187.99) that computers can understand.

Why Flush DNS Cache?

Over time, the DNS cache can accumulate outdated or incorrect entries. This can lead to internet connectivity problems, such as slow loading websites or difficulties reaching specific domains. Flushing the DNS cache removes these stale records and forces your computer to obtain fresh ones from the authoritative DNS server.

Flushing DNS Cache via Command Prompt (Elevated)

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press Win + R and type "cmd".
    • Right-click on the "Command Prompt" result and select "Run as administrator".

  2. Type and Enter the Command:

    • In the Command Prompt window, type: 
      ipconfig /flushdns
    • Press Enter.

Note: You should see a message saying "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

Flushing DNS Cache via PowerShell (Elevated)

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

    • Press Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".

  2. Type and Enter the Command:

    • In the PowerShell window, type: 
      Clear-DnsClientCache
    • Press Enter.

Note: The command will execute without any output.

Using Third-Party Tools

For a more graphical interface, you can use third-party tools like Flush DNS Cache (https://www.abelhadigital.com/software/flush-dns) or DNS Jumper (https://www.dnsjumper.com/). These tools provide an easy way to flush the DNS cache with a single click.

Understanding the DNS Cache

How DNS Cache Works

The DNS cache is a temporary storage location on your computer that stores recently accessed DNS records. This helps speed up subsequent requests for the same domain names by avoiding the need to query the authoritative DNS server each time.

Optimizing DNS Cache

While the DNS cache can improve performance, it can also lead to issues if it contains outdated records. To avoid this, consider using a static IP address for your computer or regularly flushing the DNS cache.

Troubleshooting DNS Cache Issues

Common DNS Cache Errors

Some common DNS cache errors include:

  • ERR_CACHE_MISS: Occurs when the DNS cache does not have a record for the requested domain.
  • ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: Indicates that the DNS server could not resolve the requested domain name.
  • DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: Occurs when the requested domain does not exist.

Resolving DNS Cache Problems

If you encounter DNS cache issues, try the following:

  • Flush the DNS cache using the methods described above.
  • Restart your router and modem.
  • Change your DNS servers to a reliable third-party provider, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  • Check if any security software or firewall is blocking DNS traffic.

Detailed Table Breakdown: DNS Cache

| Parameter | Description |
|—|—|—|
| Purpose | Stores recently accessed DNS records to speed up future requests |
| Location | Temporary storage on your computer |
| Benefits | Can improve internet performance |
| Drawbacks | May contain outdated records if not flushed regularly |
| Common Errors | ERR_CACHE_MISS, ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN |
| Troubleshooting | Flush the DNS cache, restart router/modem, change DNS servers, check firewall |

Conclusion

Flushing the DNS cache in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective solution to resolve internet connectivity issues caused by outdated or incorrect DNS records. By understanding the purpose and limitations of the DNS cache, you can optimize your internet performance and troubleshoot any related problems efficiently. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out our other informative articles on related tech topics!

FAQ about "flush DNS cache Windows 11"

What is DNS cache?

DNS cache stores the IP addresses of websites you’ve recently visited to speed up future access.

Why flush my DNS cache?

Flushing your DNS cache removes outdated or incorrect IP addresses, resolving connectivity issues.

How to flush DNS cache in Windows 11?

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter.

What if the command doesn’t work?

Try resetting your network settings using the following steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings
  2. Click "Network Reset" and follow the prompts.

Will flushing DNS cache erase my saved passwords?

No, flushing DNS cache does not affect any personal data or saved information.

How often should I flush my DNS cache?

It’s recommended to flush your DNS cache periodically, especially after changing your network settings or experiencing connectivity problems.

Can I automate DNS cache flushing?

Yes, you can create a scheduled task in Task Scheduler to flush your DNS cache at regular intervals.

What does "failed to flush the DNS resolver cache" error mean?

This error usually indicates a network issue that is preventing the DNS cache from being flushed. Check your network connection and try again.

Can I use PowerShell to flush DNS cache?

Yes, you can use the following PowerShell command:

Clear-DnsClientCache

What are the benefits of flushing DNS cache?

Flushing DNS cache can resolve connectivity issues, improve browsing speed, and protect against DNS poisoning attacks.

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