Experiencing an error message that reads “DNS Address Couldn’t be Found” can be frustrating. It often interrupts your browsing session, making it impossible to access your desired website.
But don’t despair, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will provide a detailed understanding of this issue, the causes, and, most importantly, the solutions to fix it.
Causes of DNS Address Couldn’t be Found Error
A DNS (Domain Name System) error like this typically means there’s an issue resolving the domain name to an IP address, which is crucial for loading websites. Several causes may be at the root of the issue:
DNS Server Unresponsiveness: Your Internet Service Provider’s DNS server might be temporarily down or experiencing issues.
Incorrect DNS Settings: If your device’s DNS settings are incorrect or outdated, it can lead to this error.
Malware or Virus Attack: Sometimes, viruses or malware can corrupt or modify your DNS settings, causing such problems.
Browser Problems: The browser you are using could have bugs or extensions that interfere with DNS resolution.
Solutions to the DNS Address Couldn’t be Found Error
Now that we know the potential causes let’s dive into the solutions. Remember, these are troubleshooting steps, and you may need to try more than one to resolve the issue.
Solution 1: Restart Your Router
Often, the issue can be with your internet connection. Unplug your router, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in. This allows the router to reset, potentially fixing any minor connectivity issues.
Solution 2: Change Your DNS Server
If your ISP’s DNS server is down or unresponsive, you can switch to a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open ‘Control Panel’ and navigate to ‘Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.’
Step 2: Right-click on your internet connection and select ‘Properties.’
Step 3: Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and click on ‘Properties.’
Step 4: Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ and enter the addresses of the preferred DNS Server. For Google DNS, use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Step 5: Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Solution 3: Clear DNS Cache and Reset IP
Your system stores IP addresses and DNS responses, which can sometimes lead to this error. Here’s how to clear the DNS cache:
Step 1: Press ‘Windows key + X’ and choose ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’
Step 2: Type ‘ipconfig /flushdns’ and press ‘Enter.’ You should see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
Step 3: Next, type ‘ipconfig /release’ and press ‘Enter,’ then type ‘ipconfig /renew’ and press ‘Enter.’
Solution 4: Check for Viruses and Malware
If you suspect malware or viruses are at play, use a reliable antivirus program to scan your system and remove any potential threats.
Solution 5: Update or Reset Your Browser
If the problem is browser-specific, consider updating your browser to the latest version or disabling any problematic extensions. In extreme cases, you may need to reset your browser to its default settings.
Conclusion
While encountering the “DNS Address Couldn’t be Found” error can be annoying, this comprehensive guide provides multiple solutions to effectively troubleshoot and solve the problem.
By understanding the causes and knowing how to implement the solutions, you can ensure a smoother, more reliable browsing experience. Remember, the key is to be patient and systematic in your approach.
So, the next time you encounter this DNS error, don’t panic – simply refer back to this guide, follow the steps, and get your browsing back on track.
