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Your DNS Server Might be Unavailable: 10 Easy Steps to Fix it
Do not hesitate to start by resetting your router
10 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Since Windows can fit on any kind of device, especially on portable andtouch-basedones, the Internet connection is a must when talking about this new OS developed by Microsoft.
Also, to haveaccess to Microsoft Storeand for being able to check your emails, to connect with your friends and coworkers through Skype or social media platforms you must have an internet connection enabled all the time.
So, when dealing withDNS problems, you need to act quickly to restore and troubleshoot your Internet connections, whether we are talking about your router, Wi-Fi adapter, or any other.
Related to your network, a common problem that might be displayed on your device is the following oneYour DNS server might be unavailable.
What does it mean when your DNS server might be unavailable?
This alert is telling you that something isn’t working properly and you can’t connect to the Internet until all the issues are being fixed.It’s possible that the cache in your browser needs to be cleared, or that the router in your network is having some kind of technical issue. TheDNS server you’re using might be misbehaving, or perhaps your firewall is the source of the issue.
The reasons that might cause the DNS system error are various, but we will try to address the most common ones by explaining the methods below.
By following the guidelines from this tutorial you will be able to learn how to resolve the WindowsYour DNS server might be unavailableerror message with ease, so don’t hesitate and check the same.
DNS problems can be serious and they can prevent you from accessing the Internet. Speaking of DNS problems, users reported the following issues:
This being said, let’s see how you can fix the DNS server might be unavailable issue in Windows 11 and 10. Follow along!
How do I make my DNS server available?
1. Reset your router
This is the easiest troubleshooting solution to perform when dealing with the DNS server that might be an unavailable error in Windows 10.In case you are using a router for establishing your network connection, just unplug and reconnect the router cable or press the router reset button.
In this way, if the problem is only minor, you will be able to quickly address theYour DNS server might be an unavailableerror.
2. Remove additional security programs
In case you are using more than one security tool on your Windows device, you might get a DNS alert.
This is happening due to incompatibility problems and other conflicts between your antivirus and/or antimalware software.
Therefore, just uninstall the additional security platforms and keep just one antivirus program on your device.
2.ChooseVirus & threat protection.
3.If you don’t have a third-party antivirus, you should be able to flick the Windows Defender protectionofffrom here but if you do, then click onOpen appto get to your antivirus.
- Go through theProtectionorSecuritymenus of your antivirus to disable it.
Several users reported that Avast antivirus caused this problem on their PC, so if you’re using Avast, be sure to remove it and check if that solves the problem.
If you discover that this issue was caused by your antivirus, maybe it’s time to look at our list of thebest antiviruses for Windowsand get a better one.
3. Run the Internet Connections and Network Adapter troubleshooters
Each Windows system features an inbuilt network troubleshooter. By running the same you will be able to find the cause of your DNS problem and address the issue.
TheInternet ConnectionsandNetwork Adaptertroubleshooters are perfect for newbies and for those who don’t know how to manually fix a system problem.
4. Update the Network adapter driver
4.1 Update drivers automatically
A computer cannot control video cards, computer applications, sound cards, or wireless connections; they must be managed by a driver. You may manually update drivers if you are completely familiar with the drivers your PC requires for network adapters.
The best alternative is to use a driver updater application like Outbyte Driver Updater, which searches deeper into the system for the best match for your PC.
This solution has a large daily-updated driver database, so it will propose the most recent drivers available after scanning your system. In addition, you will receive a completely thorough report detailing the precise state of your Windows 10’s missing, damaged, or obsolete drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater
5. Flush the DNS
This way, you will be able to request a new IP address from your ISP server and this might just resolve your network issue.
6. Reset the TCP/IP
If you’re gettingYour DNS Server Might be Unavailablemessage frequently, you might be able to solve the problem simply by using the netsh command.
After the command is executed, check if the problem still appears. If you stumble into problems,here’s what to do if you can’t run Command Prompt as admin.
7. Enter the IP address manually
Sometimes, theYour DNS Server Might be Unavailableerror message might appear if your IP address isn’t set manually. After doing that, the problem should be resolved and you should be able to access the Internet.
8. Make sure that DNS is automatically obtained
9. Use OpenDNS or Google’s DNS
If you’re gettingYour DNS Server Might be Unavailablemessage, you might be able to fix it simply by setting your DNS manually.
10. Check if your PC is properly connected
Sometimes, theYour DNS Server Might be Unavailablemessage can appear if your computer isn’t properly connected to your modem or router.
A few of our readers reported that this error occurred because their PC was connected directly to the modem instead of the router.
If you use both modem and router, be sure to check if your PC is properly connected. Of course, you should also check the cables for any damage and try to replace them.
How do I fix Your DNS server might be unavailable errors in Windows 11?
Even though the new Windows 11 has a new design and some improved features, it doesn’t mean that it’s immune to such issues as theYour DNS server might be unavailableerror.
As it’s a common problem in Windows 10, it’s no surprise that you also encountered it in the latest iteration.
Luckily, Windows 11 still has a lot of the menus and functionalities from the previous OS so all the solutions we provided above can apply to the new one.
The menus have rounded corners and a slightly different design but the contents are the same, especially the networking part.
The only notable difference is that in solution 2 you have to click onManage settingsfrom theVirus & threat protection settingsto turn offWindows Defender.
Your DNS Server Might be Unavailableis a common problem that can occur on almost any PC, but we hope that you managed to fix it by using one of our solutions.
You also might be interested in reading our guide onwhat to do if your PC isn’t connected to the Internetbecause it might offer additional useful solutions.
If you know other methods that can be used in the same matter, don’t hesitate and share the same with us – just use the comments field from below.
Of course, we will update this tutorial accordingly and we will assist you as soon as possible.
More about the topics:DNS,windows 10 fix,Windows 11
Andrew Wafer
Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he’s truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what makes his presence here, at WindowsReport, such a valuable one.
He specializes in writing about the best products for this operating system and Windows 10 fixes. Determined and creative, Andrew also loves coffee, country music, and Sunday mornings.
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