How to Fix DNS Issues in Windows 11 When the Internet Stops Working
Fixing DNS Issues in Windows 11: When Internet Stops but Connection Works
Some Windows 11 users run into a strange issue: the internet seems down, but the device is still connected to the network. You can ping an IP address just fine, yet websites won’t load. This usually points to a DNS (Domain Name System) problem.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing DNS issues in Windows 11.
What’s Happening?
DNS is what translates a website name (like microsoft.com) into the correct IP address. If DNS stops working, your PC can still talk to the internet, but it won’t know how to find websites.
Solutions to Fix DNS Problems in Windows 11
1. Flush the DNS Cache
Sometimes the DNS cache gets corrupted.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns
This clears old DNS entries and forces Windows to request fresh ones.
2. Reset the Network Stack
If flushing doesn’t help, reset TCP/IP and Winsock:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
Restart your PC afterward.
3. Manually Set DNS Servers
If your ISP’s DNS is unreliable, switch to a public one.
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
To set this:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Select your adapter → Edit DNS settings.
- Switch to Manual and enter the values.
4. Update or Roll Back Network Drivers
A faulty driver update may cause DNS issues.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your adapter → choose Update driver or Roll back driver.
5. Disable Encrypted DNS (if enabled)
Windows and some browsers support DNS over HTTPS. This can sometimes break resolution.
- In Edge/Chrome/Firefox, turn off Secure DNS under privacy settings.
- Test if the problem goes away.
6. Check for Software Conflicts
VPNs, firewalls, or security apps may interfere with DNS. Temporarily disable them to see if DNS works again.
7. Use a Repair Tool
Tools like NetAdapter Repair can reset DNS, Winsock, and network services with one click. It’s useful if you prefer an automated approach.
8. Restart Your Router
Sometimes the problem isn’t Windows—it’s your router. A simple power cycle can refresh DNS services.
9. Test with IPv6 Disabled
If your network setup isn’t fully IPv6-compatible, disable it temporarily to check if it resolves the issue.
- Open Network Adapter Properties.
- Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
- Save and restart.
Final Thoughts
Most Windows 11 DNS issues are caused by corrupted caches, unreliable ISP DNS servers, or network stack glitches. Start with simple fixes like flushing DNS, then move to resetting network settings or changing DNS providers.
If the issue keeps coming back, look at your router or ISP—they may be the source of the problem.
