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    How to Flush DNS on Windows 10?

    Orvin SwayzeBy 3 Mins Read

    Flushing the Domain Name System (DNS) cache on Windows 10 can resolve various connectivity issues, including website loading problems and domain-related errors. This process clears the stored DNS information, forcing the system to obtain fresh records. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to flush DNS on Windows 10, ensuring a smoother and more reliable internet experience.

    A Comprehensive Guide on How to Flush DNS on Windows 10

    **1. Understanding DNS Cache:

    • The DNS cache stores records of recently resolved domain names, speeding up subsequent access to those sites. However, issues can arise if outdated or incorrect information is stored.

    **2. Reasons to Flush DNS:

    • Clearing the DNS cache can resolve issues like DNS errors, website loading problems, or changes not reflecting after domain modifications.

    **3. Opening the Command Prompt:

    • Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” to open the elevated command prompt.

    **4. Flushing DNS Using Command Prompt:

    • Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
    • Wait for the confirmation message indicating the successful flush of the DNS resolver cache.

    **5. Renewing IP Configuration:

    • You can also renew the IP configuration alongside flushing DNS. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:ipconfig /release
      ipconfig /renew

    **6. Clearing Browser Cache:

    • Flushing DNS on Windows 10 doesn’t clear browser caches. For a comprehensive reset, clear the cache in your web browser as well.

    **7. Using PowerShell to Flush DNS:

    • If you prefer PowerShell, open it with administrative privileges and enter the command: Clear-DnsClientCache
    • This achieves the same result as ipconfig /flushdns.

    **8. Checking Hosts File:

    • Occasionally, issues may be related to the hosts file. Ensure it doesn’t contain incorrect entries by navigating to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and opening the “hosts” file in a text editor.

    **9. Restarting DNS Client Service:

    • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
    • Locate “DNS Client” in the list, right-click it, and choose “Restart.”

    **10. Using Network Troubleshooter:

    • Open “Settings,” go to “Update & Security,” and select “Troubleshoot.”
    • Run the “Internet Connections” troubleshooter to identify and fix network issues.

    **11. Changing DNS Servers:

    • Consider changing your DNS servers to alternatives like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) for potentially improved performance and reliability.

    **12. Flushing DNS in Windows 10 Settings:

    • In Windows 10 Settings, go to “Network & Internet” > “Status” > “Network Reset.”
    • Click “Reset now” to perform a network reset, which includes flushing the DNS cache.

    Conclusion

    Flushing DNS on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can troubleshoot various connectivity issues. By following these steps, you can ensure that your system’s DNS cache is clear, allowing it to obtain accurate and up-to-date information for smooth internet browsing. Whether you use the Command Prompt, PowerShell, or the Settings menu, incorporating DNS flushing into your network troubleshooting toolkit can help maintain a reliable and responsive internet connection.

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