DNS, or Domain Name System, has played a vital role in the functionality of the Internet since 1985. Simply put, DNS is the phone book of the web. When DNS issues arise, connectivity to the Internet is rendered impossible, and you know how frustrating that can be, whether you're looking to work or just relax online.
One of the most common errors that occur here is: “Your DNS server may be unavailable. This alert means that there is a problem with your DNS, so you won't be able to use the Internet until the problem is resolved.
In this article, we will cover some of the most common solutions that can help you solve your DNS problem.
Restart your router
Routers tend to overheat and cause problems in general, so the first thing to do would be to check your router. Essentially, you can just restart it manually by holding down the power button (assuming there's one on your router). However, to be on the safe side, it's more efficient to unplug every cable from your router, wait 10-15 minutes, and plug everything back in. This should give the device enough time to cool down and resume normal operation.
If it helps, chances are your router is still overheating and the same error could occur again. Unfortunately, that probably means you'll need a new router. Check your ISP's policy and contact them if they installed the router for you. If you bought your own device, browse the web and find a newer, better device with anti-overheating measures.
Change web browser
If you restarted your router and the problem persists, it could be due to software issues. The most basic thing to try is to try a new browser. This is exactly why Microsoft Edge cannot be uninstalled from your PC. If the browser of your choice makes it impossible to connect, you will not be able to download a new browser from it. But you might still be able to search the web in Microsoft Edge.
If this is the case for you, the problem is easy to solve. Uninstall your regular browser, download its latest version using Edge, and reinstall it. After doing this, things should be back to normal. If the browser is still causing problems, it might be time to consider switching to another browser.
Disable your firewall
Windows Firewall is like a TSA agent. This protects you from potential threats, but sometimes it means you have to deal with clumsy assumptions and lots of delays.
Spoken less metaphorically, Windows Firewall is a powerful Windows tool that ensures your computer is safe from external malware threats (both online and offline). Sometimes this can cause problems by marking particular non-malicious software as malware, which can easily lead to the DNS issue in question.
If so, pull the Control panel and temporarily disable the firewall. If the error has stopped happening, try creating an exception for the website/software in question.
Windows Firewall frequently causes similar issues, but they are easily fixed by creating exceptions. This will ensure that your PC stays safe from threats while allowing apps and websites that you deem harmless through the firewall.
Clear your DNS cache
- Open Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Now type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
Restart your computer
A number of errors can make your DNS server unavailable to your computer's network card or wireless adapter. Restarting your computer will purge and reset various temporary files, etc. that may be corrupt.
Select another DNS server
If none of the above solutions worked, it's time to choose another DNS server. If you're not a computer or techie, you've probably never done this before, but you have nothing to worry about. The problem and its solution are easy to understand.
The DNS server address of the Internet service provider in question is used automatically. This server, however, can be slow and easy to overload. What you need to do is change your provider's DNS to any server of your choice. Here's how.
Using the Router to Change the DNS Server
You can use your router settings to change the DNS server. Open your browser and do the following:
- press Win + R to open the Run program, type “cmd” and press Enter.
- Enter "ipconfig" in the command prompt (cmd) and press Enter.
- Copy the numbers under Default Gateway to the clipboard (use the Ctrl + C commander).
- Paste these numbers into your browser's address field and press Enter.
- Use your relevant access credentials to log in.
- To choose the Internet in the menu, then navigate to Account Info.
- Find it Dns server
- Select Use other DNSv4 servers.
- To use Google's DNS server, write 8.8.8.8. and 8.8.4.4. in the boxes next to Preferred DNSv4 server et Alternate DNSv4 server.
Using Windows Tools to Change DNS Server
In order to change the DNS server on your computer using Windows, you must first access the properties of the network connection in the Control Panel.
- Go to Control Panel> Network and Internet> Network Connections and find the used internet adapter.
- Right click on it then click Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol version 4 and click Properties.
- Follow the instructions in step 9 above.
Contact your supplier
Follow these steps if you need to recover your internet connection urgently. But if that doesn't work, or if the problem keeps coming back, you should call your provider. Tell them about your problem and follow their instructions.
Did this article help you? If so, what method did you follow? Have you ever patched your DNS with a different approach? Let us know in the comments section below and join the discussion.
