Clear, Reset, or Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11 or 10

Flushing the DNS cache in Windows is a straightforward process, but it requires administrative privileges. The most reliable way to do it is through the Command Prompt.

When you run the flush command, Windows deletes all stored DNS entries and forces the system to retrieve fresh data from DNS servers the next time you access a website. This helps eliminate issues caused by outdated or incorrect DNS records.

I will walk you through everything you need to know about clearing DNS cache in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

When Should You Clear, Reset, or Flush DNS Cache in Windows?

You do not need to flush the DNS cache regularly, but there are specific situations where doing so can solve frustrating issues quickly.

One of the most common scenarios is when a website has recently changed its IP address, but your computer is still using the old cached version. This can result in errors like websites not loading or loading incorrectly.

Another situation is when you encounter messages like “DNS server not responding” or “This site can’t be reached.” These errors often indicate that your cached DNS data may be outdated or corrupted.

You should also consider clearing the DNS cache if you are dealing with frequent browsing issues, such as slow website loading, incorrect redirects, or failure to access certain domains while others work fine.

Additionally, flushing DNS can help improve privacy. Since your DNS cache stores records of websites you have visited, clearing it removes those stored entries from your system.

Finally, if you have recently changed your DNS settings or switched networks, flushing the cache ensures your system uses fresh and updated DNS information.

How to Clear, Reset, or Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11 or 10?

To clear or flush the DNS cache in Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Command Prompt as an administrator, type ipconfig /flushdns, and press Enter. You will see a confirmation message that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.

Let’s explore the detailed steps!

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

The first step is to access the Start Menu on your Windows computer. You can do this by clicking the Windows icon located at the bottom-left corner of your screen or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.

Once the Start Menu is open, you will see a search bar where you can type commands or application names. This is where you will begin the process of accessing the tool needed to flush the DNS cache.

Step 2: Search for Command Prompt

In the search bar, type Command Prompt. As you type, Windows will display search results that match your query.

You will see an application labeled Command Prompt appear at the top of the results. This is the tool you will use to run the DNS flush command.

It is important not to open it normally because flushing DNS requires administrative permissions.

Step 3: Run Command Prompt as Administrator

Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator. Alternatively, you can click on the option directly from the right-hand panel that says Run as administrator.

When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) window, click Yes to allow the program to make changes to your device. This step ensures that you have the necessary permissions to execute system-level commands.

Once opened, you will see a black window with a blinking cursor. This is where you will type the command.

Step 4: Enter the DNS Flush Command

In the Command Prompt window, carefully type the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

Make sure there are no spelling mistakes and that there is a space between ipconfig and /flushdns.

After typing the command, press the Enter key on your keyboard. This will instruct Windows to clear all stored DNS records.

Step 5: Confirm the DNS Cache Has Been Cleared

Once you press Enter, you should see a message that says:

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache

This confirmation means that your DNS cache has been cleared successfully. At this point, your system will start using fresh DNS data for all future browsing activities.

Step 6: Restart Your Browser or System

Although not always required, it is a good idea to restart your web browser after flushing the DNS cache. This ensures that your browser does not rely on any previously cached data.

In some cases, restarting your computer can also help fully apply the changes and resolve lingering connectivity issues.

Step 7: Test Your Internet Connection

After completing the process, try accessing the website that was previously causing issues. You should notice improved performance or successful loading if the problem was related to the DNS cache.

If the issue persists, you may need to check other factors such as network settings, firewall configurations, or DNS server settings.

How to Stop Windows from Caching DNS Queries?

In some cases, you may want to prevent Windows from storing DNS cache entries altogether. This is typically done for advanced troubleshooting, privacy concerns, or testing environments. However, keep in mind that disabling DNS caching may slightly slow down browsing because your system will need to query DNS servers every time.

Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box

Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. This tool allows you to quickly access system utilities.

Type services.msc in the box and press Enter. This will open the Services window.

Step 2: Locate the DNS Client Service

In the Services window, scroll down until you find DNS Client. This service is responsible for caching DNS queries on your system.

Take your time to locate it, as the list is arranged alphabetically.

Step 3: Open DNS Client Properties

Right-click on DNS Client and select Properties. This will open a new window where you can manage how the service behaves.

Step 4: Stop the DNS Client Service

In the Properties window, click the Stop button. This will immediately stop the DNS caching service on your system.

Once stopped, Windows will no longer store DNS query results locally.

Step 5: Disable DNS Caching Permanently

To prevent the service from starting again automatically, find the Startup type option in the same window.

Change it from Automatic to Disabled, then click Apply and OK.

This ensures that DNS caching remains disabled even after restarting your computer.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

Restart your system to ensure the changes take full effect. After rebooting, your system will no longer cache DNS queries.

FAQs

What does flushing DNS do in Windows?

Flushing DNS removes all locally stored DNS cache entries from your system. This forces your computer to request updated information from DNS servers, helping resolve issues caused by outdated or incorrect data.

Is it safe to clear the DNS cache?

Yes, clearing the DNS cache is completely safe. It does not harm your system or delete important files. It only removes temporary records that your system will rebuild automatically.

How often should I flush DNS?

You do not need to flush DNS regularly. It should only be done when you experience network-related issues, website errors, or after making DNS configuration changes.

Does flushing DNS improve internet speed?

Flushing DNS does not directly increase internet speed, but it can improve browsing performance if slow loading is caused by outdated DNS records.

Can I flush DNS without Command Prompt?

Yes, you can also flush DNS using Windows PowerShell by running the same command. However, Command Prompt is the most common and beginner-friendly method.

Why is my DNS cache not clearing?

If your DNS cache is not clearing, it is usually because you did not run Command Prompt as an administrator. Make sure you have elevated permissions before running the command.