Flushing the DNS resolver cache can help resolve DNS related problems in Microsoft Windows 10. Issues would include web site not found errors or not being able to view certain web pages that have changed.
Option 1 – Windows Command
To reset the DNS resolver cache, perform the following steps:
- Select the “Start” button, then type “cmd“.
- Right-click “Command Prompt“, then choose “Run as Administrator“.
- Type
ipconfig /flushdnsthen press “Enter“. (be sure there is a space before the slash)
A command box will flash on the screen for a split second and the DNS Resolver cache is cleared.
Option 2 – Windows PowerShell
- Select the “Start” button, then type “powershell“.
- Select “Windows PowerShell“.
- Type the following command, then press “Enter“:
Clear-DnsClientCache
This article applies to Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, 2000, 2003 and 2008.
Also see:
Flush and reset a client resolver cache using the ipconfig command – Microsoft
FAQ
What is the DNS Resolver Cache?
Whenever you visit a website using it’s domain name (i.e. microsoft.com), your browser is directed to a DNS server where it learns the IP address of that website. You are then directed to that website. A record of the IP address that domain name points to is created within Windows so that if you visit that same website again, the information is accessed quicker. These records that get created make up the DNS Resolver Cache.
Why would flushing the DNS Resolver Cache fix anything?
Sometimes an IP address to a site may change. If the DNS Resolver Cache has the old IP address record, it may result in your computer not being able to reach the site. Cached data can also become corrupt. Therefore, clearing it is a step you can take whenever you cannot connect to a site.
Can I view the data in the DNS Resolver Cache?
Yes. From a command prompt, you can use the “ipconfig /displaydns” command or the “Get”>-DnsClientCache” PowerShell command to view the data.
Vanessa says
This forum/blog is extremely helpful. Thank you all for your posts.
Windows IP Configuration – Run successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache but continually ask for
C: \Users\Owner > and accepts nothing I input.
Please Advise!
The Plumber says
Typing “cmd” didn’t work I had to type “run”
Scheherazade says
This would be very useful IF Windows 10 showed a command line when I click Start, so I could type anything at all. I can’t find a way to get to the cmd prompt.
Abdullah Al Mehedy says
Really It’s a Very Helpful Article. Thanks for share with us.
Angela Grzywacz says
Hi I have just purchased a new lap top and it has problems connecting to the internet. the trouble shoot guide says : The DNS server is not responding” . please can you help
DebianFanatic says
If you don’t want the command window to disappear, don’t use the Run command; use the Command Prompt command instead (as Administrator).
This will open a command terminal, wherein you can type
ipconfig /flushdns
and then to exit the command terminal window, either X at the top-right or enter the command
exit
F says
To read the data, try copy and pasting everything into a doc. You can do this as the data is loading.
My question is about all the data that is in there after the flush. It appears to be junk but I’d like it gone so the next display dns is clean.
Marge says
I don’t know yet. Have to relaunch website fix was for.
Chris says
I tried this. Two web sites still refuse to load on any browser.
Sanjay G M says
it is worked with the RUN command but it is run dialogue box quickly and even guys not seen the operation, if want see the operation try with the command prompt with the following command
ipconfig /flushdns (be sure there is a space before the slash)
Ronald Kriel says
When using the run command “ipconfig /displaydns” the command prompt window scrolls by so fast I cannot read it. I did try “ipconfig /displaydns /p just in case it worked like directory searches. No luck.
OldGoat says
Richard & Anika the ipconfig/flushdns window will appear and disappear quickly.. sometimes a momentary pause it the cache is rather full but otherwise sometimes you may not even witness it but it will function as per the command
anika says
For me happens the same, box quickly disappears ;/
Michael A. Bethea says
Very helpful. As a Customer Service analyst for the CDC, I come across this problem from time to time. It’s good to have yet another trick in my arsenal. Thanks!
Michael Bethea
Atlanta, GA
Richard Hutchinson says
When I do these steps my run diallogue box quickly disappears ,,,,,thats all.