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.
To reset the DNS resolver cache, perform the following steps:
- Hold down the Windows key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog box.
- Type
ipconfig /flushdnsthen press “Enter“. (be sure there is a space before the slash)
That’s all there is to it. A command box will flash on the screen for a split second and the DNS Resolver cache is cleared.
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 to view the data.
Braden says
ok so let me just say that I was working on fixing my problem for a good 7 hours and if I didn’t find this I would have spent forever trying to fix this so thank you so much
Tennille says
This was so easy to understand and do. Thank you for giving a novice like me simple directions. You did better than the tech guy working for my hosting company!
Yorkshire rascal says
I’m having problems loading pages from yahoo.com . I’ve done system restore / I’ve flushed the dns more than once with browsers off/on I’ve turned off then rebooted my desktop after Dnsflush Now I’m stuck what to do next. I’ve lost confidence in this yahoomail now so I’m presently moving my addresses to a new address. I have flickr pages connected to this mailbox so I don’t want to lose it all together. Can anyone pass on advice on what to do next
John A Brotherton says
Dear Mitch,
Just a quick note to thank you for your instructions on DNS flushing in Windows 10. My computer was working fine until I installed the Anniversary 1607 Update – then I kept getting the ‘Webpage not available’ message. I contacted Microsoft who didn’t crack it and then I got the idea of flushing the DNS from ‘Incredible Lab’ and I got the Windows 10 instructions from you. I can only say it appears to have worked like magic and even the webpages which were connecting have speeded-up! So your info was much appreciated.
John.
dayna says
it did not fix the issue, what else can I try. I keep getting a DNS error loading websites.
fanie sethokga says
Hi,i use a mobile wifi moderm . my laptop kept keeping the old IP from the past connection. I therefore did a DNS flush and it now connect to WiFi with easeease. But the problem is that I cannot connect to any internet site cause it keep saying I must if I typed address well
I now decided to reset my PC in an attempt to address .what could be the issue
Phil says
I’m still doing the old fashion way through a command box. Does that matter?
Vandy says
@peggy
try using space between “ipconfig /flushdns” and its not “ip…../flushers”, its flushdns
hope it helps :)
Barimbo says
@Peggy
ipconfig /flushdns
surol says
ipconfig is a windows command:
ipconfig[space]/flushdns
Peggy says
I’m trying to do the DNS flush but it’s saying that I don’t have a file called the ipconfig/flushers
Any thoughts!
kimberley says
I tried to do this and when I do it says that this file wasn’t found, it doesn’t clear anything. What am I doing wrong?