4 Ways to Flush the DNS Cache on Windows 11

Sometimes, your computer holds onto outdated or corrupted DNS data, leading to browsing issues and connection errors. Flushing your DNS cache on Windows 11 can solve these problems quickly. Here are four effective ways to clear the DNS cache and get your internet working smoothly again.

1. Using Command Prompt

This is the most common method and only takes a few seconds.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns
4. You’ll see a message saying, “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

2. Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell is another built-in tool for managing Windows settings.

Steps:

1. Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the same command as above and hit Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns
3. Wait for the confirmation message.

3. Using the Run Dialog

A quick and simple shortcut if you don’t want to open Command Prompt or PowerShell manually.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type:
   cmd /c "ipconfig /flushdns"
3. Press Enter. The DNS cache will flush, and the window will close automatically.

4. Restarting the DNS Client Service

If the above methods don’t work, restarting the DNS Client Service can help.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down and find DNS Client.
3. Right-click on it and select Restart. (If Restart is greyed out, you may need to use Command Prompt.)
4. Alternatively, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
   net stop dnscache
net start dnscache

When Should You Flush the DNS Cache?

• After changing your DNS settings
• When you’re having trouble loading websites
• To protect your privacy after visiting sensitive sites

Clearing the DNS cache is a safe and quick fix that often solves many network headaches. If you’re still having issues after trying these methods, consider rebooting your router or checking for malware.

Need more troubleshooting tips? Drop your questions in the comments!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!