We have all faced internet connectivity issues from time to time on our Windows devices. There are many possible reasons for the same, the most common being a corrupt or excessively long DNS cache is one of the most common reasons for poor internet connectivity. In this guide, we will discuss the DNS cache and how to flush it in Windows 11.
How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11
The Domain name system (DNS) is a mechanism through which the internet links any domain name to an IP address. To speed up the process, Windows 11 stores a DNS cache so that your device can remember the URL linked to an IP address and, thus, connect more quickly to it. It is a key component of the workings of the internet. But a lot of unnecessary information can get stored in the cache file over the years, or it can get corrupted, resulting in internet connectivity issues. Clearing the DNS cache is the solution to this issue. Some of the ways to flush the DNS cache are described below.
Method 1: Using Run Command
One of the easiest methods to flush DNS is by using a simple Run command. Follow these simple steps to know how:
1. Press the Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch the Run dialog.
2. Enter the text ipconfig /flushdns into the text box.
3. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to run the command with administrator privileges. The Command Prompt will launch, run the flush command, and close automatically.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
You can also manually enter commands to the Command Prompt and flush DNS on your Windows 11 computer. Follow these simple steps for the same:
1. In the Search, search for Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt in the search results, and in the side menu, click Run as administrator.
3. Type the ipconfig /flushdns command and press the Enter key.
3. You will see a Successfully flushed DNS Resolver Cache message after the command is executed.
Also Read: How to Clear DNS Cache on Android
Method 3: Using PowerShell
In newer versions of Windows computers, Command Prompt has been replaced by PowerShell. You can use this utility to flush DNS settings on your computer. Follow these simple steps for the same.
1. In the Search bar in the taskbar, search for PowerShell.
2. Right-click on PowerShell in the search results, and in the side menu, click Run as administrator.
2. Type Clear-DnsClientCache and press the Enter key.
3. The command will execute automatically.
Method 4: Using a Batch File
You can create a Batch File once and then run it whenever you need to flush the DNS cache. It’s a very time-saving and handy method. Follow the steps explained below to flush DNS by creating a Batch File:
1. In the Search bar, search for Notepad and open it.
2. Type cmd.exe /k ipconfig /flushdns.
3. Press Ctrl + S keys and Save as the file with flushDNS.bat name.
4. Go to the batch file location and double-click on it.
5. The Command Prompt will launch and execute the /flushdns command.
6. Type exit and press Enter to close the command prompt window.
Also Read: 8 Most Common DNS Record Types: Explained
If you follow the above methods step by step, the DNS cache on your device will get cleared, and hopefully, your internet connectivity issues will get resolved. If the problem still persists, there might be some other issues.
We hope that now you know about the importance of DNS and how to flush the DNS cache in Windows 11. Tell us which method you prefer to clear the DNS cache in the comment section. You can ask any questions you have in the comment section. For more such tech-related tips, visit our site frequently.