DNS server address could not be found in Windows 10: error solution

Updated: February 13, 2023
6 min read
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DNS server address could not be found in Windows 10: error solution
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by Alex Sherwin
Tech Expert & Writer
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Quality Control team

Sites frequently fail to open when the DNS address cannot be found in the browser. As a result, the Internet ceases to function.

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Such a problem exists, and errors connected to DNS servers are quite common. Solution for all versions of Windows will be the same. It does not matter if you have Windows 7, 8, or 10. And it doesn't matter in which browser the error appears or for which site. This article will explain troubleshooting in  Windows 10 as an example. So let's try to fix the error "Failed to open this page" or "Cannot access the site". Typically, the basic error message depends on the browser you're using.

Cannot find the DNS-address of the server: what is it?

Before we go on to the solutions, let’s say a few words about the bug itself. DNS is needed to convert the addresses of sites (which we specify in letters) into numerical addresses. Browsers understand only those. Accordingly, when the DNS can not convert the address, the browser reports an error that it can not open the site and writes that it can not find the DNS address of the server.

Determine the cause of the DNS error

Determine the cause of the DNS error

There could be several reasons for this error: your Internet service provider, problems with the site, a router error, or a failure on your computer. Determining them is not difficult. Let's go through them:

  • The problem is on the site side. If you see the error "DNS server address could not be found " when trying to access only one site, but other sites open normally, then most likely, the problem is on the side of a particular site. It might take a while for the site to load. You can try opening it on another device (through a different connection). If it opens, then try to solve the problem on your device.
  • The DNS error is caused by your ISP or router. A problem with the ISP or the router would most likely be the cause of a failed attempt to open the sites from multiple devices. To start with, simply switch off the router for a minute, switch it on and check if the error is still there. If not, connect the Internet directly to your computer (if possible) and try opening the sites. If the error persists, then contact your ISP's support.
  • The problem is with the computer (laptop). In that case, on other devices (if there are any), everything works fine, the sites open, and the error pops up only on your laptop or PC. In this case, try to follow the tips from this article.

What to do and how to fix the error in Windows 10

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Let me remind you that the tips will work no matter what kind of Windows you have installed. I suggest that you follow the recommendations in the same order.

Checking the "DNS Client" service

We need to check if the "DNS Client" service is running and restart it:

  1. Right-click on the "Computer" icon (This Computer), and select "Manage". Or press the Win+R key combination and run the command compmgmt.msc.
  2. In the new window, select "Services", and look for "DNS Client" in the list. Right-click on the service and select "Properties".
  3. Check if the startup status is set to "Automatic" and click Ok.
  4. Then, right-click on the service again, and select "Restart". Restart the computer.

Reset DNS cache

Try resetting the DNS cache after restarting the service if the sites do not open after restart. The process is very simple.

  1. Run the command line. In Windows 10, simply right-click on the Start menu, and select "Command Prompt (administrator)". If Windows PowerShell (administrator) is there, run it. Or find and run the command line through a search.
  2. Run the ipconfig /flushdns command.
  3. Restart the computer, and check the result.

Prescribing an alternative DNS from Google

Prescribing an alternative DNS from Google

By default, the DNS addresses are assigned to us by the Internet provider. And they can be the problem. Therefore, we can write our own static DNS in the properties of our Internet connection on the computer. The best way is to use DNS from Google:

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  • 8.8.8.8
  • 8.8.4.4

They are reliable, and they work fast enough. Although, local addresses may handle requests faster. But you don't even have to worry about that. A large number of users use DNS addresses from Google. I strongly recommend not using any other addresses, it may be dangerous. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the Internet connection icon (in the system tray), and select "Network and Sharing Center".
  2. Go to "Change adapter settings".
  3. Right-click on the connection through which you are connected to the Internet and select "Properties". If your computer is connected via Wi-Fi, it is “Wireless network”. If it's just a network cable connection, then click on "Local Area Connection". Also, you might have a high-speed connection with the name of your ISP.
  4. Highlight "IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", and click the "Properties" button. Next, check the box next to "Use the following DNS-servers addresses", and write the addresses as shown in the screenshot below.
  5. If the "DNS server address could not be found" error persists, restart your computer and try opening the site again.
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