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Expert Fix: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Error in Windows 11

Nitin Berwal नवंबर 13, 2025

Expert Fix: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Error in Windows 11

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error is one of the most frustrating messages a Windows 11 user can encounter. It’s a network-level issue that typically presents in your web browser (often Chrome or Edge), completely preventing access to the internet even when your computer claims to be connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

This error means the Domain Name System check failed. Your PC successfully connected to your router, but it failed the "probe"—the attempt to look up the website's IP address. This is usually caused by corrupted local network settings, a faulty DNS address, or outdated network drivers.

Most basic guides only tell you to reboot your router. As an expert, I've compiled the advanced, technical steps you need—using the Command Prompt—to surgically repair your Windows 11 network stack and permanently eliminate this error.

Phase 1: The Essential Network Stack Reset (The Core Fix)

The fastest way to resolve most DNS and connection issues is by completely resetting the Windows network stack and clearing all related caches. This flushes out bad DNS entries and resets the internal software used for network communication (Winsock).

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Press the Windows Key + S to open Search.
  2. Type CMD.
  3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Flush DNS and Reset IP Configuration

Execute the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each. This clears old, faulty DNS records and requests new IP configuration from your router (DHCP):

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Expert Note: The /registerdns command forces the client to register its IP address and DNS records with the DNS server, often solving intermittent connection problems.

Step 3: Reset Winsock and IP Stack

The Winsock (Windows Sockets) catalog is a library of network protocols. Corruption here is a frequent cause of the DNS_PROBE error. A full reset is required.

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Crucial: After running these two netsh commands, you must restart your computer immediately for the changes to take full effect. Do not skip this restart.

Phase 2: Advanced Troubleshooting and Testing

If the error persists after the network stack reset, the issue likely lies with your DNS server configuration or the adapter itself.

Step 4: Change Your DNS Server Manually

Your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) default DNS server can be slow or unresponsive. Switching to a fast, reliable public DNS server often solves the problem instantly.

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
  3. Click More network adapter options.
  4. Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  6. Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter one of these reliable options:

Recommended Public DNS Options:

  • Google DNS:
    • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate: 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS:
    • Preferred: 1.1.1.1
    • Alternate: 1.0.0.1

Step 5: Disable/Re-enable the Network Adapter

Sometimes, the network adapter software gets stuck in a faulty state. This simple reset can clear up the internal connection status without a full reboot.

  1. Go back to More network adapter options (from Step 4).
  2. Right-click your active connection.
  3. Select Disable.
  4. Wait 10 seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.

Phase 3: Driver and Browser Verification

If the problem is limited to a single device (not your whole network), the root cause might be a corrupted driver or browser-specific settings.

Step 6: Update or Roll Back Network Drivers

An incompatible driver after a Windows 11 update is a very common culprit for network errors.

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Update driver. Choose the option to "Search automatically for updated driver software."
  4. If the error started right after an update: Right-click the adapter, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver. This will revert to the previous, stable version.

Expert Recommendation: If the automated roll-back fails, visit your PC manufacturer's support site (Dell, HP, Lenovo) and download the specific, official network adapter driver for your model.

Step 7: Clear Browser DNS Cache (Chrome/Edge Specific)

Web browsers, particularly Chromium-based ones (Chrome, Edge), have their own internal DNS cache separate from Windows. If the Windows fix didn't work, clear the browser's internal cache:

  1. Open a new browser tab and navigate to: chrome://net-internals/#dns
  2. Click the "Clear host cache" button.
  3. Restart the browser.

This ensures the browser attempts a fresh DNS lookup rather than using a corrupted local record.

Summary of Fixes (The Order of Attack)

For the quickest results, always attempt these fixes in order:

  1. Run the full Netsh Winsock Reset and IP Stack Reset (Steps 1–3).
  2. Change DNS to Google or Cloudflare (Step 4).
  3. Roll Back/Update Network Driver (Step 6).

By executing these surgical network repairs, you are addressing the error at every layer of the operating system, guaranteeing a permanent fix to the frustrating DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error and demonstrating true technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will resetting the Winsock catalog delete my saved passwords or settings?
A: No. Resetting Winsock (netsh winsock reset) only resets the internal network protocol registry keys. It will not delete saved Wi-Fi passwords, browser history, or local files.
Q: Why do I need to flush DNS when my browser is already showing an error?
A: Flushing the DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns) forces Windows to discard any locally stored, potentially faulty, DNS lookups. This ensures that when you try to access a website again, the system is forced to contact the external DNS server for a fresh, correct IP address.
Q: Can antivirus software cause this DNS error?
A: Yes. Overly aggressive third-party antivirus or firewall software can sometimes interfere with the DNS request process by blocking the network probe. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus program to see if the connection is restored.
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Nitin Berwal

प्रस्तुतकर्ता Nitin Berwal

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