Question

Answer

The "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN" error message typically indicates that the domain name requested could not be resolved by the DNS (Domain Name System). This means that the server was unable to find the IP address associated with the domain name, potentially because the domain name does not exist or there is a problem with the DNS server.

It could be a problem with your internet connection, your DNS server, or the website's server. You can try troubleshoot like restarting your router, flushing your DNS cache, changing your DNS servers, or contacting the website's administrator.

Try these troubleshooting steps in this order, and stop once the website starts working.

1. Restart your router

Disconnect power to router for 30 seconds and reconnect.

2. Flush your DNS Cache

Flush your DNS Cache on Windows

To flush the DNS cache on Windows, you can use the command prompt. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu.

2. Type the command "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter.

3. You should see a message that says "Windows IP Configuration: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

Alternatively, you can also use the Windows PowerShell with administrative rights and run the command "Clear-DnsClientCache"

It is important to note that, flushing the DNS cache will clear all the stored DNS lookups on your computer, it will not affect any of your personal settings or files.

Flush your DNS Cache on macOS

To flush the DNS cache on macOS, you can use the Terminal application. Here's how:

1. Open the Terminal application, which can be found in the Applications > Utilities folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.

2. Type the command "sudo dscacheutil -flushcache" and press Enter.

3. You will be prompted to enter your admin password. Once you've entered your password, press Enter again.

4. You should see a message that says "dscacheutil: cache flush completed."

Alternatively, you can also use the command "sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder"

3. Change your DNS servers

This can be done at the browser, computer or router level.

Change DNS in Chrome browser

1. Go to chrome://settings/security
2. Scroll down to Use secure DNS
3. Set With Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)

Change DNS on Windows 

To set custom DNS settings on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I or by clicking on the settings icon in the Start menu.

2. Click on "Network & Internet."

3. Click on "Status" in the left-hand menu.

4. Click on "Change adapter options" under "Change your network settings."

5. Right-click on the network connection you want to change the DNS settings for and select "Properties."

6. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."

7. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the custom DNS server addresses you want to use.

8. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Change DNS on macOS

To set custom DNS settings on macOS, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences."

2. Click on "Network."

3. Select the network connection for which you want to set custom DNS settings and click on the "Advanced" button.

4. Click on the "DNS" tab.

5. Click on the "+" button to add a new DNS server address.

6. Enter the custom DNS server address you want to use and click "OK."

7. Click "Apply" to save the changes.

8. Close the Network preferences window.

Note: If you're using macOS Big Sur or later, the process is a little bit different. Go to System Preferences > Network. Click on the gear icon on the lower left corner, then select "Advanced". Select the DNS tab and add your custom DNS settings.

It is also recommended to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Change DNS on the router

Router is the most effective which would affect all devices on the network, except for devices with static settings. 

Most routers let you set custom DNS settings via their web interface. Here are popular DNS servers you can alternate between:

Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

CloudFlare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

4. Contact the website administrator or IT Solver