DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: what it is and 9 ways to fix it

Published On - November 25, 2024

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If you’ve encountered the error “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” while trying to access a website, you’re not alone. This common issue prevents you from reaching the site you’re looking for and can be frustrating when trying to troubleshoot the problem. In this article, we’ll explain what this error means and provide 9 solutions to resolve it.

What Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a specific type of error that occurs when your computer is unable to find the domain name of the website you’re trying to visit. The term “NXDOMAIN” stands for “Non-Existent Domain,” meaning the DNS (Domain Name System) lookup fails because the requested domain cannot be found in the DNS records.

Why does it happen?

CodingThe error can occur for several reasons, such as:

  • Incorrect DNS settings: Your system is configured to use an invalid or unreachable DNS server.
  • Corrupted DNS cache: The DNS resolver on your computer might have outdated or corrupted information.
  • Firewall or antivirus interference: Your firewall or security software may block the DNS request.
  • Domain name issues: The website itself may no longer exist, or there could be a typo in the URL.

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Here are 9 ways to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error:

1. Check for Typos in the URL

Before diving into more complex solutions, ensure that you typed the correct website address. A simple typo could lead to a failed DNS lookup, resulting in the error message.

2. Flush DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can cause issues with website access. Flushing the cache clears the stored DNS data, forcing the computer to retrieve the correct information.

Steps to flush DNS cache:

  • Windows:
    1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type cmd and press Enter.
    3. In the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  • Mac:
    1. Open the Terminal application.
    2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter. Enter your password if prompted.

3. Restart Your Router

A router restart can often fix DNS-related issues. Power off your router, wait for 10–20 seconds, then power it back on. This action will refresh your network connection and can resolve any DNS problems.

4. Change DNS Servers

Sometimes, the DNS server provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may be slow or unreliable. You can change to a more reliable DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS.

Steps to change DNS servers:

  • Windows:
    1. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
    2. Click on your active network connection and choose Properties.
    3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter one of these:
      • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Primary), 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
      • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (Primary), 208.67.220.220 (Secondary)
  • Mac:
    1. Open System Preferences and click Network.
    2. Select your network connection and click Advanced.
    3. Go to the DNS tab and click the + button to add new DNS addresses.

5. Disable VPN or Proxy

If you are using a VPN or proxy server, they might be causing DNS-related issues. Disable the VPN or proxy to see if the error resolves.

Steps to disable VPN or Proxy:

  • Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN and turn off any active VPN.
  • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network > VPN and disconnect.

6. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, firewalls or antivirus software can block DNS requests. Temporarily disable them to check if they are causing the issue.

Steps to disable antivirus/firewall:

  • Windows: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall and turn it off temporarily.
  • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and disable it.

7. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can help resolve network configuration issues, including DNS problems.

Steps to reset TCP/IP stack:

  • Windows:
    1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
  • Mac:
    1. Open Terminal.
    2. Type sudo ifconfig en0 down followed by sudo ifconfig en0 up (replace en0 with your active network interface if needed).

8. Clear Browser Cache

A corrupt browser cache might be causing the error. Clear the browser’s cache and cookies, then try to access the website again.

Steps to clear browser cache:

  • Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data. Choose “Cached images and files” and click Clear Data.
  • Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.

9. Check for Domain Expiry

It’s also possible that the website you’re trying to visit has expired or is no longer active. Check if the domain is still valid using online tools like WHOIS. If the domain is expired, there’s little you can do but wait for the website to be renewed or contact the website’s administrator.

FAQ: Common Questions About DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

1. What does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN mean?

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a DNS (Domain Name System) error indicating that your computer was unable to resolve the domain name you tried to visit. It means that the domain doesn’t exist, or there is a problem with your network configuration.

2. How can I fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Windows?

To fix this on Windows, try the following:

  1. Flush your DNS cache: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns.
  2. Change your DNS servers: Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
  3. Restart your router to refresh your network connection.

3. What if flushing DNS doesn’t work?

If flushing DNS doesn’t solve the issue, try the following:

  • Restart your router to refresh the network connection.
  • Change DNS servers to Google or OpenDNS.
  • Disable your antivirus/firewall temporarily to check if it’s blocking DNS traffic.

4. Why does this error appear on multiple devices in my home?

If DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN appears on multiple devices, the problem might be with your router or ISP. You should restart your router or contact your ISP for assistance.

5. How can I tell if the domain is down?

You can use online tools like WHOIS or check the website’s status with services like Down For Everyone Or Just Me to see if the domain has expired or is temporarily down.

By following these steps and understanding the causes of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to browsing the web. If the problem persists after trying all solutions, consider reaching out to your ISP or a professional for further troubleshooting.