Windows 11 DNS Flush and Network Reset: Fix Internet and Connection Issues

Published On - May 20, 2026

ivan Blogging

When your Windows 11 PC suddenly refuses to load websites, drops Wi Fi, shows “connected but no internet,” or struggles to reach certain apps, the cause is not always your router or internet provider. Often, the problem lives inside Windows itself: cached DNS records, outdated network configurations, corrupted adapter settings, or a stuck IP assignment. The good news is that Windows 11 includes several built in tools that can quickly refresh your connection and restore normal browsing.

TLDR: A DNS flush clears old website lookup records stored on your computer, which can fix pages not loading, incorrect redirects, and connection errors. A network reset is a deeper fix that removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores networking settings to default. Start with simple steps like restarting your router and flushing DNS before using a full network reset. If problems continue, check drivers, VPNs, firewalls, and your internet provider.

What DNS Does and Why It Can Cause Problems

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It works like the internet’s address book. When you type a website name such as example.com, your computer needs to find the correct IP address for that site. DNS performs that translation in the background so you do not have to remember long strings of numbers.

To make browsing faster, Windows stores recent DNS results in a local cache. Normally, this is helpful. If you visit the same website again, Windows can use the saved record instead of asking a DNS server all over again. However, this cache can sometimes become outdated or incorrect. A website may have changed servers, your DNS provider may have updated records, or your system may have stored a bad result after a network interruption.

When that happens, you might see symptoms such as:

  • Websites failing to load even though your internet appears connected
  • Some sites working while others do not
  • Browser errors such as DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
  • Apps failing to connect to online services
  • Incorrect website redirects or old versions of a site appearing

What Is a DNS Flush in Windows 11?

A DNS flush clears the DNS cache stored on your Windows 11 computer. It does not delete your personal files, remove saved Wi Fi passwords, or change your router. It simply tells Windows to forget the stored website address records and request fresh ones the next time you visit a site.

This makes DNS flushing one of the safest first steps when troubleshooting internet issues. It is quick, harmless, and often surprisingly effective. If a website recently moved to a new server or your PC cached a temporary DNS failure, flushing DNS may fix the problem in seconds.

How to Flush DNS in Windows 11

The fastest method is through Command Prompt or Windows Terminal. You do not need advanced technical knowledge; you only need to run one command.

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Type cmd or Command Prompt.
  3. Right click it and choose Run as administrator.
  4. In the window that opens, type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
  1. Press Enter.
  2. Look for a message such as Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

After this, close and reopen your browser, then try loading the website again. If the issue was related to a stale DNS cache, your connection should work normally.

Extra Network Commands That Can Help

Sometimes flushing DNS is not enough because the issue involves IP configuration, Winsock settings, or how Windows communicates with network services. In that case, you can run a few additional commands in an administrator Command Prompt.

Use these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Here is what they do:

  • ipconfig /release: Drops the current IP address assigned to your computer.
  • ipconfig /renew: Requests a fresh IP address from your router.
  • netsh winsock reset: Resets Windows network socket settings, which can help after malware removal, VPN issues, or broken networking software.
  • netsh int ip reset: Resets TCP/IP settings back to default values.

After running these commands, restart your computer. A reboot allows Windows to reload network services cleanly.

When Should You Use Network Reset?

A network reset is more powerful than a DNS flush. It removes and reinstalls your network adapters, then restores many networking components to their default settings. Think of it as telling Windows, “Forget the current network setup and rebuild it from scratch.”

This can fix stubborn problems such as:

  • Wi Fi networks not appearing
  • Ethernet connected but not working
  • Repeated “No internet, secured” messages
  • Broken network adapters after an update
  • VPN or proxy software causing connection failures
  • Network settings that were changed and cannot easily be restored

However, because it is a stronger fix, it should not always be your first move. A network reset may remove saved Wi Fi networks, reset VPN configurations, and require you to reconnect to wireless networks afterward. If you use custom DNS servers, static IP settings, or special business network configurations, write them down before resetting.

How to Perform a Network Reset in Windows 11

Windows 11 makes network reset easy through the Settings app. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Select Network & internet from the left menu.
  3. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
  4. Under More settings, choose Network reset.
  5. Click Reset now.
  6. Confirm when Windows asks if you are sure.

Your computer will usually restart automatically after a few minutes. Once it reboots, reconnect to your Wi Fi network if needed. You may need to enter your Wi Fi password again, so make sure you have it available before starting.

DNS Flush vs Network Reset: Which One Should You Try First?

The best troubleshooting approach is to start simple and move toward more advanced fixes. A DNS flush is quick, safe, and targeted. A network reset is broader and more disruptive. In most home internet situations, try them in this order:

  1. Restart your browser and try another website.
  2. Restart your PC to clear temporary glitches.
  3. Restart your router and modem by unplugging them for about 30 seconds.
  4. Flush DNS with ipconfig /flushdns.
  5. Renew your IP address using ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew.
  6. Reset Winsock and TCP/IP if connection errors continue.
  7. Use Network Reset if the problem remains unresolved.

This order helps you avoid unnecessary changes. Many internet problems are temporary and do not require a full reset.

Common Problems a DNS Flush Can Fix

Flushing DNS is especially useful when your internet mostly works but specific websites or services fail. For example, you may be able to stream videos and send messages, but your bank website refuses to open. That kind of selective failure often points toward DNS.

It can also help after changing DNS servers. If you switch from your internet provider’s DNS to Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, or another provider, Windows may still use cached results for a while. A flush forces your system to request fresh information from the new DNS server.

Another common situation is website migration. If a site owner moves their site to a new host, some visitors may still be directed to the old server because of cached DNS. Flushing local DNS can speed up the transition on your own computer.

Common Problems a Network Reset Can Fix

A network reset is better suited for deeper connection failures. If your Wi Fi adapter disappears, your Ethernet connection shows no internet, or Windows seems unable to properly manage networking hardware, a reset can rebuild the software side of the connection.

It is also helpful after uninstalling VPN clients, firewall tools, network monitoring software, or virtual machine applications. These programs often install virtual adapters or modify network settings. When they are removed, fragments of those settings may remain. Network reset can clean up that clutter.

Check Your DNS Server Settings

If DNS problems happen repeatedly, flushing the cache may only provide temporary relief. In that case, your DNS server itself may be unreliable. Many people use the DNS servers automatically assigned by their internet provider, but you can switch to public DNS services if needed.

Popular options include:

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • Quad9: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112

To change DNS in Windows 11, open Settings, go to Network & internet, select your active connection, and look for DNS server assignment. Choose Edit, switch from automatic to manual, enable IPv4, and enter the preferred and alternate DNS addresses.

Do Not Forget the Basics

Before assuming Windows is the problem, check the simple things. Make sure Airplane mode is off, Wi Fi is enabled, cables are fully connected, and your router lights look normal. Try another device on the same network. If your phone, tablet, and laptop all fail to connect, the issue is probably your router or internet provider rather than Windows 11.

You should also test more than one browser. If websites fail in Chrome but work in Edge, the problem may be a browser extension, proxy setting, or corrupted browser cache. Similarly, if only one app cannot connect, the issue may be with that app’s server or permissions.

Update Network Drivers

If connection issues return after DNS flushes and resets, your network driver may be outdated or unstable. Drivers allow Windows to communicate with your Wi Fi or Ethernet hardware. A buggy driver can cause slow speeds, random disconnects, or missing adapters.

To check for updates:

  1. Right click the Start button.
  2. Select Device Manager.
  3. Expand Network adapters.
  4. Right click your Wi Fi or Ethernet adapter.
  5. Choose Update driver.

You can also visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest driver. This is often better than relying only on Windows Update, especially for gaming PCs, business laptops, or newer Wi Fi chipsets.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 networking problems can feel frustrating because the symptoms are often vague: pages spin forever, apps refuse to sign in, or Wi Fi claims everything is fine while nothing loads. Fortunately, you do not need to be a network engineer to solve many of these issues. A DNS flush is a fast, low risk fix for outdated website lookup data, while a network reset provides a more complete repair when adapters or system settings are broken.

Start with the least disruptive steps, test after each change, and only use a full network reset when simpler repairs fail. With the right sequence, most Windows 11 internet and connection problems can be fixed in minutes rather than hours.