If websites are not loading correctly on your Windows 11 computer, the problem may be caused by outdated DNS information. Your computer stores DNS data in a temporary cache to help websites load faster. However, this information can sometimes become outdated or incorrect.
Learning how to clear DNS cache in Windows 11 can help refresh your DNS information and fix common website connection problems. The process is simple and only takes a few seconds.
What Is a DNS Cache?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It converts website names, such as example.com, into IP addresses that your computer can use to connect to a web server.
Windows temporarily stores these DNS results in a local cache. This allows your computer to find previously visited websites faster.
However, an old or incorrect DNS entry can sometimes cause connection problems. You may see errors such as DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, website loading failures, or outdated website versions.
Clearing the DNS cache removes these stored entries and allows Windows to request fresh DNS information.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Windows 11
The easiest way to clear the DNS cache is by using Command Prompt. You do not need to install any additional software.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Click the Start button on your Windows 11 computer.
Type Command Prompt in the search box. When Command Prompt appears in the results, right-click it and select Run as administrator.
Windows may ask for permission through User Account Control. Click Yes to continue.
Step 2: Enter the DNS Flush Command
Once Command Prompt opens, type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdnsPress Enter on your keyboard.
Windows should display a message saying that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
This means the old DNS information stored on your computer has been removed.
Step 3: Restart Your Browser
After clearing the cache, close your web browser completely.
Open it again and visit the website that was having problems. Windows will now request fresh DNS information instead of using the old cached entry.
How to Check the DNS Cache
If you want to see the DNS information currently stored on your computer, you can use another Command Prompt command.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:
ipconfig /displaydnsPress Enter to display the cached DNS records.
You may see domain names and their associated information in the results. You normally do not need to change these records manually.
When Should You Clear the DNS Cache?
You may want to clear your DNS cache when a website does not open even though your internet connection is working.
It can also help after changing a domain’s DNS records or moving a website to a new hosting provider. Your computer may still have an older DNS result stored locally.
Other situations where clearing DNS cache can help include:
- Websites showing outdated information
- DNS-related browser errors
- Problems accessing a recently moved website
- Incorrect domain resolution
- Connection problems after changing DNS settings
For additional troubleshooting, you can follow this Windows DNS troubleshooting checklist.
Does Clearing DNS Cache Delete Your Files?
No. Clearing the DNS cache does not delete your personal files, browser bookmarks, passwords, or installed applications.
The command only removes temporary DNS information stored by Windows. Your computer will automatically create new DNS cache entries as you visit websites again.
This makes the process safe for normal DNS troubleshooting.
What If the Problem Continues?
If clearing the DNS cache does not solve the problem, the issue may have another cause.
First, check whether your internet connection is working. You can also restart your router and try opening the website again.
If only one website is affected, check whether the domain is configured correctly. Recently changed DNS records may also require time to propagate.
You can also try changing your DNS server. Popular public DNS services include Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS. After changing DNS settings, restart your network connection and test the website again.
If you manage a website, check your domain’s A, CNAME, and nameserver settings carefully before making changes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear DNS cache in Windows 11 is a useful troubleshooting skill. The process is quick, free, and does not require third-party software.
Simply open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns. Windows will remove the stored DNS information and request fresh records when you access websites again.
If DNS problems continue after flushing the cache, check your internet connection, DNS server, domain settings, and recent DNS changes. These additional checks can help you identify the actual source of the problem.