Flushing DNS on Windows 10 is sort of like giving your internet a little reset, especially when things get wonky or websites just won’t load right. Sometimes your system holds onto outdated DNS info—those are the addresses it uses to find websites—and that old cached info can cause slow load times, connection errors, or even weird behavior in browsers. Clearing out the cache forces your PC to fetch fresh DNS records, which often fixes those nagging issues. It’s handy for when changing DNS servers, troubleshooting connectivity, or just trying to speed things up a bit. If you’ve tried everything else and websites still act up, this might just do the trick.
How to Flush DNS on Windows 10
Yeah, it’s pretty simple, but because Windows loves to make things annoying, you need to make sure you’re running the Command Prompt with admin rights. Otherwise, the command won’t work and you’ll be stuck. Plus, sometimes you gotta do it after changes in network configs or after toggling between different DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare.
Open the Command Prompt with admin rights
- Click the Start button, or press Windows key.
- Type “cmd” or “Command Prompt” in the search bar.
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and choose Run as administrator.
This extra step is important—without admin rights, the command won’t clear the cache. On some setups, the command window might open but won’t do anything unless you’re running as admin. Weird, but true.
Type the flush command and hit Enter
- In the Command Prompt window, type
ipconfig /flushdns. - Press Enter.
If you do it right, you’ll see a message that says, “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” That’s how you know it worked. Sometimes, on certain setups, the message might be delayed or not appear, but if no errors pop up, you’re good.
Check the result and close the window
- Type
exitand press Enter to close the Command Prompt.
Now, there’s an optional step for extra peace of mind—restart your PC. Not always necessary, but it helps make sure all network settings refresh completely, especially if you’re switching DNS servers or troubleshooting. Sometimes, a simple reboot after flushing clears lingering issues that aren’t solved just by the DNS reset.
Additional tip: Reboot your router if problems persist
If flushing DNS alone doesn’t fix the connectivity issues, it’s worth bouncing the router. It might be a separate problem, but doing a quick power cycle (turn it off, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on) often helps resolve stubborn network glitches. Windows tricks alone can only do so much if the router has its own problems.
Tips for Flushing DNS on Windows 10
- Run the Command Prompt as administrator — pretty much a must.
- If websites seem slow or stuck, try flushing DNS first before tweaking other settings.
- Changing your DNS servers (like switching to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Google’s 8.8.8.8) and then flushing DNS can really speed things up.
- Use
ipconfig /displaydnsif you wanna peek at what’s currently cached—sometimes helpful for troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I flush my DNS cache?
Because old DNS entries can cause websites to load slowly, or sometimes not load at all, especially if IP addresses change or there’s a DNS hijacking. Flushing clears out the outdated stuff, forcing your PC to get fresh info.
How often should I do this?
Not every day, but if you notice slow browsing, errors, or after switching DNS providers, give it a shot. Some folks do it periodically if they’re into fiddling with network settings or troubleshooting persistent issues.
Does this hurt my PC?
Nope. Flushing DNS is safe—just clears cached records. It’s like hitting refresh on a browser, but for your network info.
Do I need to restart after?
Not technically, but rebooting after flushing helps ensure everything resets cleanly, especially if issues stick around. Also a good idea if you switch DNS servers or do other network tweaks.
Will this delete my saved passwords or browsing history?
Nope, this just clears temporary DNS info. Your passwords and browsing data stay safe.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as admin
- Type
ipconfig /flushdns - Look for success message
- Close Command Prompt
- Reboot if needed
Wrap-up
Flushing DNS might seem like a minor thing, but it can be surprisingly effective at fixing connectivity glitches. It’s kind of annoying that Windows makes you jump through hoops sometimes, but in the end, it’s a quick fix that can save some time slogging through troubleshooting. If websites are acting weird or loading really slowly, give this a try. Usually, it’s enough to get things back on track. Fingers crossed this helps—worked for me on a few setups, so maybe it’ll do the same for you.