Flushing the DNS cache on Windows 11 is one of those small tasks that feels kinda trivial but can actually make a big difference when your connection acts up or websites refuse to load properly. The thing is, over time, the local DNS cache can get cluttered with outdated info—like old IP addresses or corrupted data—that messes with how Chrome, Edge, or any browser finds your favorite sites. Clearing it out can give your system a fresh start, kinda like hitting the reset button on your network lookup process. Sometimes, Internet hiccups are just about that cached info being outdated or corrupted, especially after network changes or VPN use. It’s not fancy tech, but it often works when nothing else does. Anyway, here’s how to do it — fairly straightforward, but don’t be surprised if sometimes the commands momentarily make your head spin.
How to Flush DNS on Windows 11
Open the Command Prompt with admin rights
First off, you gotta get the Command Prompt up as an admin. You might think it’s just a simple search, but this step’s crucial—flushing DNS needs elevated permissions. Head to Start Menu (click the Windows icon or press Win) and type cmd in the search bar. When you see Command Prompt pop up, right-click it and select Run as administrator. In some setups, just pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter after typing “cmd” in the search bar will open it with admin rights, which is kinda quick if you’re into shortcuts. On one machine it worked, on another…not so much; sometimes, you need to confirm a UAC prompt. Because of course, Windows has to make this just a tiny bit more complicated than it should be.
Type the command to clear DNS cache
Inside the admin Command Prompt window, just type: ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter. This command is like telling Windows, “Hey, forget that old DNS info, ” and it quietly clears out your local DNS resolver cache. The system should pop up a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” If that appears, good—your cache is now clean. Sometimes, it takes a reboot or a re-try if you didn’t get the message right away. After this, websites should hopefully resolve faster, and weird network errors might go away.
What to do if it didn’t work
If flushing DNS didn’t fix your issues, maybe the problem isn’t just cached info. Check your Network Settings -> Advanced network settings and make sure your network adapter drivers are up-to-date. Or, try restarting your PC—sometimes, Windows needs that extra nudge to make changes stick. And hey, if nothing helps, another freebie to try is resetting your network stack using netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset commands, but don’t do those unless you’re comfortable with more advanced troubleshooting. Just remember, sometimes your system might have other issues at play, like DNS server problems from your ISP.
Tips for Flushing DNS on Windows 11
- Make it a habit to clear your DNS cache if you notice sites loading weirdly or take forever to resolve.
- Keep a stable internet connection, because interruptions during the flush can cause it to fail silently.
- If DNS-related issues stick around, consider changing your DNS server to Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) — those are pretty reliable and fast.
- Use the shortcuts: After typing “cmd”, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run as admin, save steps.
- If errors persist, run Network Troubleshooter in Settings > Network & Internet > Network Troubleshooter to catch deeper issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does flushing the DNS cache actually do?
It clears out all the old DNS entries your system saved, forcing it to look up fresh info. Usually helps when sites don’t load, or you switch networks and the old IP messes things up.
Is it safe to flush DNS frequently?
Totally safe, no harm. It’s just like cleaning a cluttered desk—sometimes, you gotta do it to keep things running smoothly. Just don’t overdo it unnecessarily.
How often should I do this?
Normally, when things get buggy or after network changes. Not every day, but if you notice weird DNS errors or long loading times, it’s worth a shot.
Do I need admin rights?
Yeah, flushing DNS needs elevated permissions because it affects system-wide settings. Running as administrator is the way to go.
Will this fix all my internet problems?
Not always. It’s a good first step but if your Wi-Fi is flaky, the router is having issues, or your ISP is down, DNS flush won’t fix that. Still, it’s quick, easy, and often overlooked!
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as admin
- Type
ipconfig /flushdns - Wait for the success message
- Reboot if things still seem wonky
Wrap-up
Getting your DNS cache cleared isn’t some arcane tech wizardry. It’s just a simple command that can save your browsing day. If websites are taking forever or you get weird DNS errors, give this a shot before digging into bigger problems. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of a quick refresh to get everything back in shape. Fingers crossed this saves someone a few hours—worked for me, at least.