When you visit a website, your computer needs to find the website’s IP address before it can connect. To make this process faster, Windows 11 stores DNS (Domain Name System) information in a local cache. This cache keeps records of recently visited websites so your computer does not have to request the same information repeatedly from DNS servers.
While DNS caching improves browsing speed, it can sometimes cause problems. For example, if a website changes its IP address, if a DNS record becomes outdated, or if incorrect DNS information is stored in the cache, you may experience website loading issues, connection errors, or difficulty accessing certain online services. In these situations, flushing the DNS cache can help.
Flushing the DNS cache removes all stored DNS records from your computer and forces Windows 11 to obtain fresh DNS information the next time you visit a website. The process is safe and often recommended as a troubleshooting step when dealing with internet connectivity problems.
This guide explains several methods you can use to flush the DNS cache in Windows 11.
What Is DNS Cache?
DNS cache is a temporary database maintained by Windows that stores information about previously visited websites and network locations.
Instead of contacting a DNS server every time you open a website, Windows first checks the local cache. If the required record exists, the connection can be established more quickly.
However, cached records can become outdated or corrupted. When that happens, websites may fail to load correctly or redirect incorrectly. Clearing the DNS cache forces Windows to obtain updated information from DNS servers.
Method 1: Flush DNS Cache Using Command Prompt
This is the most common and quickest method.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns- Press Enter.
If successful, you will see a message similar to:
Windows IP Configuration
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.The DNS cache is now cleared. Windows will automatically create new DNS records as you browse the internet.
This method works on all editions of Windows 11 and is usually the first troubleshooting step recommended by network administrators.
Method 2: Flush DNS Cache Using Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal allows you to execute the same DNS flushing command in a modern interface.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Terminal (Admin).
- Type:
ipconfig /flushdns- Press Enter.
You should receive the same confirmation message indicating that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.
Windows Terminal combines Command Prompt and PowerShell functionality, making it a convenient option for users who frequently perform administrative tasks.
Method 3: Flush DNS Cache Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides another way to clear cached DNS records.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type:
Clear-DnsClientCache- Press Enter.
The command executes silently in most cases. Once completed, the DNS cache has been cleared.
PowerShell is especially useful for advanced users who automate system administration tasks or manage multiple computers.
Method 4: Restart the DNS Client Service
The DNS Client service is responsible for caching DNS information in Windows. Restarting this service effectively clears cached DNS records.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
services.msc- Click OK.
- Locate DNS Client.
- Right-click it if available.
- Select Restart.
If the Restart option is unavailable, Windows may be protecting the service. In that case, use one of the other methods in this guide.
Restarting the DNS Client service can resolve certain network issues that persist even after performing a standard DNS flush.
Method 5: Flush DNS Cache Through PowerShell Service Commands
You can restart the DNS Client service directly from PowerShell.
Follow these steps:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Enter:
Restart-Service Dnscache- Press Enter.
This command restarts the DNS Client service and refreshes DNS-related information stored by Windows.
This method is particularly useful for administrators managing systems through scripts.
Method 6: Flush DNS Cache Using Command Prompt Service Commands
Command Prompt can also restart the DNS Client service.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
net stop dnscache- Press Enter.
- Then run:
net start dnscache- Press Enter.
Once the service restarts, DNS-related data is refreshed.
This method may not work on every Windows 11 system due to service protection settings, but it remains useful in supported environments.
Method 7: Flush DNS Cache After Changing DNS Servers
If you have recently changed your DNS server, flushing the cache ensures Windows immediately begins using the new DNS information.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Open your active connection.
- Choose Edit DNS Settings if necessary.
- Save your preferred DNS configuration.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns- Press Enter.
This removes cached entries that may have been created using the previous DNS server.
Using this method helps ensure that DNS changes take effect immediately.
Method 8: Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Configuration
If flushing DNS alone does not resolve a network issue, renewing your network configuration may help.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns- Press Enter.
- Then enter:
ipconfig /release- Press Enter.
- Finally run:
ipconfig /renew- Press Enter.
This sequence clears DNS records and obtains a fresh IP address from the router.
It is often useful when troubleshooting internet connectivity or network conflicts.
Method 9: Flush DNS Cache and Reset Winsock
Some networking problems involve more than just DNS cache. In such cases, resetting Winsock can help.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns- Press Enter.
- Then enter:
netsh winsock reset- Press Enter.
- Restart your computer.
This process clears DNS information and resets networking components used by Windows applications.
It is commonly used when browsers and internet applications experience unusual connection issues.
Method 10: Verify That DNS Cache Has Been Cleared
After flushing the cache, you may want to confirm that the process was successful.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt.
- Enter:
ipconfig /displaydns- Press Enter.
If the cache was recently flushed, you should see significantly fewer DNS records than before.
As you continue browsing, Windows will gradually repopulate the cache with new entries.
This verification step is useful when troubleshooting persistent DNS-related problems.
When Should You Flush DNS Cache?
Flushing DNS cache can be helpful in several situations:
- Websites fail to load correctly.
- DNS server settings were changed.
- Website IP addresses have recently changed.
- Browser displays DNS-related errors.
- Internet troubleshooting requires DNS refresh.
- You suspect outdated DNS information.
- Certain websites open on one device but not another.
- Network changes have recently been made.
- VPN configuration changes have occurred.
- Technical support recommends clearing DNS records.
In most cases, flushing DNS is a quick and safe troubleshooting step.
What Happens After Flushing DNS Cache?
After clearing the DNS cache:
- Stored DNS records are removed.
- Website lookups are performed again.
- Fresh DNS information is downloaded.
- Incorrect cached records are eliminated.
- Browsing may be slightly slower for the first visit to websites.
- Performance returns to normal as the cache rebuilds.
The process does not delete personal files, browser data, passwords, or settings.
Only temporary DNS records are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is flushing DNS cache safe in Windows 11?
Yes. Flushing DNS cache is completely safe and only removes temporary DNS records stored on your computer.
2. Will flushing DNS cache delete browsing history?
No. DNS cache and browser history are separate. Flushing DNS does not remove your browsing history, cookies, bookmarks, or saved passwords.
3. How often should I flush DNS cache?
Most users do not need to do it regularly. It is generally only necessary when troubleshooting internet or website access issues.
4. Why does flushing DNS sometimes fix internet problems?
If Windows is using outdated or incorrect DNS records, clearing the cache forces it to request updated information from DNS servers.
5. Do I need to restart my computer after flushing DNS?
Usually no. The DNS cache is cleared immediately. However, some advanced networking changes may require a restart.
6. What is the easiest way to flush DNS cache?
The easiest method is opening Command Prompt as Administrator and running:
ipconfig /flushdns7. Does flushing DNS improve internet speed?
Not directly. However, it can resolve delays caused by outdated or corrupted DNS entries.
8. Can flushing DNS fix website loading errors?
In many cases, yes. If the problem is caused by incorrect DNS records, flushing the cache often resolves it.
Final Thoughts
Flushing the DNS cache in Windows 11 is one of the simplest and most effective ways to troubleshoot website access and internet connectivity issues. Because Windows stores DNS information locally, outdated or incorrect records can occasionally cause problems. Clearing the cache forces the system to obtain fresh DNS information, often resolving errors within seconds.
The most popular method is using the ipconfig /flushdns command in Command Prompt, but Windows 11 also provides alternatives through Windows Terminal, PowerShell, service management tools, and network reset procedures. These methods give both beginner and advanced users multiple options for refreshing DNS information.
Whether you are troubleshooting a website that will not load, changing DNS providers, configuring a VPN, or resolving general network issues, knowing how to flush DNS cache is a valuable Windows 11 skill. Since the process is quick, safe, and easy to perform, it should be one of the first troubleshooting steps whenever DNS-related problems occur.
