Clearing the DNS cache on Windows 11 isn’t always obvious, especially when you’re hitting weird website loading issues or the pages are acting out of date. Sometimes, Windows keeps hold of old DNS info, which can mess with your browsing — making sites look dodgy or not loading at all. The good news? It’s dead easy to give your DNS cache a refresh using Command Prompt, but you need to run it as an admin. If you’re over troubleshooting network gremlins, this quick fix can clear the blockages and hopefully get things running smooth as a kangaroo’s jump again.
How to Clear DNS Cache on Windows 11
Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows icon or hit the Win key. That’s your quick ticket into the menu with all your apps and settings. No need for fancy shortcuts, just a quick click or tap and you’re in.
Search for Command Prompt
Type “cmd” into the search bar. It should show up as “Command Prompt” — but don’t click it just yet. We’re about to do some magic with admin rights. That’s because Windows needs those privileges to truly clear the DNS cache — otherwise, you might get permission errors or it just won’t work.
Run as Administrator
Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select Run as administrator. Yeah, it’s an extra step, but it’s worth it. Sometimes, Windows throws a wobbly if you don’t run it with admin rights, and the DNS won’t flush properly.
On some setups, this works straight away. Others might give you an error or do nothing unless you confirm the admin prompt. So, don’t skip this part, mate.
Type the DNS Flush Command
In the black window that opens, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. This command tells Windows to clear out all the stored DNS info, so it fetches fresh data the next time you visit a website.
It’s kinda like clearing cache in your browser but for the DNS layer. Sometimes, this simple step fixes weird loading issues or redirect loops. Not sure why it works, but on some machines, it’s instant — on others, you might need to reboot after.
Check for Confirmation
If all’s good, you’ll see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” That’s your cue it’s done. If you get an error, double-check you ran Command Prompt as an admin and typed the command correctly. It’s pretty straightforward, but Windows can be a bit fussy.
Once finished, restart your browser or refresh the page, and see if that site loads better. Usually, it speeds things up and clears out any old info causing trouble.
Tips for Clearing DNS Cache on Windows 11
- On some machines, you might want to restart your PC after flushing DNS — just to be sure.
- Consider clearing your browser cache too — sometimes DNS isn’t the only culprit.
- If websites still act up, try rebooting your router; network devices can cache info elsewhere too.
- Keep your network drivers up to date; old drivers can cause all sorts of network gremlins.
- Tools like “tracert” or “ping” can help diagnose ongoing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a DNS cache?
It’s basically a quick bookmark of recent IP addresses for websites you’ve visited. Keeps things speedy, but if it’s out of date or corrupted, it can cause loading probs.
Why do I need to clear the DNS cache?
If you’re seeing errors, old redirects, or sluggish loading, clearing this cache resets the stored info — which might be stuck or busted.
How often should I do this?
Not too often — just when things act up. But some folks do it monthly if they troubleshoot their network a fair bit or notice their browsing slowing down.
Does clearing DNS mess with other settings?
Nah, it only clears the cached DNS records. Your Wi-Fi passwords, system settings, or apps stay just as they are.
Can this make my internet faster?
Not directly, but it can speed things up if DNS was the bottleneck or the info was corrupted, causing delays.
Summary of Steps
- Hit the Windows key or click the Start button.
- Type “cmd” and right-click Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
- Type
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter. - Watch for the confirmation message, then restart your browser and check the site again.
Wrap-up
All in all, flushing your DNS cache is a quick fix that can save a lot of headaches, especially when websites are playing up or loading wonky. It might not solve every issue, but it’s a solid first step. Just follow these tips, and hopefully, your problems disappear faster than a roo in the outback.
Hope this helps someone out there — worked for me, and fingers crossed it helps you too.