Clearing the DNS cache on Windows 11 isn’t always obvious, especially when you’re hitting weird website loading issues or suddenly getting outdated pages. Sometimes, Windows holds onto old DNS info, which can mess with your browsing experience, making sites seem out of date, or, worse, preventing access altogether. The good part? It’s surprisingly easy to give your DNS cache a fresh start using Command Prompt, but you’ve got to run it with admin rights. If you’re tired of troubleshooting network glitches, this little fix can clear the obstructions and maybe get things flowing smoothly again.
How to Clear DNS Cache on Windows 11
Open the Start Menu
Ping on the Windows icon or hit the Win key. It’s a quick way to get into the menu housing all your apps and settings. No fancy shortcuts needed, just click or tap, and you’re in.
Search for Command Prompt
Type “cmd” into the search bar. It should pop up with “Command Prompt”—don’t just click it yet. We’re about to do some magic with admin privileges. That’s because Windows needs those rights to truly clear the DNS cache—otherwise, you might get stubborn permission errors or it just won’t work.
Run as Administrator
Right-click on “Command Prompt” and pick Run as administrator. Yes, it’s a little extra step, but this is your ticket to real control. Sometimes, Windows throws a fit if you don’t run it as admin, and the DNS cache won’t flush.
On some setups, this works the first time. On others, it might throw an error or just not do anything unless you confirm the admin prompt. So, don’t skip this part.
Type the DNS Flush Command
In the black window that pops up, type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter. This command tells Windows to wipe out all the stored DNS info, forcing it to fetch fresh data next time you visit a site.
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 one machine it’s instant, on another, you might need a reboot after.
Check for Confirmation
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” That means it’s done. If you get an error, double-check you ran Command Prompt as Admin and typed the command right. It’s pretty straightforward, but Windows likes to be picky.
Once finished, restart your browser or refresh the page, and see if that site loads differently. Usually, it helps speed things up and clears out old info that was causing problems.
Tips for Clearing DNS Cache on Windows 11
- On some machines, you might need to restart your PC after flushing DNS — just for good measure.
- Consider clearing your browser cache too — sometimes DNS isn’t the only culprit.
- If things still act weird, try restarting your router — network devices can cache info in other spots.
- Keep your network drivers updated; outdated drivers can cause all sorts of strange network bounces.
- Tools like “tracert” or “ping” can help diagnose lingering issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a DNS cache?
It’s basically a little bookmark of recent IP addresses of websites you’ve visited. Keeps everything quick, but if it’s outdated or corrupt, it can cause loading problems.
Why do I need to clear the DNS cache?
If you see errors, old-site redirects, or just weird loading speeds, clearing this cache resets the stored info, which might be stuck or corrupted.
How often should this be done?
Not often — just when stuff acts funny. But some folks do it monthly if they frequently troubleshoot network issues or notice slow browsing.
Does clearing DNS mess with other settings?
Nah, it only resets these cached DNS records. Your system settings, Wi-Fi passwords, or installed apps are safe.
Can this boost my internet speed?
Not speed per se, but it can make browsing faster if DNS was the bottleneck or outdated info was 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 hit Enter. - Watch for confirmation, then restart your browser and test the site again.
Wrap-up
All in all, flushing your DNS cache is a quick fix that can save you a ton of headaches, especially when websites seem to be acting up or loading weirdly. Not guaranteed to solve every problem, but it’s a good place to start. Just follow these steps, and hopefully, issues clear up faster than you can say “browser refresh.”
Fingers crossed this helps someone out there—worked for me, so maybe it works for you too.