Fixed: DNS Address Could Not Be Found Google Chrome

Are you facing the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error in Google Chrome for a few days? Worry not, it is a very common DNS error many users have faced. In Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10, this DNS problem is apparent.

When this issue occurs, you are unable to visit some websites from Chrome. And along with the problem. the ‘server DNS address could not be found message appears on-screen.

For whatever reason the error appears, it definitely has some solutions to try. This DNS problem is pretty common in the Google Chrome browser since most people use Chrome these days.

As the name suggests, the Google Chrome error comes with a Domain Name System problem. And with the right solutions and methods, you can easily fix it.

What Does ‘DNS Address Could Not Be Found’ Means?

The websites on the internet come with a numeric IP that a human can understand. This IP contains a domain name and it is important for building communication with the DNS server and devices. In this communication of the server, the IP acts as the translator.

And if the DNS fails to receive the message IP is giving, the ‘server DNS address could not be found error appears. When you are trying to access a domain that is presently down, your browser will display this error.

It also happens when your local browser cache is returning an IP. When the server changes an IP, your local caches might not know that. So, as a result, it keeps on returning the same old IP address.

How to Resolve the ‘DNS Address Could Not Be Found’ Problem?

In this section, we will work through several methods that will help you fix the error. However, if the issue is occurring with the server configuration of the particular site, then these methods may not help.

1. Clear Host Cache

If due to a Google Chrome extension you are seeing this error, then clearing all host cache might help. Press Ctrl+shift_N on your keyboard to enter incognito mode. Then follow these steps-

  1. Open a tab and visit chrome://net-internals/#dns
  2. There will be a Clear Host Cache button on the main page
  3. Click on that button
How to Resolve the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error step 1

Delete all the files in the ‘etc’ folder

Visit C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc on your computer and delete all the files. And then open Chrome and try to access the site again. In most cases, if the above-mentioned solution does not work, this one surely will.

2. Use Google DNS

When there is a problem with the DNS server, you can try to change it to Google’s Public DNS. This is a free Domain service that is related to Google. Google maintains and works with these domain servers. This is an alternative that provides domain name resolution for host servers on the internet. You will have to change this server manually to Google DNS.

  1. Go to your Network Connections settings from your start menu
  2. Go to settings
  3. Select “Network & Internet”
  4. From there, choose your connection type from the left pane
  5. And click on the Change adapter options from the right
  6. Right-click on your internet connection and select Properties
  7. From there, click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
  8. And select “Properties”
  9. In the same window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
  10. And enter 8.8.8.8 in “Preferred DNS server”
  11. Enter 8.8.4.4 in “Alternate DNS server”
  12. Click “OK”
How to Resolve the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error step 2

After this, open Chrome and check if the “Server DNS address could not be found” error is occurring or not.

3. Reset Your IP and Clear Your DNS Caches

All you have to do is enter and execute the “netsh” and “ipcofig” commands in your Command Prompt window. This will modify the network configuration of the computer you are currently running. And thus, resolving the ‘DNS address could not be found problem.

The ipcofig is a tool where you will find the current configuration of your IP. And using this tool will help you reset your IP and will also help reset your DNS client resolver cache. You can renew your DHCP configuration with it.

  1. First, open Command Prompt with admin privileges. Type “command prompt” in the search box of Windows and choose “Run as administrator”
  2. Click on Yes to allow permission
  3. A black screen will appear where you will have to type the following commands;

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

How to Resolve the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error step 3
  1. Press Enter after entering each command
  2. When all commands are executed by the command prompt, restart your computer

Now run your Chrome browser again and check if the “Server DNS address could not be found” error appears again or not.

4. Restart DNS Client Service

Windows services can modify your DNS client service as well. These services are important for several programs to run on your computer. And they can manage their settings as well. For various purposes, you can modify a service’s settings and manage its resources.

In the same way, if you modify the DNS Client service, it will help you resolve the problem with “DNS server Not Responding”.

The DNS client service registers a computer’s name and Domain Name System names. When the service stops, these names will resolve but the DNS name queries will not use the cache. And at the same time, the computer’s name won’t be registered. Hence, the services that directly depend on it will fail. You can try these steps to restart the DNS Client service.

  1. Press Win + R and open Run
  2. Type “services.msc” in the Run box and press Enter or OK
  3. In that window, locate “DNS Client” and right-click on it
  4. Then choose Restart
  5. Then close the window
How to Resolve the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error step 4

5. Automatic Driver Update

Due to a faulty Windows driver, you can encounter the DNS Address Could Not Be Found Google Chrome error. If your drivers are missing or outdated, this error can come up many times. But if you auto-update your Windows drivers, you may be able to get rid of the problems.

There are many free Windows tools available that will help you get rid of driver problems. Like Driver Easy is free software that helps you detect your Windows driver-related problems and automatically fix them for you.

How to Resolve the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error step 5

Just scan your system with Driver Easy and find missing or outdated drivers and click on Update All. This is a safe option for not-so-tech-savvy people as you don’t have to try out any advanced methods. Just install the tool on your computer and let it do its job.

6. Manual Driver Update

In case you are not interested in installing any tool on your computer, no worries. You can still update your drivers manually. All you need to do is head to the manufacturer’s website on your PC and search for the most recent drivers. In case, you are having trouble finding the right drivers, contact your PC’s manufacturer and they will tell you what to do.

Conclusion

These steps should erase the “Server DNS address could not be found” error. And after performing this step, simply uninstall and reinstall your Chrome. All the solutions here will help you fix the “DNS address could not be found” problem. But there can be many other methods that we may not know about. Feel free to share them in the comment box below.

Are you facing the DNS Address Could Not Be Found error in Google Chrome for a few days? Worry not, it is a very common DNS error many users have faced. In Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10, this DNS problem is apparent. When this issue occurs, you are unable to visit some websites from Chrome. And along with the problem. the ‘server DNS address could not be found message appears on-screen.

Leave a Comment