Troubleshooting 'DNS Server Is Not Responding' Error on Lenovo Laptop

Has your Lenovo laptop ever shown the message, 'DNS server is not responding'?

1. Restart Your Devices

Often, the simplest solution is the most effective! Try restarting both your laptop and router/modem. Here's how to do it:

Restart your laptop: Press the power button and select Restart if available.

Restart your router/modem: Unplug it for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully start up.

2. Check Network Connection

Make sure you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. An incorrect network might be causing the issue. Try switching to another network to see if the problem persists.

3. Flush DNS Cache

Maintaining a clean DNS cache can prevent connection issues. Here's how to do it:

Open Command Prompt: Type 'cmd' in the Windows search bar and right-click 'Command Prompt' to select 'Run as administrator'.

Flush DNS Cache: Type the following command and press Enter: 'ipconfig /flushdns'.

4. Change DNS Settings

Change your DNS settings to Google's public DNS servers:

Access Control Panel: Go to 'Control Panel' -> 'Network and Internet' -> 'Network and Sharing Center'.

Change Adapter Settings: Click on 'Change adapter settings' on the left side.

Configure DNS: Right-click on your active network connection and select 'Properties', then select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click on 'Properties'.

Select DNS Servers: Choose 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)

Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)

Save Changes: Click 'OK' to save the changes.

5. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve connection issues. Here's how:

Open Settings: Go to 'Settings' -> 'Network Internet'.

Reset Network Settings: Scroll down and click on 'Network reset'. Follow the prompts to reset your network settings and restart your laptop.

6. Update Network Drivers

Ensure your network drivers are up-to-date. Here's the process:

Open Device Manager: Right-click the 'Start' button and select 'Device Manager'.

Find Network Adapter: Expand the 'Network adapters' section.

Update Driver: Right-click on your network adapter and select 'Update driver'.

7. Disable IPv6 (Optional)

Disabling IPv6 can resolve connectivity issues in some cases:

Access Network Properties: Go back to your network connection properties as in step 4.

Uncheck IPv6: Uncheck 'Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)' and click 'OK'.

What to Do If None of the Above Works

If all these steps still do not resolve the issue, consider contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance. There might be issues on their end that need to be addressed.

Additional Tips

Check if the DNS server your device is using is your router. If so, check the DNS server your router is using.

If the issue persists with your ISP's DNS server, contact tech support for additional guidance.

By following these steps, you can resolve most 'DNS server is not responding' errors on your Lenovo laptop, or at least narrow down to the underlying issue so you can seek the appropriate help.