How to Fix Error Code “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”?

The error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN often occurs when DNS fails to resolve the web IP address. DNS, or Domain Name System, translates domain names like appuals.com into IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, allowing browsers to load content.

This error can be caused by several factors, such as DNS server issues, problems with the caching mechanism, invalid domain names, interference from ad blockers, misconfigured host files, and issues with router firmware. 

Common Fixes

Before going through the solutions, we recommend performing some basic troubleshooting as outlined below.

First, verify the domain name or website URL to ensure accuracy. Attempt to access the website on another device. If successful on a different device, this indicates a misconfiguration on your main device, and you should proceed with the solutions below.

If the website is not accessible on any device, it could either be that the website has restricted access from your ISP/Country or the website is down, potentially due to issues on the webmaster’s end. In such scenarios, you can only wait until the problem is resolved.

As a webmaster, check the website’s DNS settings to ensure correct configuration. If the DNS settings are not at fault, troubleshoot your hosting to solve the issue.

1. Power Cycle Your Router

Overheating or firmware issues can cause this error. For example, I encountered this error when attempting to access my router’s admin panel after prolonged router usage without a restart. Restarting the device immediately resolved the error.

1. Unplug the adapter from the modem/router and the electrical outlet.
2. Wait for 2 to 3 minutes before plugging the power cables back in.
3. Wait for the indicator lights to illuminate.
4. Once complete, verify if the error is resolved.

2. Automatically Configure Your DNS Settings

By using a tool like DNS Geek, your system’s domain name resolution protocols can be finely tuned without the need for manual adjustments. This intelligent and swift automation makes sure that your settings align with the optimal boundaries for successful internet navigation, potentially resolving the annoying DNS issues that have been disturbing your browsing experience.

1. Download DNS Geek Tool.
2. Launch Windows PowerShell as Administrator.
   
3. In PowerShell, execute the following commands to bypass execution policy restrictions:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope Process
   Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted

   

4. Navigate to the directory containing the DNS Geek Tool and run the script by right-clicking and selecting Run With PowerShell.
   
5. Check if the issue persists.

3. Switch to a Public DNS

Normal DNS services map user-friendly domain names to IP addresses so browsers can understand and load the website requested. Automatic DNS servers can be unreliable; hence, we recommend using Google’s Public DNS for stability.

Switch to Google DNS using the following instructions if the automatic DNS provided by your ISP is problematic.

1. Click the Start Menu and type Control Panel.
   
2. Open Control Panel and navigate to:

   Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center

3. Select Change Adapter Settings from the left pane.
   
4. Right-click on your Ethernet or WIFI connection and choose Properties.
   
5. Locate and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties.
   
6. Choose Use The Following DNS Server Addresses and enter Google’s DNS:

   Preferred DNS Server
   8.8.8.8
   Alternate DNS Server
   8.8.4.4

   

7. Click OK to apply the changes.
8. Alternatively, to revert to automatic DNS, select Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically and click OK.
9. Type command prompt in the search box.
10. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run As Administrator.
    
11. Execute the following commands to refresh your DNS:

    ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig /registerdns

    

12. After completing these steps, check whether the error has been resolved.

4. Assign Automatic IP Address

When you choose Assign Automatic IP Address, your device reaches out to the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server in your network. This server automatically assigns an IP address to your device that’s in accordance with your current network settings.

By doing this, you avoid potential IP conflicts or misconfigurations that might disrupt the connection between your device and the DNS server, as a result helping to resolve the error.

1. Open Settings from the Start Menu.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
   
3. Click on your Ethernet or WIFI connection.
   
4. At the bottom of the settings page, click on the Edit button under IP Settings.
   
5. Select Automatic (DHCP) and hit Save.
   
6. Afterwards, verify if the error still exists.

5. Disable Adblocker

Troubleshooting the error may involve considering the ad blocker you use. Here’s how it can impact your browsing: Ad blockers function by manipulating DNS requests to block unwanted content. Sometimes, they can interfere with domain resolution, leading to errors when trying to load websites.

Disabling the ad blocker allows your DNS queries to proceed unrestrained, potentially resolving the issue and restoring access to the web page you’re trying to visit.

1. In your Chrome browser, go to chrome://extensions/.
   
2. Locate your ad blocker and turn it off.
   
3. Check if the website is now accessible.
4. If successful, consider whitelisting the site in your ad blocker.
   Note: The process for whitelisting varies per ad blocker. Refer to your specific ad blocker’s documentation for guidance.

6. Remove Website From Hosts File (if applicable)

The hosts file is like an address book for your computer, directing where it goes to find certain websites. If a specific domain is incorrectly listed there, it could cause the error by overriding DNS settings.

By deleting any such entries related to the problematic domain, you essentially tell your computer to look up the address elsewhere, which can resolve the issue if the hosts file was indeed causing a blockage.

1. Run Notepad as Administrator from the Start Menu.
   
2. Once the Notepad is opened, click on File and then click Open.
   
3. Open the hosts file located at:

   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

4. If an entry for the desired domain exists, delete it and save changes with Ctrl + S.
   

7. Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Sometimes, antivirus software can mistakenly block legitimate DNS queries as part of its protective measures. By disabling the antivirus, you remove this potential blockade, allowing your device to properly communicate with DNS servers and resolve domain names into IP addresses. Always remember to enable your antivirus again after testing to maintain security.

1. Find the antivirus icon in the system tray and right-click it.
2. Select the disable or pause option, usually found in a sub-menu like Avast Shields Control.
   
3. Confirm the temporary deactivation and check for issue resolution.

8. Use VPN

Bypass restrictions by using a VPN. There are various VPN services available; for recommendations, consider the guide on The Best VPN For Streaming and Gaming in 2022.

Should these methods prove ineffective, the problem may come from your ISP. In that case, contact your service provider to address the DNS error.