Did you just come across the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN while trying to browse a website? Oftentimes the Google Chrome users come across this DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. However, people using other browsers like Firefox and Edge have also started facing this error.
So what is it all about? What does the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error mean to you and how do you fix it? When you encounter this type of DNS error, it generally means that there’s something wrong with your internet connection or DNS server.
Here in this guide, we’ll be discussing this problem in detail and explore the best possible solutions to fix the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error. Let’s start.
Also Read: BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO error on Windows 10: Full Fix
What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?
For those who don’t know, DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS translates the domain name to the IP address of the website. Computers understand the numbers, like IP address, and DNS takes the website address like dailytechposts.com and translates it into the server IP address in computer-friendly language.
So whenever you type the website address in your browser, DNS locates the associated IP address, and you see the information in your browser window. It is like a phonebook of the Internet.
NXDOMAIN stands for Non-Existent domain, which means the domain name you entered is either not associated with an IP address or the DNS failed to resolve the domain name.
The error message for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN can be different on different web browsers.
1. Google Chrome
In Google Chrome, the error DNS_PROBE_FINSIHED_NXDOMAIN looks like the screenshot shown below:
2. Microsoft Edge
In Edge browser, the error looks a little different as below:
3. Mozilla Firefox
Here’s how you see the dns probe finished nxdomain error in Mozilla Firefox browser:
How to Fix the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” Error?
Now that we know the potential reasons causing this error on your browser, let’s start to fix them. These are some of the common fixes that have worked for many users facing this error while browsing.
1. Release and Renew IP Address
Before getting to other elaborated solutions to fix the issue, the first thing you should try to is to release and renew the IP address on your PC. Also, flush out your local DNS cache. Let’s do it-
- Press and hold Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box
- Type cmd in the dialog box and hit the Enter button to open Command Prompt
- Type ipconfig/release and press the Enter key. It’ll now release your current IP address
- Now, type ipcofig/flushdns and press the Enter key. Your local DNS cache will be flushed
You’ll see a “ Successfully flushed the DNS resolver Cache” Message .
- To renew your IP address, type ipconfig/renew and hit the Enter button
Alternatively, you can flush and renew your DNS by merely disabling your network adapter and re-enabling it.
2. Restarting the DNS Client
You’ll have to restart the DNS (Domain Name System) to fix the error issue. Here’s how
- Press and hold Windows+ R keys to open Run dialog box
- Type services . msc . In the dialog box and press the OK button
- You’ll now a services window, scroll down and look for DNSClient
- Once you find it, right-click on the DNS Client option and select Restart from the drop-down menu
The DNS Client will now restart. Launch your browser and see if the problem persists.
3. Change DNS Servers
Although your Internet service provider automatically assigns DNS servers, you can still change it temporarily. Let’s do it-
- Go to the Network icon (right-corner of your taskbar) and right-click on it. You’ll see a set of set of bars if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or a PC icon if you’re connected to a LAN cable
- In the new window of several options, select Adapter settings
- After you click on Adapter settings, a new window with all the connections will open up. The connection with which you’re getting DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is where the main issue lies
- Choose that connection and right-click on it
- Now, select Properties option from the drop-down menu
- In the Properties window, select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list of connection’s properties
- Select the properties option from the list. Here, you’ll see a window showing many options. You can now see the option to assign the custom DNS settings.
- Fill the following DNS in this area-
- Enter “ Preferred DNS Server as 8.8.8.8; Alternative DNS Serveras8.8.4.4’’ in the dialog boxes
- Once it’s done, hit the OK button
Now you can continue browsing without any disruption.
4. Reset Chrome Flags
At times, your Chromes settings might have been changed unknowingly. Some incorrect settings can easily cause “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. You can simply reset your Chrome’s settings. Here’s how-
- Launch Google Chrome
- Now type Chrome: //flags in the URL bar
- Once it’s done, hit the Reset all to default button on the window
After that, restart your browser and check if the error issue has resolved.
5. Disable your Antivirus and VPN temporarily
At times, certain VPNs and Antivirus software programs can conflict with your network settings. If you’re facing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, it can be due to the security feature in your antivirus making specific pages not to load.
You can try to disable these antivirus programs running in your PC temporarily.
Once you’ve disabled the antivirus program running in your PC, see if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in your browser is solved.
6. Check your Local Hosts File
Every PC has a local hosts file. For those who don’t know, file hosts is an operating system file that maps DNS entries to IP addresses. It is only edited when you want to preview your DNS before you switch your domains to a new host.
There are various ways that the file could’ve been changed or edited. So, if none of the above methods work well for you, you should double-check with your local hosts’ files and make sure that the website you’re trying to access isn’t there. Here’s how you do it.
In Windows:
- Go to the Windows start menu and search for the text editor (you can choose any text editor such as Notepad, Notepad++, Atom and such other
- Once you see the Text editor icon, right-click on it and select to Run as Admin
- Now, click on the File icon and open and browse to the following location-
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
- Tap on the hosts’ file and “ Open .”
- Double-check and ensure that the websites you’re trying to visit are not listed anywhere in the list.
If you find it on the list, remove it immediately.
In Mac:
- Head to the “ Utilities ” tools in your Mac and click on Terminal
- Now, enter the following command and hit the Enter key (enter your administrator password if asked)-
sudonano /private/etc/hosts
- Double-check and ensure that the website you’re trying to visit isn’t listed in the host files list
Remove the host file name immediately if you see it.
Once you’ve removed the host file name of the website you are trying to visit, your DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN issue should be solved.
7. Check the DNS of your Domain
Even after checking with your host files, you are receiving the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error; you’ll have to check with your DNS settings. If you’re the website owner, maybe you’ll need to check the DNS settings on the server.
How to Resolve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error in your Android Device?
Unfortunately, you can receive a similar in your Android devices too. Let’s fix this error in your smartphones using the following steps-
- Go to your mobile Settings and select Wi-Fi
- Now, press and hold on to the current network you’re using
- Tap on the Modify Network i con
- Select the “ Show advanced option ” box to see more advanced options
- Click on the Static option (presented adjacent to the IP settings)
- Now, in the sections, DNS1 and DNS2, type in the DNS IP addresses
- Once it’s done, click on Save and connect to the networks to activate the settings
After performing the above method, you won’t face this error message on your Android device while browsing.
Make sure you restart your computer after performing the above fixes to allow the changes to take effects.
Let us know which of the above solution worked for you. You can let us know issues you’re experiencing with your computer, and we’ll try to come with the comprehensive guides for you.
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