How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error | Complete Guide

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What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

Error Definition

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a common browser error, especially frequent in Google Chrome. This error indicates a failure in DNS (Domain Name System) lookup, meaning the browser cannot resolve the domain name entered by the user into the corresponding IP address. In this case, the user will see an error page, usually accompanied by a "This site can't be reached" message.

Common Causes

  1. Incorrect URL Input:
    • The user might have entered an incorrect domain name, making it impossible to find the corresponding IP address. This could be due to typos or extra characters.
  2. Corrupted Local DNS Cache:
    • Both the browser and the operating system cache DNS records to speed up domain name resolution. Sometimes, these caches become corrupted or outdated, leading to resolution errors.
  3. DNS Server Issues:
    • The DNS server being used might be temporarily unavailable or malfunctioning. This could be an issue with the ISP-provided DNS server or a third-party DNS server set by the user.
  4. Network Configuration Errors:
    • Misconfigurations in network settings, such as proxy settings or VPN configurations, can interfere with the normal DNS resolution process.

These causes may exist independently or collectively lead to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Understanding these causes allows users to take appropriate measures to resolve the issue and restore normal internet access.

Solutions

Clear Browser Cache

Sometimes, the browser cache may store outdated or incorrect DNS information, causing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Clearing the browser cache can help resolve this issue.

  1. Open browser settings.
  2. Select "Privacy and Security."
  3. Click "Clear browsing data," select "Cached images and files," and then click "Clear data."

Reset Local DNS Cache

The local DNS cache might contain corrupted or outdated DNS records. Clearing these caches helps resolve DNS resolution issues.

  1. Open Command Prompt (as Administrator).

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    ipconfig /flushdns

Change DNS Server

Using public DNS servers (like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) can provide more stable and reliable DNS resolution services.

  1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Select the current network connection.
  3. Click "Properties" and then select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
  4. Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the following addresses:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  5. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Check the Hosts File

The hosts file may contain erroneous entries that affect DNS resolution.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.

  2. Open the hosts file with Notepad or another text editor.

  3. Ensure there are no incorrect entries (such as invalid domain name and IP address mappings). If unsure, restore the file to its default state, retaining only the following content:

    # Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server
#      38.25.63.10      x.acme.com              # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
#    127.0.0.1       localhost
#    ::1             localhost

Disable VPN or Proxy

VPN or proxy servers might interfere with normal DNS resolution. Temporarily disabling these services can help determine if they are causing the issue.

  1. Open network settings.
  2. Disable any enabled VPN or proxy settings.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error and restore normal internet access. If the problem persists, further investigation of network equipment or contacting your ISP for assistance may be necessary.

Preventive Measures

Regularly Update Browser and System

Keeping your browser and operating system up-to-date is crucial in preventing DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors. Developers constantly fix known issues and vulnerabilities to ensure system and application stability and security.

  1. Update Browser
    • Open the browser settings menu.
    • Find and select the "About" or "Update" option.
    • Follow the prompts to complete the update if available.
  2. Update Operating System
    • For Windows:
      • Open the "Settings" menu.
      • Select "Update & Security."
      • Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
    • For macOS:
      • Open "System Preferences."
      • Select "Software Update."
      • Click "Update Now" and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Use Reliable DNS Servers

Using public DNS servers (like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) can provide more stable and reliable DNS resolution services. These DNS servers are typically faster and less prone to failure than ISP-provided DNS servers.

  1. Google DNS
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  2. Cloudflare DNS
    • Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
    • Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1

Setting Steps

  1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Select the current network connection.
  3. Click "Properties" and then select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".
  4. Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the above DNS server addresses.
  5. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Regularly Clear DNS Cache

Regularly clearing the DNS cache can prevent DNS resolution issues caused by corrupted or outdated cache data.

  1. Open Command Prompt (as Administrator).

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    ipconfig /flushdns

Regularly Check Hosts File

Ensure the hosts file has not been tampered with by malware or incorrect configurations.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
  2. Open the hosts file with Notepad or another text editor.
  3. Regularly check the file content to ensure there are no unknown or incorrect entries.

Maintain Network Equipment Health

Regularly rebooting and maintaining network equipment, such as routers and modems, can prevent many network issues, including DNS errors.

  1. Reboot your router and modem periodically to ensure proper functioning.
  2. Regularly check and update the router firmware.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error and ensure the stability and reliability of your network connection. If problems persist, it is advisable to contact your internet service provider for further support.

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