Resolving DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Errors

Normally, when connecting to a website, your web browser translates the human-readable domain name into a machine-readable Internet Protocol or IP address using the Domain Name System, or DNS. Sometimes, the browser has difficulty accessing DNS, resulting in the following error:

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

In this article, we will outline some ways you can resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error should you encounter it. 

Topics Include:

• What Does this Error Mean? 
• How to Resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

What Does this Error Mean? 

This error means that the web browser probed the DNS system in an attempt to navigate to the domain name you entered into the search bar, but could not find a corresponding address. This results in an error and prevents the website from loading properly. While this error may be caused by a variety of reasons, it is relatively easy to fix. 

How to Resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

There are a number of ways to resolve the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error. Please see below for a list of possible solutions to this error:

Clear Browser Cache

The first thing to try is clearing the browser cache. Most modern web browsers have built-in caching systems that store copies of previously accessed websites. This helps your browser load the sites more quickly, but in rare occasions it can preserve a malfunctioning copy of the website you wish to visit. By clearing the browser cache, you can eliminate the possibility of accessing an out-of-date, non-functioning website.

Flush DNS Cache

Much like the web browser caches copies of web pages, your computer has an internal cache that stores recent DNS information. This facilitates faster navigation of the internet as a whole by allowing your computer to quickly refer to its internal memory rather than request a new set of information from the global DNS system. Depending on what type of computer you are using, flushing the DNS cache can be done in different ways. 

Reset Network Adapter

Much like flushing the DNS cache, the process for resetting your network adapter will depend on what type of computer you’re using. The network adapter is the main component of your computer responsible for interfacing with the internet, and resetting it can sometimes resolve network-related errors.

In Windows, the network adapter can be reset by going to Settings > Network & Internet, then clicking Network Reset.

While MacOS computers do not have a reset button, you can reset the adapter by going to System Preferences > Network, then removing and re-adding the network you are using.

Check Firewalls and Antivirus Software

Occasionally, computer firewalls or installed antivirus software will erroneously identify a given website as a potential threat and prevent you from visiting it. If you would like to visit the site despite the flagged security concerns, you will likely need to configure the antivirus software or firewall to allow traffic to the desired website, typically by making an exception in the antivirus policy set or firewall rules.

To turn off the Windows Defender Firewall, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall and network protection. Once in the firewall menu, click the button for Windows Defender to toggle off the firewall.

On a MacOS computer, you can open the Apple menu and navigate to System Preferences > View > Security > Firewall. On the Firewall tab you can click the button to stop the firewall service.

Disable VPNs

This is a last resort option, but sometimes VPN configurations can prevent certain sites from loading. To work around this, disabling your VPN will allow you to visit the site. If you are unable to disable your VPN on your own, you will likely want to contact your VPN provider for assistance and possible workarounds.