What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error and how can you fix it

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is a DNS error that occurs when your browser cannot find the IP address for the website you are trying to access. The NXDOMAIN part of the error stands for a non-existent domain, which means that the browser thinks that the website domain name does not exist. Sometimes the distributed nature of the internet can cause problems in the browser or device that you are using.

In this post, we will discuss what is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN and how can you fix it, and look for perfect solutions that work on different operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Mac.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

When we type the correct domain in the browser the DNS translates into an IP address, and the server searches for the appropriate IP address somehow when DNS fails to explore it results in an error. There are a number of possible causes for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, which are described below:

• Typing in the domain name
• An expired or suspended domain name
• A problem with your DNS server
• A problem with your internet connection
• A firewall or security software blocking access to the website
• A problem with the website’s server

The screenshot shows the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Google Chrome

Depending on different browsers it shows different kinds of messages.

How to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

There are a number of things you can try to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, We discuss some possible solutions that can resolve the issue:

1. Flush the DNS cache: This will clear out any temporary DNS records that may be causing the problem. To flush the DNS cache on Windows, open a command prompt and type the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

To flush the DNS cache on Mac, open a Terminal window and type the following command:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

For different Linux distributions, the default DNS resolver on most distributions, you can use the following command:

systemd-resolve --flush-caches

The DNS cache stores recently accessed DNS records in order to improve performance. However, sometimes the DNS records in the cache can become outdated or incorrect.

2. Release and renew your IP address: This will force your computer to get a new IP address from your router. To release and renew your IP address on Windows, open a command prompt and type the following commands:

ipconfig /release && ipconfig /renew

To release and renew your IP address on Mac, open a Terminal window and type the following commands:

sudo ifconfig en0 release && sudo ifconfig en0 renew

To release and renew your IP address on Linux, open a Terminal and type the following commands:

sudo dhclient -r eth0 && sudo dhclient eth0

You may need to restart your network service after releasing or renewing an IP address.

3. Change your DNS servers: You can try changing your DNS servers to public DNS servers such as Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS. To change your DNS servers on Windows, you can do the following steps:

For Windows

• Open the Control Panel. Click on Network and Internet.

• From Network and Internet then click on the network-sharing center.

• Click on Change adapter settings in the left corner.

• Click on your desired network service which in my case Storm_Fiber001. A Wi-Fi Status screen pops up, Click on the properties. Scroll down and click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) item and select properties.

• Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option and enter the DNS server address such as Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and default 8.8.4.4 gateway. Click OK to save your changes.

For MacOS

• Open System Preferences on the left Apple icon.

• Click on Network as given in the screenshot below.

• Select the adapter that you are using to connect to the internet in my case I am using an ethernet connection and click on Advanced.

• Click on the DNS tab.

• Click the + button and add the DNS server addresses of your choice such as Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Click OK to save your changes.

4. Reboot your internet connection: If you have tried all of the above and you are still seeing the error, try rebooting your internet connection.

Conclusion

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is a common DNS error that can be caused by a number of factors. There are a number of things you can try to fix the error, but if you are still having problems, you may need to contact your internet service provider for further assistance.