9 Ways to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error shows up when your browser fails to match a website name with its correct internet address. 

This happens due to old web addresses, wrong network settings, or programs that get in the way. To stop this error, keep your computer updated and check your network often.

If you see this error, don’t worry – there are many simple ways to fix it. Sometimes, checking your local host’s file can reveal blocked websites that are causing this problem.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error shows up when your browser fails to find a website’s address. 

You might see this error if a website has expired, isn’t set up properly, or has address lookup problems. Until the address issue is fixed, you won’t be able to visit the website. Different browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, may show slightly different messages, but they all mean the same thing.

Definition and explanation of the error

When browsing websites, you might see a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. This happens when your browser can’t find the web address you’re looking for. 

While this error has existed since the early days of the Internet, it usually means there’s a short-term problem with the website’s address system. 

Most of the time, the website still exists—your browser just can’t find its location right now. The Domain Name System works by matching domain names to the corresponding IP addresses that computers use to communicate.

Common scenarios when this error occurs

In a few basic cases, you might see the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. This error appears when a website’s name has expired or when no one signed up for it.

It can also happen if your DNS settings are wrong or if your internet company has network problems. Sometimes your antivirus, VPN, or old browser data can cause this error too.

Impact on user experience and website accessibility

Website errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN significantly hinder user experience and website accessibility. Visitors become frustrated when they can’t access a site, leading to lost time and potentially driving them to competitors. 

For businesses, this translates to lost revenue, damage to brand reputation, and increased support costs. Furthermore, inaccessible websites can negatively impact search engine rankings, further reducing visibility and potential customer reach.

Website errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN highlight the importance of a smooth and reliable browsing experience. Choosing a website builder that prioritizes performance and stability, such as Elementor, can significantly reduce the risk of such errors. 

Elementor’s optimized infrastructure and built-in features contribute to faster loading times and improved DNS resolution, ensuring that visitors can access your site quickly and easily. This not only enhances user satisfaction but also protects your brand reputation and search engine rankings, which are crucial for online success.

Common Causes of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

This error can stem from various sources, including:

• Incorrect DNS Configuration: Problems with your DNS settings, such as outdated or incorrect server addresses, can prevent your browser from finding websites.
• Outdated Browser Cache: An outdated browser cache may contain old DNS records that no longer point to the correct website address.
• Network Connectivity Issues: Problems with your internet connection, router, or network drivers can interfere with DNS resolution.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Security software can sometimes block DNS requests, preventing websites from loading.
• Expired or Unregistered Domain Names: If a website’s domain name has expired or was never registered, you’ll encounter this error.
• ISP-related Problems: Issues with your internet service provider’s DNS servers can also cause this error.

9 Effective Ways to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Encountering the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be frustrating. Luckily, there are several effective solutions you can try:

1. Restart Your Router and Computer: This classic troubleshooting step can resolve many network-related issues, including DNS errors. Restarting your devices clears temporary caches and resets network connections, which can often fix the problem.
   
   • Unplug both your router and computer.
   • Wait 30 seconds to ensure a complete refresh.
   • Plug your router back in first, and then your computer.
2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Your browser stores temporary files, including DNS records, which can become outdated. Clearing the cache and cookies forces your browser to fetch fresh data.
   
   • Open your browser’s settings.
   • Look for the privacy or history section.
   • Clear your browsing data, including cached images and files, and cookies.
3. Flush DNS Cache: Your operating system also maintains a DNS cache. Flushing it removes any outdated or incorrect entries that might be causing the error.
   
   • Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns.
   • macOS: Open Terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
4. Change DNS Servers: Switching to a reliable public DNS server can improve both performance and security. Popular options include Google Public DNS and Cloudflare.
   
   • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
   • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
   • Go to your network settings. They are usually found in the Control Panel on Windows or System Preferences on macOS.
   • Look for the option to change your DNS servers.
   • Enter the addresses of the public DNS server you want to use.
5. Disable VPN or Proxy: VPNs and proxies can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy software you’re using to see if it resolves the error.
   
6. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus: Overzealous security software can occasionally block legitimate DNS requests. Briefly disable your firewall and antivirus to test if they are the culprit. Remember to re-enable them afterward.
   
7. Reset TCP/IP and Winsock (Windows-specific): Resetting your network settings can resolve underlying issues with the TCP/IP stack and Winsock, which are essential for internet communication.
   
   • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   • Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
   • Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
   • Restart your computer.
8. Check and Edit Hosts File: The hosts file on your computer can override DNS settings. Check it to ensure that the website you’re trying to access isn’t inadvertently blocked.
   
   • Locate the hosts file (Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts; macOS: /etc/hosts).
   • Open it with administrator privileges using a text editor.
   • Look for any lines that include the domain name of the website you’re trying to reach. If you find any, comment on them by adding a # at the beginning of the line.
9. Update Network Adapter Drivers: Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can lead to connectivity problems. Updating them can often resolve DNS errors.
   
   • Open Device Manager on Windows or System Preferences on macOS.
   • Locate your network adapter.
   • Check for driver updates.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If basic fixes don’t resolve the NXDOMAIN error, consider these advanced techniques:

Using Command-Line Tools

• nslookup (Windows): A quick way to query DNS servers and check where domain names point to.
• dig (macOS/Linux): Provides detailed DNS information, including the resolution path (+trace).
• traceroute: Traces the route your network packets take to reach a website, helping identify connection bottlenecks.

Analyzing DNS Propagation

• Online tools (WhatsMyDNS.net, DNSMap.io): Check how DNS changes are propagating across different servers worldwide.
• dig +trace: Observe how DNS servers process your requests.
• Wireshark: Monitor DNS traffic for delays or anomalies.

Checking for Malware

• Antivirus scan: Run a full scan to detect and remove any malware that might be affecting DNS settings.
• DNS settings: Review your DNS settings for any suspicious or unauthorized server addresses.
• Network monitoring: Observe your network traffic for unusual activity.
• Hosts file: Check your hosts file for any unexpected entries.
• DNSSEC: Enable DNSSEC to enhance security and prevent DNS spoofing.

When to Seek Professional Help

Still seeing DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors after trying basic fixes? Get expert help. If many websites won’t work, call your internet provider, or contact your web hosting company if only your website has problems.

These experts can fix complex server, DNS, and network issues that regular users can’t solve on their own. Professional IT support providers can monitor your network connection and quickly identify the source of persistent DNS issues.

Signs that the issue might be server-side

DNS problems can come from your local system or from servers. Several signs point to server issues that need expert help:

• When multiple websites stop working at once
• Changes to DNS settings you didn’t make
• Can’t get to your website files
• Security certificate errors appear
• Website traffic goes to wrong addresses

These warning signs often mean your hosting company or DNS provider is having problems. If you see these issues, contact your provider‘s support team for help. For optimal DNS resolution and reliability, consider using a provider like Liquid Web that offers managed DNS services with 24/7 expert support.

How to contact your ISP or web hosting provider

If DNS problems last more than 24 hours on different devices and networks, it’s time to call your hosting provider.

• Before you contact them, gather your account information, take screenshots of the errors, and write down what fixes you’ve tried.
• Make sure to get a case number so you can track your issue later.
• You can reach Web Hosting Hub’s Technical Support team 24/7 for help with website and DNS-related problems.

Preventing Future DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Errors

Keep your software and DNS settings up to date to avoid DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors. Update your browser, system, and network tools often.

Regularly checking your computer’s DNS client service can prevent connection issues. Use safe browsing habits and keep your domain names current. These steps will help you connect to websites without problems.

Best practices for maintaining a healthy DNS configuration

Keep your DNS settings healthy by following these simple steps:

• Set up backup DNS servers in different locations
• Turn on DNSSEC and use secure DNS protocols
• Make sure DNS records update at the right times
• Watch your DNS health and get alerts when issues happen
• Split your DNS servers into inside and outside networks for better safety

Configure AD-integrated zones to ensure automatic replication of DNS data between domain controllers. These steps will help stop DNS errors and keep your network running smoothly. They make your system more stable and protect against common DNS problems.

Fortunately, website builders like Elementor often offer built-in tools and features that help optimize DNS settings and reduce the risk of errors. 

For example, Elementor’s seamless integration with popular CDN services can improve DNS resolution by distributing your website’s content across multiple servers globally. This ensures faster loading times and reduces the likelihood of DNS lookup failures, contributing to a more reliable and accessible website.

Regular system and browser maintenance tips

Keep your computer and browser working well to avoid DNS errors. Clear your browser’s stored files, remove extra add-ons, and update it often.

Clean up your hard drive, keep your system and drivers up to date, and use current security software. Following sound server maintenance practices can help prevent DNS issues and other system problems.

Make sure to restart your internet modem and router now and then.

Conclusion

Fixing DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors keeps your internet working smoothly. You can fix most DNS problems by trying simple steps like changing DNS servers or checking if your domain is still active.

If these fixes don’t work, reach out to your network admin or hosting company for help.

DNS errors slow down your web browsing, so knowing how to fix them helps both regular users and tech experts. The distributed directory system makes the internet more user-friendly by converting domain names into IP addresses. Learning about DNS errors offers these key benefits:

• You can fix problems faster and keep your internet working
• Your network stays safer from DNS attacks
• You can explain issues better to tech support
• Your web browsing works smoother
• You feel more sure about handling network problems

Try these fixes for your DNS issues one at a time. If the first one doesn’t work, keep trying until you find what does.

When you solve the problem, think about sharing what worked – it could help others with the same issue. You’ll save time and get back to normal browsing faster with these tested solutions.

In addition, addressing DNS errors and using a robust website builder like Elementor can ensure a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience for your website visitors.

FAQs

How long do DNS changes take to update?

DNS changes typically take 24-48 hours to propagate across the internet fully. However, you might see changes sooner on some networks.

Does the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error affect all browsers?

Yes, this error can occur in any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.) because it’s related to your network settings, not the browser itself.

Can this error be a security risk?

In some cases, yes. If the error is caused by malware that has altered your DNS settings, your traffic could be redirected to malicious websites. It’s important to run regular antivirus scans and monitor your DNS settings.

Could my internet provider be causing the problem?

Yes, issues with your ISP’s DNS servers can cause this error. Try switching to a public DNS server like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare to see if it resolves the issue.

Why do I see different error messages on different devices?

While the underlying cause is the same, different devices and browsers may display the error message differently. However, they all indicate a DNS resolution problem.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips:

• Change DNS: Switch to Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
• Disable Security Software: Temporarily disable your firewall and VPN.
• To flush the DNS Cache, use ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo dscacheutil—flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS) in your command-line interface.