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How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: A Complete Guide to Solving the Error

Introduction

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is always a nuisance and quite disruptive when it occurs while you are busy with your work. This causes the DNS configuration issue to show up, hence your browser is unable to access websites. Luckily, you do not require a tech support person to solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. This article discusses a detailed and step-by-step guide on how to promptly fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

 

Key Takeaways

• DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN points to DNS resolution problems.
• The problem DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN can be fixed if you restart the respective devices frequently.
• Caching on DNS can be solved by clearing it and most of the DNS_PROBE wollenst_NXDOMAIN error messages.
• A temporary solution for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is to switch your device’s DNS servers.

 

What Does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Mean?

Often, they are in the form of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN; In simple terms, it is a message through which your device is trying to inform you that it was unable to locate the IP address associated with the web address that you entered. DNS servers keep the addresses of all web addresses on the internet, and whenever they do not function properly, it encounters the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. So, it means your browser does not resolve the website’s name to an IP address and ends your online journey abruptly.

 

Why Does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Occur?

Perhaps you still cannot understand why DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN may appear just at the most inopportune time. There could be many possible causes of the issue, such as improper DNS settings, a cache that needs to be cleared on the browser, VPN malfunctions, or slight technical problems on the end of your Internet Service Provider. An understanding of these reasons puts you in a position to recover from DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on your own, with a little knowledge.

 

Other Related Issues and Fixes

1. ERR_SSL_CIPHER_MISMATCH: Where outdated cached files are included and making the site insecure. You can check the SSL certification of the website to fix this.
2. ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: This issue occurs when your browser can’t recognise the domain name as an IP address. Fixes include clearing DNS cache, checking browser settings and resetting firewall settings.
3. ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT is another issue, probably caused by network issues, firewall and Antivirus software. Disabling it or checking the network could be a solution to the issue.
4. DNS Server Not Responding: Denotes a communication malfunction between the device and the server. Try to access the site from a different browser to fix this, as it might reveal whether it is a browser-specific or device-specific issue.

 

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: Step-by-Step Solutions

Restart Your Device to Clear Temporary Glitches

The most basic solution to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a restart, as it can fix the issue most of the time. It is always wise to restart your computer or router, and/or modem, for the network to establish new connections with a new DNS. First of all, try turning off the device and then turning it on again to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN issue without using complex methods.

Restarting Windows or Mac to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

On Windows, click Start on the lower-left of the screen →, click Shut down, → click Restart. On Mac, one has to click the Apple menu and then select Restart. This basic action helps to clear small problems that may lead to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Restarting Routers and Modems to Resolve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Disconnect the power switch of your router and modem. Unplug the appliances from the wall sockets for a period of one minute and then reconnect them. This step often helps in refreshing the connection of the network and in eliminating the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors.

 

Clear DNS Cache to Erase Corrupted Entries

As mentioned earlier, when the DNS cache contains old and incorrect information, it increases the chances of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN occurring frequently. Clearing the DNS cache removes the existing records of the IP addresses from the system’s cache memory.

Clearing DNS Cache on Windows to Address DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Run Command Prompt with the permission of the administrator and start typing the following command:

bash
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ipconfig /flushdns

You will get a confirmation message, and you need to press the Enter button. Now, look if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN problem has gone.

Clearing DNS Cache on macOS to Solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Open the Terminal and type:

nginx
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sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Enter your password if prompted. Try to clear your browser’s cache and be sure to type the URL correctly and wait for some time, and check whether DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN remains.

 

Release and Renew IP Address to Refresh Your Network Identity

The mentioned errors may also be caused by conflicts or outdated assignments that relate to your IP address. Sometimes, resetting and renewing it assigns your device a new network identity, which helps to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

Windows IP Refresh to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

To do so, he has to open a command prompt with administrative privileges and then type the following command:

bash
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ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

These commands tear and recreate your network connection as a way of fixing DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN without any problem.

macOS IP Refresh to Tackle DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Go to System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP tab → click Renew DHCP Lease. This simple action forces a network refresh that often clears DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN from your path.

 

Change DNS Servers for More Reliable Name Resolution

If you have DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN consistently, the DNS servers provided by your ISP cannot be trusted. The general public DNS service, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1), makes the service faster, more secure, and more reliable.

Switching DNS Servers on Windows to End DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

The best and easiest way to access the network connections is by going to the control panel, then network and internet, and finally to the network and sharing center, and then changing adapter settings. Right-click your connection → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties. Set DNS to:

makefile
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Preferred: 8.8.8.8
Alternate: 8.8.4.4

Modify the displayed settings and refresh your site to determine whether DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is gone.

Switching DNS Servers on macOS to Stop DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Open System Preferences → Network → Advanced → DNS tab → Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Try to implement the changes, and you will observe the effectiveness of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN elimination.

 

Disable VPNs and Antivirus to Rule Out Interference

In fact, using the tools that are supposed to protect your privacy may lead to a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. VPNs help to redirect traffic, and if something goes wrong with their DNS, issues appear. Likewise, the overly protective antivirus programs can hinder DNS requests from going through.

Disabling VPN Temporarily to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

The problem may be that your VPN is affecting the website’s availability; try closing it and going to this site once more. The issue is, therefore, if DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is remedied, people should try upgrading or using a new VPN.

Disabling Antivirus Temporarily to Solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

That is why it is recommended that you temporarily disable your antivirus and then test your connection. If this step resolves DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, then try to modify your antivirus network settings.

 

Reset Chrome Flags to Their Default Settings

Some newly developed features on Chrome hinder the settings of DNS, which might pave the way for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. One can always restore all Chrome flags to the default to remove the issue.

Resetting Chrome Flags to Cure DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

In the address bar, type:

arduino
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chrome://flags

Click “Reset all to default.” Restart Chrome, and you might find that DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN has disappeared.

 

Update Your Network Drivers to Strengthen Connections

In the process of dealing with DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, many people fail to pay attention to one significant aspect, which is network drivers. This is particularly true if the drivers commonly used to connect to the network are no longer current or have become corrupted. They are like intermediaries that facilitate communication between your os and other networking devices; if they are corrupt, your system won’t communicate as it is supposed to with the DNS servers. Therefore, updating the network drivers can solve problems as inherent as the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN at the root level and improve the compatibility of the networks.

How to Refresh Network Drivers in Windows to Solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

For Windows users, retrieving DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN by ensuring that all network drivers are up-to-date is easy yet effective. Specifically, begin by clicking on the settings of the operating system of the targeted computer device and navigate to the control panel, which will reveal the device manager option. After getting to the previously mentioned section, the list of all installed network devices is available with the name “Network Adapters.” On your keyboard, press the Windows key, type “network adapter,” and click the primary one with which you connect to the internet. Right-click on it, and click on “Update driver.”

After running the tool, you will come across a dialog box; you need to select the ‘Search automatically for drivers’ tab. This command enables Windows to search for available updated drivers that will suit the device. In some cases, the problem can be solved by running the system update to update most of the network drivers fix basic communication problems, and delete all DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN all on its own. After that, to make all specific changes work properly, you must restart your computer.

When it comes the fact that in Windows, it is stated that the best driver is already installed, but the problem still remains: using the links to the manufacturers’ sites (for example, Intel, Realtek, or Broadcom) and downloading the new driver for the Network adapter will make a great contribution. Maintaining these drivers updated provides a strong base for the network and significantly reduces the possibility of reaching DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in the future.

Updating Network Drivers on macOS to Eliminate DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

As for the updates of the network drivers, macOS has a somewhat different approach, but it is just as efficient. For system updates on macOS, network drivers are included within overall system updates, which makes them compact and integrated. To fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on macOS, start by going to the System Preferences and then Software Update.

The first step is to update the device. If there is any new update, then download it immediately. The majority of these updates comprise enhancements that may be related to system security or system features, as well as other network parts. After updating macOS, it is necessary to restart your device to make all the patches work correctly. Maintaining an updated macOS helps to make sure that the network drivers are employed with the latest DNS standards so as to minimize the chances of encountering DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

If the problem cannot be fixed bound with automaticity updates, using the ‘Forget this Network’ option when connected to Wi-Fi, and reconnecting will reestablish the right driver tendency. Along with this one, periodically updating the system makes for a robust shield against frequent occurrences of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

 

Check Hosts File for Incorrect Entries

The hosts file on your system is one that maps names of the domain to IP addresses directly. DN_S_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a result of routing the wrong traffic by entering wrong details either in the server or in a browser link.

Editing the Hosts File on Windows to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Navigate to:

makefile
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C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

Open it and use Notepad by right-clicking as an Administrator. Check the list and eliminate all entries that look peculiar.

Editing the Hosts File on macOS to Solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Open Terminal and type:

bash
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sudo nano /etc/hosts

Review and remove incorrect entries. Save the file and exit.

 

Conclusion

Fortunately, resolving DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN does not always require extensive effort. This implies that when you dispose of the technological cycle as prescribed in the methods above of restarting devices, clearing cache, refreshing IP addresses, changing DNS servers, and updating settings, you will be back to having smooth browsing after some time. When DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN happens, the next time you face it confidently, you will have full knowledge of how to overcome it.

 

FAQ

What causes DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

There are various reasons to experience DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, which include DNS misconfiguration, out-of-date caches, VPN conflicts, and bad network drivers and adapters.

What are the ways of solving DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on the phone?

The steps include powering the mobile device and launching the settings menu, whereby Google DNS is set manually, and erasing the browsing history to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

Can DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN fix itself?

In some cases, the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN solves itself when the problem was instigated by brief and fleeting network issues; however, a user has to help resolve it most of the time.

Does it solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN by changing the DNS servers?

In fact, switching to another DNS server helps to solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN if the previous servers used were slow or unstable.

Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN a virus?

No, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is not a virus; it is an error that occurs due to a network connection. In other words, it occurs when DNS resolution fails.