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Windows DNS Fix • Windows • Step-by-step Windows help

Flush DNS on Windows 11 with the Right Command

This is the direct Windows 11 DNS cache clear page for people who want the exact command and the right place to run it.

Start here

Start with the fastest command or direct open action

This block comes first on purpose. Copy one command, open PowerShell, Windows Terminal, Run, or Start search, paste the exact text, press Enter, then do the slower click-by-click checks underneath only if you still need them.

Flush the DNS cache
Run this in: Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal Admin: Yes 
ipconfig /flushdns

What this command does

Clears the local DNS cache so Windows stops reusing an old name lookup result.

What to do after running it

Check the exact Windows page or result this guide mentions before moving to the next step.

Show current IP details
Run this in: Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal Admin: Yes 
ipconfig /all

What this command does

Runs the exact Windows action used in this guide so you do not have to guess the wording.

What to do after running it

Check the exact Windows page or result this guide mentions before moving to the next step.

Test a name lookup
Run this in: Windows Terminal or PowerShell Admin: No 
nslookup example.com

What this command does

Runs the exact Windows action used in this guide so you do not have to guess the wording.

What to do after running it

Check the exact Windows page or result this guide mentions before moving to the next step.

Open Command Prompt
Run this in: Start search or Run dialog Admin: No 
cmd.exe

What this command does

Runs the exact Windows action used in this guide so you do not have to guess the wording.

What to do after running it

Check the exact Windows page or result this guide mentions before moving to the next step.

Overview

What this guide helps you do

A stale local DNS cache can keep bad records longer than you want, especially after domain changes, local troubleshooting, or odd name resolution failures.

  • This changes the local DNS cache only.
  • It is quick and safe for common name-resolution checks.
  • It is often worth trying before bigger resets.

When to use this

When to use this guide

Useful when a website opens on another device but not this PC, or when a domain recently changed and Windows still seems to point to the old destination.

Before you start

What to review first

A DNS flush only clears the local resolver cache. It does not repair every network problem on its own.

Do this exactly

Open the right Windows area first, then follow the changes one by one

  1. Press Start, type cmd or Terminal, and open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal. For a simple DNS flush, administrator rights are often not required.
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns exactly as shown and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the message telling you that the DNS resolver cache was flushed successfully.
  4. Close and reopen the browser or app that had the name-resolution problem so it asks Windows for fresh DNS information.
  5. Test the same domain again. If the issue stays the same, move to larger network checks instead of repeating the DNS flush over and over.

Exact click path

Tell the user exactly what to open and press

Do not change ten things at once. Open the exact Windows page first, make one clear change, then check whether it solved the problem before moving on.

Fast open: Press Start, type cmd or Terminal, open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal, then type ipconfig /flushdns exactly and press Enter. Watch for the success message before you test the same website or service again.

Try a faster path

Useful when a website opens on another device but not this PC, or when a domain recently changed and Windows still seems to point to the old destination.

Flush DNS Cache

How to use

A DNS flush only clears the local resolver cache. It does not repair every network problem on its own.

Related pages

Keep going with the next useful page

Use these links when you want the matching script, another Windows help page, or a browser tool for the same job.

Open the tools section Browse all script pages Open the Windows section How to Stop Windows from Tracking Activity How to Disable Telemetry Safely How to Remove Personal Metadata from Files Before Sharing

FAQ

Questions about Flush DNS on Windows 11 with the Right Command

Do I need administrator rights?

Usually no for a simple DNS flush, but some Windows setups still work more reliably from an elevated terminal.

Will this speed up the internet?

No. It only clears cached name lookups so Windows can fetch fresh DNS records.