Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED on Windows 10/11 – Expert Solutions That Actually Work

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Introduction: What Causes the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error?

If you’re seeing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error in Google Chrome or any other browser on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, it means that your system is unable to resolve a website’s domain name into an IP address — essentially, your PC can’t “find” the website you’re trying to visit.

This issue typically points to a DNS (Domain Name System) problem, but it can also be caused by network misconfigurations, corrupted cache, firewall interference, or even incorrect browser settings.

Common Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED:

• Faulty or outdated DNS settings
• Corrupted browser cache or cookies
• Network adapter driver issues
• Conflicting antivirus or firewall software
• Misconfigured TCP/IP protocols
• Browser-specific errors

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 8 expert-level fixes for the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, each tested and ranked by success rate. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or mobile data, these solutions will help you get back online fast.

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Fix 1: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies (Success Rate: ~90%)

Browsers like Chrome store temporary files and cookies that can become corrupt over time, leading to DNS-related issues.

Steps:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three dots > Settings > Privacy and Security.
3. Go to Clear Browsing Data.
4. Choose All Time as the time range.
5. Select:

• Cookies and other site data
• Cached images and files

1. Click Clear Data.

Why It Works:

Corrupted cache or cookies can interfere with how the browser resolves domain names. Clearing them often restores normal functionality.

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Fix 2: Change DNS Server (Success Rate: ~95%)

Using your ISP’s default DNS server can sometimes lead to slow or failed domain resolution.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More network adapter options.
3. Right-click your active connection > Properties.
4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Select:

• Use the following DNS server addresses:
  • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

1. Click OK and restart your browser.

Why It Works:

Switching to Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS ensures faster, more reliable domain name resolution than many ISP-provided servers.

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Fix 3: Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address (Success Rate: ~85%)

Your local DNS cache may contain outdated or incorrect entries that prevent proper domain resolution.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, right-click > Run as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands one by one:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset

3. Restart your computer.

Why It Works:

These commands clear the local DNS cache, renew your IP address, and reset core networking components, resolving many connectivity problems.

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Fix 4: Disable IPv6 (Success Rate: ~75%)

Some networks don’t support IPv6 properly, which can cause conflicts when resolving domain names.

Steps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click your current network connection > Properties.
3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
4. Click OK and restart your browser.

Why It Works:

Disabling IPv6 prevents potential conflicts between IPv4 and IPv6 when the latter isn’t supported by your ISP or router.

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Fix 5: Reset Network Settings (Success Rate: ~80%)

Windows offers a built-in network reset tool that can resolve deep-rooted connectivity issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Click Reset now and confirm.
4. Your system will restart and restore all network settings to default.

⚠️ Note: This will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections.

Why It Works:

This method resets TCP/IP stack, Winsock, and other critical network components to their original state, eliminating configuration errors.

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Fix 6: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily (Success Rate: ~70%)

Third-party security software can sometimes block or filter DNS traffic.

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus/firewall application.
2. Look for a Temporary Disable option.
3. Disable it for 10–15 minutes and test your internet access.

Why It Works:

Security tools often include real-time protection modules that can mistakenly block DNS queries or flag them as suspicious.

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Fix 7: Reset Chrome Settings (or Switch Browsers) (Success Rate: ~65%)

If the issue only occurs in Chrome, resetting Chrome settings or switching browsers may resolve it.

Steps:

1. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to original defaults.
2. Confirm and restart Chrome.

Alternatively, try Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Brave to see if the issue persists.

Why It Works:

Browser-specific extensions, settings, or bugs may interfere with DNS resolution.

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Fix 8: Update Network Adapter Drivers (Success Rate: ~80%)

Outdated or corrupted drivers can disrupt communication between your OS and the network hardware.

Steps:

1. Press Win + X > Device Manager.
2. Expand Network Adapters.
3. Right-click your network card > Update Driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Why It Works:

Updated drivers ensure compatibility and optimal performance of your network hardware.

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Summary: Choosing the Best Fix for ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Solution	Success Rate	Best For
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies	~90%	Quick fix for browser-specific issues
Change DNS Server	~95%	Most effective long-term solution
Flush DNS and Renew IP	~85%	Resolve local DNS cache issues
Disable IPv6	~75%	Networks without IPv6 support
Reset Network Settings	~80%	Deep network troubleshooting
Disable Antivirus/Firewall	~70%	Identify software interference
Reset Chrome or Use Another Browser	~65%	Browser-specific problems
Update Network Adapter Drivers	~80%	Hardware compatibility and stability

Start with Fix 1 (Clear Browser Cache) and Fix 2 (Change DNS Server) — they are the fastest and most effective. If the problem persists, proceed with Fix 3 (Flush DNS) and Fix 5 (Network Reset). Only use Fix 6 if you suspect third-party software is the culprit.

By applying the right combination of these methods, you can fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error like a pro, restoring seamless browsing on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine.

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