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Fix IPConfig error: Could not flush the DNS Resolver cache
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
As an operating system, Windows comes with its own quirks and niggles, however, for every problem, there also exists an equally powerful solution. Tools like Powershell, Run, andIPConfighelps users resolve major problems.
Microsoft has also made it a point to include powerful tools that will help usersmanage the networking featuresthat Windows has to offer.
In this segment, we will talk at length about how to fix theCould not flush theDNSResolvercacheissue. But first, let’s take a look at some essential aspects:
What isipconfig?
TheIPConfigis a built-in tool that’s most helpful for the admins of the Windows operating system. In a broad sense, it’s used to test the connectivity between the DHCP server and the workstation by making use of various commands.
Yes, we do agree that most of the general users will notipconfigper se, but still there does exist one feature inipconfigthat is indispensable.
What is DNSResolvercache and Flush?
TheDNSResolvercacheis a temporary database created by the Windows operating system. The database records all the attempts to connect and visit websites. In essence, the DNS Cache is a record-keeping book of all the DNS lookup attempts made by your machine.
A sub-feature calledDNSPrefetching is used in the Chromium browsers to resolve domain names even before the user follows the link.
While theDNSResolvercache is very helpful in helping us access the Internet in a much faster way and saves on the bandwidth it sure has its own downsides.
Most of the time, theDNScache is responsible forconnection errorsand this is often solved by using theFlushDNScommand.
Theflushdnscommand is pretty useful when the website has changed itsIP addressand there is a conflict since you are still using the older entry stored in theDNScache.
In order to flush your computer’s local DNS cache all you need to do is head over to Command Prompt and type the following command,ipconfig/flushdns.
However, sometimes the Command Prompt throws the followingerrorat you: Could not flush the DNSResolverCache.
How can I fixCould not flush the DNS Resolver cacheerror?
1) Enable the DNS Client
According to experts at Microsoft, this problem is caused when a service namedDNS Clientis disabled on your computer. Usually, this is enabled at startup. In order to enable the service, follow the steps outlined below:
2) The last resort: Analyse Windows logs
Does theCould not flush the DNSResolvercacheissue still persists? In such cases, one needs to take a look at the Windows logs in order to deduce what happened. Open Run Dialog box by typingWIN+R, clickOk, then go toWindows Logsand selectSystems.
Also one can simply typeipconfig/displaydnsin order to view all the DNS cache. Furthermore, the results can also be exported by typing out the following commandipconfig/displaydns>cached-dns.txt.
This is how you resolve the Could not flush the DNSResolvercache issue. On a related note, some of us disable the DNS Client fearing that it will gobble up the computing resources and this is a pure myth.
In most of the cases, the DNS Client will use around 200-300KB of memory and disabling it is certainly not helping you reap performance benefits.
That should conclude it – we hope you found our solutions helpful.
Of course, if you happen to know other methods that might come in handy to solve thisIpconfigerror even faster, feel free to share them by hitting the comments section below.
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More about the topics:DNS,internet connection errors
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
