How to Fix the Chrome Error: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG on Windows 11

If you are using Google Chrome and are getting The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error that prevents websites from loading. There's a solid chance you have some Internet and network issues that need to be fixed. Thankfully, there are quite a few quick and easy steps you can take to solve this issue. There's a good chance that you're probably familiar with some of them as well.

How to Fix the Chrome Error: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG on Windows 11

Before you even consider doing anything else in this guide, make sure you have done the following things first. There's a 99% chance they will solve the problem.

• Turn off your computer

• Unplug your router from power

• Wait 30 seconds

• Plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect

• Restart your computer and try using Chrome

Flush the DNS Cache, Reset TCP/IP and Winsock

These commands clear and reset DNS and networking configurations.

• Open the Start menu and type cmd

• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• Close the Command Prompt

• Restart Chrome and check if the issue is resolved

Change DNS Server to Google DNS

Switching to a public DNS like Google’s can help bypass provider-specific issues.

Windows 11:

• Right-click Start and select Network connections

• Select your connection and click Properties

• Under DNS server assignment, click Edit

• Enter the following:

• Click Save

Windows 10:

• Right-click Start, then go to Settings > Network & Internet

• Click Change adapter options

• Right-click your connection and choose Properties

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties

• Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and input:

• Click OK

Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Security software may block DNS traffic.

• Open your antivirus software and disable it

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall

• Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off

• Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks

• Retry accessing a website in Chrome

Update Network Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause DNS resolution problems.

• Right-click Start and open Device Manager

• Expand Network adapters

• Right-click your adapter and choose Update driver

• Select Search automatically for drivers

• Follow the prompts and restart your computer if needed

Reset Chrome Settings

Misconfigured browser settings can also cause DNS issues.

• Open Chrome and go to Settings

• Click Reset settings on the left sidebar

• Select Restore settings to their original defaults

• Confirm by clicking Reset settings