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.
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Turn off your computer
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Unplug your router from power
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Wait 30 seconds
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Plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect
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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.
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Open the Start menu and type cmd
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Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
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Close the Command Prompt
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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:
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Right-click Start and select Network connections
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Select your connection and click Properties
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Under DNS server assignment, click Edit
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Enter the following:
Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
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Click Save
Windows 10:
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Right-click Start, then go to Settings > Network & Internet
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Click Change adapter options
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Right-click your connection and choose Properties
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Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties
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Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and input:
Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
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Click OK
Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall
Security software may block DNS traffic.
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Open your antivirus software and disable it
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Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
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Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
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Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks
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Retry accessing a website in Chrome
Update Network Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause DNS resolution problems.
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Right-click Start and open Device Manager
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Expand Network adapters
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Right-click your adapter and choose Update driver
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Select Search automatically for drivers
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Follow the prompts and restart your computer if needed
Reset Chrome Settings
Misconfigured browser settings can also cause DNS issues.
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Open Chrome and go to Settings
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Click Reset settings on the left sidebar
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Select Restore settings to their original defaults
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Confirm by clicking Reset settings