How can I reset my DNS settings?

The following instructions will reset your DNS configuration to that provided by your router/ISP. This is necessary if a VPN client or a DNS leak protection script has crashed and left an unusable DNS configuration. You need to do this if you have Internet connectivity but are unable to browse to any websites i.e. your DNS is most likely not working.

Windows 10

1. Right click the Start menu, then select Network Connections.
2. Click Change Adapter Options below ‘Change your network settings’.
3. Right click on the network connection you’re using and select Properties.
4. Click on Internet protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4) and then on the Properties button.
5. Make sure that you have Obtain IP Address automatically and Obtain DNS Server Automatically selected. This will configure your device to acquire the settings directly from your modem/router.
6. Click OK and exit all the windows.
7. Follow the instructions in How do I clear or flush my DNS cache? to flush your DNS resolver cache.

Windows 8

1. Select the Desktop from the Start menu.
2. From the Desktop window, right click the Networks icon in the system tray and select Open Network and Sharing Center.
3. Under ‘Active Networks’ click on the active connection name, usually Ethernet or Local area connection.
4. Click on the Properties button. This should take you to the Network Connections Properties window.
5. Click on Internet protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4) and then on the Properties button.
6. Make sure that you have Obtain IP Address automatically and Obtain DNS Server Automatically selected. This will configure your device to acquire the settings directly from your modem/router.
7. Click OK and exit all the windows.
8. Follow the instructions in How do I clear or flush my DNS cache? to flush your DNS resolver cache.

macOS

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Click on Network.
3. Select the first connection in your list and click Advanced.
4. Select the DNS tab.
5. Select any addresses in the list and attempt to remove them using the - button. If you cannot select them or the - is not active then you are already using your routers DHCP assigned DNS servers.
6. Click OK and exit all the windows.
7. Follow the instructions in How do I clear or flush my DNS cache? to flush your DNS resolver cache.

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