It can be really frustrating to see a “This site can’t be reached” error with the error code DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. This is a common error that indicates your browser could not find the website you tried to access. Think of it as a GPS that can spell an address correctly, but leaves off some digits: the Domain Name System (DNS) cannot connect the site’s name (example.com) to its server address.
In this guide, I explain why you are receiving this error and provide two of the most widely used DNS providers to fix it with Cloudflare and Google DNS.
Understanding DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error typically indicates a problem at your local end, rather than with the website itself. The following are the most likely causes:
- DNS Misconfiguration: Your system’s DNS settings may be incorrect or out of date.
- Dead or Unregistered Domain: The domain name is no longer valid or was never registered.
- Network Interference: Your antivirus, some VPNs, or your ISP could be interfering with DNS queries.
- Stale DNS Cache: Your computer also keeps a temporary list of websites. If this cache is ancient, possibly it now points to the wrong place.
Cloudflare DNS vs. Google DNS
Changing your device’s DNS server can also be a quicker way of fixing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN problem. Both Cloudflare and Google provide free, secure, and fast public DNS resolution services that are frequently faster than those your local ISP offers you by default.
| Feature | Cloudflare DNS | Google DNS |
| Primary Address | 1.1.1.1 | 8.8.8.8 |
| Secondary Address | 1.0.0.1 | 8.8.4.4 |
| Speed | Often leads in resolution time tests | Consistently fast and reliable |
| Security | Strong DDoS protection, malware filtering | Strong security infrastructure |
| Privacy | Pledges not to log user IP addresses | Anonymizes data after 24-48 hours |
| Global Servers | Extensive network in over 300 cities | Large global server presence |
How to Switch to Cloudflare or Google DNS
Changing your DNS settings is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it on Windows and macOS.
Windows
- Open the Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Change adapter settings on the left.
- Right-click your active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the IPs for either Cloudflare or Google:
Cloudflare: Preferred 1.1.1.1 and Alternate 1.0.0.1
Google: Preferred 8.8.8.8 and Alternate 8.8.4.4
- Click OK to save your changes.
macOS
- Go to System Settings and select Network.
- Choose your active internet connection and click Details….
- Select the DNS tab.
- Click the + button to add new DNS servers and enter the IPs for Cloudflare or Google.
- Click OK to save.
See also: Transforming Medical Office Interiors with 3D Modelling Technology
How to Test Which DNS is Better for You
After switching your DNS, you should test if it resolved the error. For a fair comparison, follow these steps:
- Flush Your DNS Cache: This clears out old, stored DNS information. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns. On Mac, open Terminal and use sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
- Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to ensure you’re not loading an old version of the site.
- Visit the Site: Try accessing the website where you saw the error.
- Check Speed (Optional): Deploy something like the Hunger Games Simulator for some larks or, more to the point, a DNS speed test service so that you know who is likely to resolve faster from where you happen to be at any given time.
Repeat these steps for both Cloudflare and Google DNS to determine which one works best for you.
Other Quick Fixes
If changing the DNS servers doesn’t work, here are a few other things you can try:
- Release and Renew Your IP Address: In Command Prompt (Windows), use the commands ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew.
- Check Your Hosts File: Ensure the website isn’t accidentally blocked in your computer’s local hosts file.
- Restart Your Router: A simple reboot can often fix temporary network glitches.
A Faster, More Reliable Fix
For most of the users, changing to a free public DNS service like Cloudflare or Google is an easy and quick fix for their DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. It does not only fix the current issue but can contribute to a more safe and quicker browsing experience.
Both are great options, though Cloudflare does sometimes have a slight edge in speed and its privacy-first policy. “Still, there are people who rely on Google every day for its consistency around the world. The only way to find out is to try both and see which puts you back online more quickly.
