DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a frequent error that appears when you're trying to load a WordPress website. The error can make it difficult to access the site, which can be frustrating. But you don’t have to panic when this error occurs.
It's a common problem when using Google Chrome to access WordPress sites. In most cases, the error is caused by an issue with the DNS server. This article will tell you how to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Chrome.
What Causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error
There are many reasons why this error occurs. Here are some of them:
1. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may block certain websites or domains due to security reasons or any other reason.
G2. It can occur when Google Safe Browsing blocks your IP.
3. When you type the wrong URL in the Chrome browser, an error can occur.
4. There is a problem with your internet connection or firewall settings.
5. A conflict between a third-party antivirus or VPN program and your DNS settings.
6. You might have corrupted host files on your system.
7. There might be an issue with your DNS server or router.
You can quickly fix the major causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Chrome by yourself.
If you want to get rid of this error permanently from your computer, there are a few things that you can do:
1. Confirm that You Have Entered the Right URL Address
This is the most basic reason you get the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Chrome. Make sure that there are no typos in your URL address, and try again. If you are sure there are no errors in your URL and you’re still getting the error, move on to the next solution.
2. Reset the Chrome Flags
If you recently installed new extensions or features on your Chrome browser, it may have altered your browser settings. Interference with the Chrome browser settings can also alter the DNS settings and cause the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error to pop up.
Thus, resetting the Chrome flags to default settings can resolve the error. To do this;
Step 1: Open your Chrome browser, type chrome://flags into the address bar, and press Enter.
Step 2: On the new screen (Experiments), click on the Reset all button at the top.
Step 3: Relaunch your browser to effect the changes you have made.
Try accessing any WordPress site to check if the problem has been resolved. If not;
3. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus or VPN
Antivirus and VPN settings can conflict with your network settings and DNS server configurations. Thus, if you have either of these programs on your PC, they might be the source of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Chrome error. Disable the programs and check if the error has disappeared.
4. Clear the DNS Cache
Your DNS cache and history are the most important things to clear when dealing with a browser-related problem. The clearing is always recommended before doing any troubleshooting steps. While the cache memory makes it easier for frequently visited sites to load faster, some IP addresses in the DNS cache memory may be outdated.
Flushing the DNS cache can fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Chrome error.
To clear your DNS cache in Chrome:
Step 1: Launch Chrome browser and type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and tap Enter.
Step 2: Once it loads, click Clear host cache.
Now go ahead and confirm if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Chrome error has cleared.
5. Release and Renew Your IP Address
This is an in-depth approach to clearing the DNS cache. This method troubleshoots your network connection issues by surrendering the lease to your PC’s old IP address and applying for a new one.
To release and renew your PC’s IP address on Mac and Windows;
a) macOS
Follow these steps;
Step 1: Open System Preferences and head to Network.
Step 2: Choose your current network and click the Advanced button.
Step 3: Maneuver to where the TCP/IP tab is, click Renew DHCP Lease, and press OK. Your PC will be reassigned to a new IP address.
Restart your PC and check if the error has been solved.
b) Windows
To reassign your PC to a new IP address;
Step 1: Run Command Prompt as an Administrator.
Step 2: Type in the below commands one by one and hit Enter after command;
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Step 3: Reset your old IP settings and restore the Winsock catalog by putting the below commands;
netsh int ip set dns
netsh winsock reset
Once you’re done, close the command prompt, restart your PC, and open Chrome to check if the problem persists.
6. Restart the DNS Client Services
The DNS client service should automatically run when you start your computer. However, it does fail to run automatically, making it impossible for you to access any website. Restarting the service when you encounter the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can help resolve it.
You can restart the DNS client service via the Windows system configurations;
Step 1: Press the Win + R keys simultaneously, type msconfig in the search bar, and press Enter.
Step 2: Choose the Services tab and scroll downwards to find DNS Client.
Step 3: Disable it by unchecking the box, clicking OK, and restarting your PC.
Step 4: Redo steps one & two but enable the DNS Client by rechecking the box on step three.
Step 5: Restart the PC again and check if the error has cleared.
7. Change the DNS Servers
If restarting the DNS Client services does not solve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, consider changing the DNS servers. Typically, your PC will use a DNS server address given by your internet service provider.
However, temporarily changing the settings to an alternative DNS server like the Google Public DNS or Cloudflare can resolve the error message.
To change the DNS servers in your Google Chrome;
Step 1: Open Chrome and type chrome://settings/security in the address bar and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate downwards to the Advanced section in the Chrome DNS settings window and choose With Custom.
You can change the DNS server addresses to OpenDNS, Cloudflare, CleanBrowsing, or Google.
Restart your browser to effect the changes and check if the problem has been resolved. You may switch from one DNS server to another as you check if the problem has been resolved.
Conclusion
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Chrome error can result from different factors. To browse without being stopped by the error, try the above solutions. If one fix doesn’t work, move to the next.
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