Flush DNS Cache in Win11: 3 Quick Ways

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To flush the DNS cache in Windows 11, open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns. This clears the stored DNS records and forces your PC to re-query name servers, which often fixes website loading errors, stale IP addresses, and connection issues.

What the DNS Cache Does

When you visit a website, Windows stores the IP address it received from a DNS server in a local cache. This speeds up subsequent visits because your PC doesn’t have to ask a DNS server again — it already knows the address. The cache also holds other DNS-related data like TXT records and canonical names.

Problems arise when the cached information becomes outdated. For example, if a website changes its IP address but your cache still holds the old one, you’ll see errors like “site can’t be reached” or be directed to an old server. Flushing clears this stale data so your next request fetches fresh DNS information.

Why You Might Need to Flush

Website errors after a server move: A site you visit regularly has changed hosting providers, but your PC still points to the old IP.
Network troubleshooting: You’ve changed DNS servers (e.g., to Google’s 8.8.8.8) but old cached entries persist.
Security concerns: You suspect DNS cache poisoning or want to remove entries added by malicious software.
After VPN or proxy changes: Switching networks or VPNs can leave stale DNS entries that conflict with the new connection.

Method 1: Command Prompt (Fastest)

Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
In the terminal, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
You’ll see the confirmation: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

That’s it. The entire process takes less than 10 seconds. If you get an “access denied” error, you didn’t run it as administrator.

Method 2: Windows PowerShell

PowerShell is equally effective and uses the same command. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) (or Windows PowerShell (Admin) on older builds). Then run:

Clear-DnsClientCache

This is the PowerShell-native cmdlet, but ipconfig /flushdns also works in PowerShell. Both produce the same result — no output means success.

Method 3: Run Dialog (Quick but Limited)

You can also use the Run dialog (Windows + R), type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt. This is just a shortcut to Method 1 — there’s no dedicated GUI button in Windows 11 to flush DNS. Some third-party network tools offer a one-click flush, but the built-in methods are free and reliable.

How to Verify the Flush Worked

After flushing, you can check the cache is empty by running ipconfig /displaydns — it will show no entries. To confirm DNS is working, visit a website you had trouble with. If it loads correctly, the flush solved the issue. If not, the problem may be with your router’s cache, your ISP, or the website itself.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“Flushing DNS is dangerous” — It’s not. It only removes temporary lookup records; your PC will rebuild them automatically as you browse.
“I need to restart after flushing” — No restart is required. The change takes effect immediately.
“It will fix all internet issues” — It only fixes DNS-related problems. If your internet is slow because of bandwidth or hardware, flushing won’t help.
“Flushing logs me out of websites” — It can, but only temporarily. Since your PC re-resolves IPs, any site that uses DNS-based load balancing might give you a different server, which could reset a session. This is rare and harmless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does flushing DNS cache affect my browsing history?

No. The DNS cache only stores IP addresses and related technical data, not the pages you visited. Your browsing history, cookies, and saved passwords are untouched.

How often should I flush the DNS cache?

There’s no set schedule. Flush only when you encounter DNS-related issues, like a site not loading after it moved servers. Doing it daily won’t harm anything but is unnecessary.

What’s the difference between ipconfig /flushdns and ipconfig /renew?

/flushdns clears the DNS cache. /renew requests a new IP address from your DHCP server (usually your router). They solve different problems — flush for DNS errors, renew for IP conflicts.

Can I flush DNS in Windows 11 without admin rights?

No. The command requires administrator privileges because it modifies system-level network settings. If you’re on a managed work PC, you may need IT approval.

Why does my DNS cache keep filling up?

That’s normal. Windows automatically caches every DNS lookup to speed up browsing. The cache has a size limit (default is 1 MB) and evicts old entries as new ones come in. You don’t need to manage it manually.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.