Windows 11 says DNS server is not responding

That usually means the laptop can join the network, but Windows cannot reliably translate website names into addresses. Treat it as a DNS or proxy/VPN path first, not as proof that the Wi-Fi signal is weak.

Start small: flush the local DNS cache, check whether VPN or proxy settings are forcing DNS, then test automatic DNS before changing router-wide settings.

The useful context is one IP test, one name test, and the adapter DNS setting.

Attach only the parts that help diagnose the problem. Hide passwords, serial numbers, account names, recovery keys, and public IPs unless we explicitly ask for one.

What to attach: Terminal after ipconfig /flushdns, ping 1.1.1.1, nslookup example.com, plus the DNS assignment screen for the active adapter.

1. Press Win + X → Terminal and run ipconfig /flushdns.
2. In the same Terminal window, run ping 1.1.1.1 and nslookup example.com.
3. Open Settings -> Network & internet -> Advanced network settings -> your adapter -> DNS assignment.

Read it like this:

• If ping 1.1.1.1 works but nslookup example.com fails, DNS is the likely break.
• If both fail, check the router, ISP, VPN, firewall, or the wider connection before changing DNS.
• If both work but browsers still fail, look at proxy, VPN, browser extensions, or security software.

1. Keep DNS on Automatic first, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and reload the same site.
2. If a VPN is connected, disconnect it for one controlled test. If DNS works only without the VPN, use the VPN no-internet checklist instead of changing router DNS.
3. Check Settings -> Network & internet -> Proxy. Turn off manual proxy only if you did not intentionally set one.
4. If only this PC fails, test one trusted DNS resolver on this PC. Do not change DNS for the whole router yet.
5. If every device on the network fails, check the router or ISP DNS path instead of repeatedly changing Windows.

Do not do this yet: do not change router DNS for the whole house, install random “network repair” tools, or delete VPN profiles before the split test points there.

Stop here and add details if all devices fail after a router DNS change, work/school VPN controls DNS, or you see certificate warnings after changing DNS.

Related Price2Click guide: if several devices are affected, use Home Wi-Fi troubleshooting before treating this as a Windows-only DNS problem.