'This guide explains how to flush the DNS cache in Windows to fix website loading issues, outdated DNS records, and connection problems.', 'howto' => [ 'Open Command Prompt.', 'Run the flush DNS command.', 'Verify the success message.', 'Test website access again.' ], 'why' => 'DNS cache can store outdated or incorrect records, which may cause websites to fail loading or resolve to the wrong address.', 'faq' => [ [ 'q' => 'What does flushing DNS do?', 'a' => 'It clears stored domain name records so the system fetches fresh DNS information.' ], [ 'q' => 'Is it safe to flush DNS?', 'a' => 'Yes. It only removes cached DNS entries and does not affect files or settings.' ], [ 'q' => 'Do I need admin rights?', 'a' => 'Yes. Command Prompt should be run as administrator.' ], [ 'q' => 'Will it fix all network issues?', 'a' => 'No. It only helps if the problem is related to DNS caching.' ] ] ]; include_once $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . '/inc/guides/related-guides-helper.php'; include_once $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . '/inc/guides/related-tools-helper.php'; $relatedGuides = getAutoRelatedGuides($guideSlug, $guideCategory, 5); $relatedTools = getRelatedToolsForGuide($guideSlug, 5); include_once $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . "/inc/header.html"; ?>

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How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows

Clear DNS cache to fix website loading issues and outdated domain records.

Before you start

You need administrator access on Windows.

Command Prompt or Terminal should be available.

Close browser tabs before testing changes.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator

Search for Command Prompt, then run it as administrator.

Tip

You can right-click and select "Run as administrator".

2. Run the flush DNS command

Run the following command to clear the DNS cache.

Command

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Verify and test

You should see a confirmation message. After that, try accessing the website again.

Expected result

You should see "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

Common issues

Access denied error

Command Prompt must be opened as administrator.

Website still not loading

The issue may not be DNS-related. Check network settings or the server itself.

Changes not reflected

Try restarting the browser or flushing DNS again.

Final check

Flushing DNS is a quick and safe way to fix many website access issues. If problems persist, check network configuration or DNS servers.