How to Clear DNS Cache in Microsoft Edge: Complete Guide

When browsing the web with Microsoft Edge, you might occasionally encounter issues such as websites failing to load, seeing outdated content, or experiencing slow page load times. These problems can sometimes be traced back to your browser’s DNS cache. Microsoft Edge, like other browsers, maintains its cache of DNS (Domain Name System) records to speed up website access. However, if this cache becomes outdated or corrupted, it can lead to connectivity issues.

Clearing the DNS cache is a simple yet effective way to resolve these problems. In this article, we’ll explain what DNS is, why Edge has its DNS cache, and provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clear it.

When Should You Clear Edge’s DNS Cache?

Consider clearing the DNS cache if you encounter any of the following:

• A website you know is live isn’t loading in Edge.
• You are seeing an outdated version of a website despite knowing it has been updated.
• You are experiencing DNS-related errors, such as “This site can’t be reached” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.”
• You’ve recently changed DNS settings or switched networks and are having trouble accessing sites.

Clearing the cache is a safe troubleshooting step with minimal side effects—though you might notice slightly slower load times for websites on your first visit after clearing, as Edge performs fresh DNS lookups.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Microsoft Edge : Detailed Steps

Follow these steps to clear Edge’s DNS cache. The process is straightforward and works on desktop versions of Edge (Windows and macOS). Mobile users can refer to the notes at the end.

Step 1: Open Edge’s Net-Internals Page

• Launch Microsoft Edge on your computer.

• In the address bar, type edge://net-internals/#dns and press Enter.

• This will take you to Edge’s internal network diagnostics page, specifically the DNS section.

Step 2: Clear the Host Cache

• On the DNS page, locate the “Clear host cache” button.
• Click this button to remove all stored DNS entries from Edge’s cache.
• This action ensures that Edge will perform fresh DNS lookups the next time you visit any website.

Step 3: Flush Socket Pools

• For a more thorough reset, type edge://net-internals/#sockets in the address bar and press Enter.
• Click the “Flush socket pools” button.

This step closes any idle or active connections, ensuring that no lingering connections rely on outdated DNS information. While not strictly necessary for clearing the DNS cache, it’s a good practice for resolving persistent issues.

Step 4: Restart Microsoft Edge

• Close all Edge windows and reopen the browser.
• Restarting ensures that all changes take effect and clears any remaining temporary data.

Conclusion

Clearing the DNS cache in Microsoft Edge is a quick and effective way to resolve many common browsing issues, from inaccessible websites to outdated content. By following the steps outlined in this guide—using the net-internals page to clear the host cache and optionally flushing socket pools—you can ensure that Edge uses the most up-to-date DNS information. If problems persist, don’t forget to check your operating system’s DNS cache and other potential culprits like extensions.