How to Fix DNS_PROBE_STARTED and DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Errors?

The DNS_PROBE_STARTED error in Google Chrome appears when the browser begins querying the DNS server for domain name resolution but has not yet received a response. It indicates that the DNS probing process has started but not completed. On the other hand, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a Chrome-specific error that occurs when the DNS query fails. It means that the domain name cannot be resolved to an IP address either because the domain does not exist, the DNS server is misconfigured, or there are network-related issues preventing proper resolution.

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_STARTED and DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Errors

Follow these steps to resolve these DNS-related errors in Google Chrome:

1. Flush Chrome’s DNS Cache

Clearing Chrome’s internal DNS cache can fix temporary resolution issues.

1. Open Google Chrome.

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

3. Click on Clear host cache.

4. Restart Chrome and check if the issue persists.

Read in detail about how to clear DNS cache using chrome://net-internals/#dns.

2. Restart Your Router and Internet Connection

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve DNS issues.

1. Turn off your Wi-Fi router or modem.
2. Wait for 1-2 minutes.
3. Turn it back on and reconnect.

3. Change Your DNS Server

Switching to a public DNS server (like Google DNS or Cloudflare) can often fix DNS resolution errors.

For Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.

2. Click on Change adapter settings on the left.

3. Right-click on your active network and select Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

4. Enter both numerical sequences for either Cloudflare or Google (for example, Google's DNS servers are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) in the ‘Preferred DNS server’ and ‘Alternate DNSserver boxes, then click OK

For macOS:

1. Go to System Settings → Network.

2. Select your active network connection then select Details.

3. Select DNS from the left-most list.

4. Click + and add Enter the new DNS server address (for example, Google's DNS servers are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). If you want to remove old DNS servers, select the address and click the - button.

5. After adding or removing DNS servers, click OK to save your changes. You may be prompted to enter your administrator username and password to apply the changes. Enter the required credentials and click OK.

Read in detail about How to Change Your DNS Server.

4. Flush System-Wide DNS Cache

If changing the DNS server didn’t work, try flushing your system's DNS cache.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   ipconfig /flushdns

   👁 Windows-Flush-DNS-02
   

   
   
3. Restart your computer.

For macOS:

1. Press the F4 button to open Spotlight.
2. A search bar will appear; type "Terminal" and click to open it.
3. Run the following command:

   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

   👁 MacBook-Flush-DNS
   

   4.Enter your Mac’s password when prompted.

Read in detail about How to Flush DNS Cache [Windows, Mac, and Linux].

5. Disable VPN, Proxy, or Security Software

If you're using a VPN, proxy, or firewall temporarily disable it and check if the issue is resolved. Some security software blocks DNS queries causing errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

6. Reset Chrome Flags

If you have modified Chrome’s experimental features, they might interfere with DNS resolution.

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://flags/ and press enter.

2. Reset all to default.

3. Restart Chrome.

7. Restart the DNS Client Service (Windows)

1. Open Run (Win + R) and type services.msc.

2. Find DNS Client in the list.

3. Right-click and choose Restart.