How to Clear (Flush) the DNS Cache in Windows 10 and Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to safely clear and flush the DNS cache on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to fix connectivity issues, resolve stale domain records, and refresh network name resolution using built-in system tools.
The Problem
The DNS cache in Windows stores recently resolved domain names and IP addresses to speed up internet access. While this mechanism improves performance, it can also become a source of network issues when cached records become outdated, corrupted, or poisoned.
Flushing the DNS cache forces Windows to discard old entries and request fresh DNS records from configured name servers. This operation is safe, reversible, and often resolves problems such as websites not loading, incorrect redirects, VPN connectivity issues, or changes not being applied after DNS updates.
This guide explains when and why DNS flushing is necessary, and provides step-by-step instructions for Windows 10 and Windows 11 using Command Prompt and PowerShell.
Step-by-Step Guide
Open Command Prompt with Administrator Privileges
Launch an elevated command interface required to modify the DNS resolver cache.
Press Windows + S and type cmd.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
Administrative privileges are required because DNS cache operations affect system-level networking components.
Flush the DNS Cache Using ipconfig
Clear all cached DNS records stored by Windows.
In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
Windows will immediately clear the DNS resolver cache and remove all stored domain mappings.
Flush DNS Cache Using PowerShell (Alternative Method)
Perform the same operation using Windows PowerShell.
Open Windows PowerShell as administrator and execute the following command:
Clear-DnsClientCache
This method is functionally equivalent to the Command Prompt approach and is preferred in scripted or enterprise environments.
Verify DNS Cache Status
Confirm that cached DNS records have been removed.
To view the current DNS cache, run the following command:
ipconfig /displaydns
After flushing, the list should be minimal or empty, confirming the operation succeeded.
How It Works
DNS caching speeds up repeat lookups by storing resolved addresses locally, but:
- Cached entries may become invalid after DNS updates
- Malicious or poisoned entries can persist and lead to phishing or redirection
- Network changes (VPN, proxy, ISP DNS switch) may require cache refresh
By clearing the DNS cache, you ensure that future connections use current authoritative DNS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. DNS cache is system-level and does not affect browser history, cookies, or credentials.
Only when experiencing connectivity issues or after DNS configuration changes.
Yes. It is a standard troubleshooting step used by IT administrators.
No. It only resolves issues related to name resolution, not physical connectivity or ISP outages.
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