What is DNS Cache on Windows and How Do I Flush It?

Users may flush the DNS cache on Windows after clearing the cookies and temporary files on their browser and adjusting their settings, and there still seems to be an issue with the network configuration. Websites often record information about visitors using cookies.

To remove collected information, a user may clear the browser cache. However, data is also stored in the DNS cache. Flushing your DNS cache may remove such information and help protect your privacy, resolve HTTP errors, and prevent malicious DNS spoofing.

Flush DNS cache with Command Prompt

The Command Prompt can allow you to run text-based commands that can initiate a flush of DNS cache on Windows. To complete this task, here are the steps:

1. Hold the Windows + S keys simultaneously, enter command in the search field, while holding CTRL and Shift keys down, and hit ENTER to start the Command Prompt as an admin.
   
2. When you receive a prompt, click Yes.
   
3. Once the Command Prompt opens, enter the following command and hit Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns
   
4. Finally, restart your PC.

Flush DNS cache with Windows Terminal/PowerShell

Windows Terminal and PowerShell can be useful in flushing the DNS cache. Flushing the DNS cache will delete all of the entries in the cache, causing your PC to query the DNS server for the IP address of every website or server it tries to connect to.

To flush the DNS cache using Windows Terminal or PowerShell, open a terminal window and run the following command:

1. Press Windows + X simultaneously and choose Terminal (Admin).
   
2. Enter the following command below, hit Enter after each, and wait for the process to complete:
   • Use this command to clear the client cache:
     Clear-DnsClientCache
   • Use this command to clear the local DNS server cache:
     Clear-DnsServerCache
     
3. Lastly, close PowerShell and restart your PC.

Flush DNS cache on Google Chrome

Google Chrome has a DNS cache that contains the IP addresses of websites you visit. This cache enables Chrome to load websites faster by preventing the need to look up the IP address each time. To clear the DNS cache using Chrome, do the following:

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
   
2. Then enter the following address in the address bar and hit Enter: 
   chrome://net-internals/#dns
   
3. Once the DNS page opens, click the Clear host cache button next to Host resolver cache.
   

Flush DNS cache Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge can help to flush the DNS cache on Windows. This implies it can remove the domain names list and their corresponding IP addresses stored in the browser’s memory. Follow the steps below to flush the DNS cache using Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
   
2. Then enter the following address in the address bar and hit Enter: 
   edge://net-internals/#dns
   
3. Once the DNS page opens, click the Clear host cache button next to Host resolver cache.
   

In conclusion, Windows allows you to clear the DNS cache on your computer. It can be a useful troubleshooting step when you encounter network-related issues. Flushing the DNS cache allows smoother and more reliable network connections.

Whether you’re experiencing slow browsing, DNS resolution problems or want to refresh your DNS settings, following the step-by-step guide can help you clear the DNS cache on your Windows system. Remember to proceed with caution and only perform this task when necessary.