Sometimes the cached information can become outdated or contain incorrect entries. This may cause websites to fail to load, domain names to resolve incorrectly, or network applications to behave unexpectedly. Clearing the DNS cache removes the stored DNS information and allows Windows to retrieve fresh DNS records. Here are three ways to clear the DNS cache in Windows.
Method 1: Clear DNS Cache Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt provides a quick way to clear the Windows DNS cache with the ipconfig command.
Step 1. Open Command Prompt
Open the Start menu and type cmd into the search bar. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. Clear the DNS Cache
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
Method 2: Clear DNS Cache Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides a dedicated command for clearing the Windows DNS client cache.
Step 1. Open PowerShell
Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).
Step 2. Clear the DNS Cache
In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Clear-DnsClientCache
Method 3: Clear DNS Cache Wise Care 365
If you prefer a visual, all-in-one system maintenance tool, Wise Care 365 offers a straightforward way to clear the DNS cache alongside other temporary system files.
Step 1. Download and Install Wise Care 365
Download and install Wise Wise Care 365 from the official website.
Step 2. Open Common Cleaner
Select System Cleaner from the top navigation, then select Common Cleaner from the left panel.
Step 3. Select DNS Cache
Under Files in Computer, expand Windows System. Find System DNS cache in the list and check its box.
Step 4. Scan the DNS Cache
Click Scan. Wise Care 365 will scan the selected cleanup items and identify the system DNS cache.
Step 5. Clear the DNS Cache
After the scan finishes, click the Clean button. Wise Care 365 will clear the selected DNS cache from Windows.
Conclusion
Clearing the DNS cache in Windows is a simple yet powerful troubleshooting step that can resolve many frustrating browsing issues. Windows provides multiple easy methods to achieve the same result, ensuring your system always resolves domain names using the most current DNS data.
