Flushing the DNS cache in Windows 11 clears locally cached DNS resolver records. It can help when Windows is using an outdated or incorrect cached address for a website or network service, but it is not a general internet-speed booster.
How to Flush DNS in Windows 11
- Open Start.
- Type Command Prompt or Terminal.
- Open the command-line window.
- Enter
ipconfig /flushdns. - Press Enter.
- Look for the message indicating that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
When Should You Flush the DNS Cache?
DNS flushing can be useful after a website changes servers, when a cached DNS record is stale, or while troubleshooting a name-resolution problem. Windows will rebuild the cache as you access websites and services again.
What Flushing DNS Does Not Do
It does not change the DNS server configured for your network, reset your router, erase browser history, or guarantee faster internet access. If every website is slow or the PC has no network connection at all, investigate the Wi-Fi/Ethernet connection, router, ISP, and configured DNS service as well.
Summary
Open Command Prompt or Terminal, run ipconfig /flushdns, and wait for Windows to confirm that the resolver cache was cleared. Use it for suspected cached DNS problems rather than as routine performance maintenance.