Troubleshooting DNS Issues: Can’t Access Certain Websites

Have you been encountering issues accessing specific websites lately? If you’re experiencing errors like “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” when trying to load sites in Chrome, you’re not alone. Many users have reported similar frustrations, particularly in the last few weeks. Understanding how to troubleshoot this issue can help you regain seamless access to your favorite online platforms.

Understanding the Error

The error message “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” indicates that your browser is unable to retrieve the IP address for the website you’re attempting to visit. Essentially, this means that the DNS (Domain Name System) servers cannot find the domain name you typed in. While refreshing the page may temporarily resolve the issue, encountering this problem consistently can be quite troublesome.

For instance, I recently tried to access epicgames.com but was met with a notification stating, “This site can’t be reached.” The message went on to suggest checking for typos or running Windows Network Diagnostics. Despite having typed the website address correctly, I faced the same issue in Firefox as well.

Impact on Applications

The problems extend beyond just web browsers. For example, efforts to log into the Epic Games app on my desktop resulted in connection errors, leaving me wondering whether the issue lies with the application or my personal computer. It’s quite possible that it’s merely the first app I’m experiencing issues with, but the uncertainty is frustrating.

Troubleshooting Steps

If you’re encountering similar issues, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Restart Your Computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve underlying connectivity issues.
Disable Antivirus/Firewall: Your security Software might be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable it to determine if it’s the source of the problem.
Clear Browser Cache: Browser caches can sometimes store outdated or corrupted data. Make sure to clear your browser cache and cookies.
Try a Different Browser: If the problem persists, check if you encounter similar errors on different web browsers like Firefox or Edge.
Use Google DNS or Another DNS Service: Switching your DNS settings to a more reliable service like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) may provide a solution.
Run Network Diagnostics: Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools that can help identify and resolve network-related issues.
Check Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and that