Step-by-Step Instructions on Clearing Your Local DNS Cache

When you browse the web, your computer relies on a Domain Name System (DNS) server to translate human-friendly website addresses (like “pcmag.com”) into IP addresses that computers can understand. This process is akin to looking up an address in a phone book before heading to a destination.

However, sometimes this DNS cache can cause issues. Perhaps a website has changed servers, or there’s malware redirecting you to malicious sites. In such cases, you can flush your DNS cache to start fresh. Here’s how to do it on Windows and macOS:

Flush the DNS Cache on Windows:

1. Press the Windows key and R simultaneously to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd and press Enter or click OK.
3. In the Command Prompt, type the following command:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   

   If successful, you’ll see the message: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
4. Try visiting the problematic website again to see if the issue is resolved.

Flush the DNS Cache on a Mac:

1. Open Terminal (you can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder).
2. Depending on your macOS version:
   • For macOS Catalina and later, use the command:

     sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
     

   • For earlier versions, use:

     sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
     

3. Enter your admin password when prompted.
4. Test the website again to check if the problem persists.

Remember, flushing your DNS cache is different from clearing your web browser’s cache. If the issue persists, consider other factors like Wi-Fi problems or network issues on your end. Happy browsing!

Learn more here: https://www.scalahosting.com/kb/how-to-clear-the-local-dns-cache-in-window-7-8-and-10/