The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error is a frequently reported Google Chrome error. Typically this error presents itself when trying to access web pages in Google Chrome and the error will continue until fixed.
Google Chrome is massively popular, with over 60% of the web browser market share. Google Chrome launched in 2008 and Internet Explorer’s market share began to steadily drop. Google Chrome provided a minimal modern design, improved page loading speeds, strong security measures, and easy updating to consumers. Yet Google Chrome isn’t perfect. Users report problems that are caused by extension issues and cache/cookie issues. SSL problems, crashing, IP address errors, and time-outs are also common errors.
What does the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Error mean?
The majority of the errors are related to problems with the network and internet settings or connection. The dns_probe_finished_no_internet error is related to connectivity. The error means that the DNS cache isn’t loading for the website that is being accessed.
To explain further, DNS is short for Domain Name System. Every ISP (Internet Service Provider) will provide customers with a default DNS server. When searching for a specific webpage, for example the domain www.google.com, the DNS server will translate that web address to an IP address. This prevents users from having to remember complicated IP addresses for each website (even more complicated in IPv6). Any user can change their default DNS server to a public DNS server.
The DNS error means that the server is not finding the web page where expected.
What causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error?
DNS errors are most commonly caused by loss of network or internet access. Oftentimes the default DNS server provided by your ISP can become overloaded or slow. DNS errors are often triggered when it isn’t an actual DNS problem at all. Be sure to run the troubleshooter in the ‘Network and Sharing Center’ to check that your computer or laptop is connected to the internet.
To check for actual DNS errors, open ‘Command Prompt’ in administrator mode and type ‘ping’ followed by an IP address, such as ‘8.8.8.8’ which is the public Google DNS server. A problem with internet access or the network, will return a ‘Request timeout’ error.
6 Easy Solutions to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error in Google Chrome
The 6 solutions outlined below to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error are fairly simple and straightforward. The DNS solutions are most effective and should be attempted first.
Change DNS to a public server
As mentioned above, an ISP’s DNS server isn’t always optimal. It’s very simple to change over to a public DNS server. One of the most common choices is Google’s. To change a systems DNS server:
- Right-click the Start Menu button and select Network Connections.
- Under Advanced Network Settings select Change Adapter options.
- Now right-click the internet connection your system is connected to, and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list and click Properties.
- In the new window, select Use the following DNS server addresses at the bottom.
- Enter 8.8.8.8 as the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the Alternate DNS Server.
- Click OK and open Google Chrome to check if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error is fixed.
This solution should take a few minutes at most. If this doesn’t fix the problem, next try to clear the DNS cache.
Clear DNS Cache
When returning to a previously visited domain, a computer will access the DNS cache to save time. The DNS cache is a record of domain IP addresses. Sometimes websites switch servers and if the previously stored IP hasn’t timed-out (24-48 hours typically) then the DNS cache will just try to use the stored IP, which is no longer valid. Flushing or clearing a DNS cache can solve the problem.
This is also a very simple, but effective solution. To reset the stored IP addresses and clear the DNS cache:
- Click the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt app in the list, and select Run as administrator. This will bypass any permissions problems. In the pop-up window, select Yes to allow the Command Prompt app to make changes to your device.
- In the Command Prompt window, after C:\WINDOWS\system32> type the following commands, pressing enter after each command:
- netsh int ip reset
- netsh winsock reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart the computer and open Google Chrome to check if the error is fixed.
At this point, you’ve tried to solve the error using the most common DNS solutions. Next you can assume Google Chrome may be the source of the problem. There are two possible solutions.
Clear Google Chrome Cache
Google Chrome has a cache similar to the DNS cache, except it stores websites and URLs, passwords, cookies, and more. To clear Google Chrome’s browsing cache:
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
- Hover over More tools and then select Clear browsing data.
- In this window, select the data you want deleted from the cache. Be aware that if you rely on Google Chrome to remember passwords, it may be wise to leave the saved password data alone.
- Select Clear Data.
- Close and reopen Google Chrome and see if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error is fixed.
Update Google Chrome
Part of the popularity of Google Chrome, is the simplicity of updating the browser. An out of date browser can sometimes cause performance issues and errors. To update Google Chrome:
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
- Hover over Help and then select About Google Chrome.
- In this settings window, Chrome will now check your browser version and automatically begin updating to the most recent version. If there is no automatic update, the page will say ‘Google Chrome is up to date’.
- If the browser updates, restart Google Chrome and check to see if the error is solved.
Update Network Adapter Driver
Network adapters are vital to allow your computer to connect to local area connections (LAN). Computers usually have a USB network adapter or wireless network adapter. Device drivers help software interface with a system’s hardware. If a network adapter has outdated or corrupted drivers, this can impede the function of the network adapter. To update network adapter drivers:
- Right-click the Start Menu button and select Device Manager.
- Look for the Network adapters section and expand it to view all associated adapters.
- Right-click on each network adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose the option Search automatically for drivers, and Windows will search the system and Internet for the latest driver updates.
- Restart the computer and check if the error is fixed.
Restart Router or Modem
If you have other browsers installed, usually at least Internet Explorer, check that the problem isn’t affecting all browsers. If it is, you may need to reboot or reset your modem or browser.
To do that, unplug the power cord of your router or modem. Wait for about 5 minutes and then plug the cable back into your router. This will reset the router and may solve the error.
Conclusion
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET error is not complicated to fix. The solutions are easy to follow and usually effective. Of the six fixes listed above, one of them should have worked to solve the problem. DNS flushing, changing DNS servers, clearing your browser’s cache, and updating your browser, are all excellent skills to learn and very useful for troubleshooting network or internet problems. At this point, hopefully your new public DNS server or cleared caches will allow you to access the websites you need!