Learn to Flush your DNS cache in Windows in Simple Steps

You can flush your DNS cache in different versions of Windows as below:

Windows 8 & 10

1. On your keyboard click on the Windows logo while holding the R key at the same time.

The run box will get displayed.

2. Type cmd in the run box and then hit the ‘Enter’ key.

3. The command prompt will pop up. Enter the below command in it:

C:\Users\username> ipconfig /flushdns

The command runs and returns to the prompt.

4. Next, type exit and hit the ‘Enter’ key to close the window.

Note: After that you might see a pop-up box with a message that Windows “…cannot end the program as it may still be running…” – ignore it as it’s completely safe (and required) to click the End Now button to exit.

Windows 7

1. Click on the Windows logo on your desktop, and then type ‘cmd’ in the search bar (where it says ‘search for programs and files’).

2. The command prompt will pop up. Enter the below command in it:

C:\Users\username> ipconfig /flushdns

3. Hit the ‘Enter’ key, and then repeat the process twice.

4. Type exit, and then hit the ‘Enter’ key to close the window.

Windows Vista

1. Click on the Windows logo on your desktop.

2. In the menu, select ‘All Programs’.

3. Click on Accessories.

4. Right click on ‘Command Prompt’.

5. Choose the option ‘Run As Administrator’.

6. A window pops up in which type the following, and then press ‘Enter’:

C:\Users\username> ipconfig /flushdns

7. Hit the ‘Enter’ key and repeat the process twice.

8. Type exit, and then hit the ‘Enter’ key to close the window.

In case you want to verify what domains and IPs your computer cached currently, you may use the command ipconfig /displaydns in the steps described above.

Windows XP

1. Click the Windows logo on your desktop and then click on Run.

2. Type in cmd and click OK.

3. A window pops up in which type the following:

C:\Users\username> ipconfig /flushdns

4. Hit the ‘Enter’ key and repeat the process twice.

5. Type exit, and then hit the ‘Enter’ key to close the window.

This way you can flush your DNS cache in different versions of Windows.