How to Clear DNS Cache on Windows Linux and Chrome

Clearing DNS cache removes stored domain-to-IP mappings on Windows Linux and Chrome improving connection accuracy and resolving browsing errors. Use command line tools or browser settings to flush outdated DNS data effectively.

🤖AI Overview:

Clear DNS Cache involves removing stored DNS lookup data to ensure websites load current information. This process is essential for fixing connection errors and maintaining network security. It can be done on Windows Linux systems or directly within Chrome browser settings.

To clear DNS cache:

• Use ipconfig /flushdns on Windows.
• sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches (or restart DNS services) on Linux.
• Go to chrome://net-internals/#dns > Clear host cache in Chrome.

If you have invested in performance and reliability with a solution like buy VPS, mastering DNS hygiene helps you prevent downtime and keep your services running smoothly.

Steps to Flush DNS Cache on Windows (All Versions)

Whether you’re running Windows XP or the latest Windows 11, the method to clear DNS cache remains consistent

This universal use of the ipconfig /flushdns command is one of the fastest and safest ways to clear DNS cache in Windows without relying on third-party tools.

It’s essential for fixing domain resolution issues, especially when managing DNS changes on remote servers or after you buy Windows VPS for hosting tasks.

Clear DNS Cache in Windows 10/11

1. Open Command Prompt:

Right-click the Start icon → Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

Or press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

2. In the terminal, type:

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter.

If successful, you’ll see:

“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

This clear DNS command ensures your resolver retrieves fresh DNS records from authoritative servers, avoiding cached routing errors.

Clear DNS Cache in Windows 8

1. Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt.

Or:

Open Start, go to Apps → Windows System → Command Prompt.

3. Run:

ipconfig /flushdns

4. Confirm the success message appears before closing the window.

Clear DNS Cache in Windows 7, Vista, and XP

1. Click Start → All Programs → Accessories → Command Prompt.

2. Enter the DNS flush command:

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter and wait for the confirmation.

Final Notes:

If using Windows Vista, and you see “Action Requires Elevation,” you’ll need to rerun Command Prompt as Administrator.

For older systems like Windows XP, this clear DNS cache Windows XP method helps resolve DNS resolution failures without advanced tools.

Steps to Clear DNS Cache in Linux

Linux does not have a default, unified caching system for DNS, which means clear DNS cache procedures can differ based on the active service and distribution you’re using.

Using Linux tools to help troubleshooting DNS issues can provide deeper insights when simple cache clearing doesn’t resolve complex DNS problems.

Some distributions rely on systemd-resolved, dnsmasq, nscd, or BIND to store cached DNS records, and each has a unique method to flush DNS Linux.

If you’re managing a Linux VPS for hosting or networking, performing a Linux clear DNS cache regularly helps prevent resolution errors, outdated records, or service misrouting.

Flush DNS on Ubuntu & Debian-Based Systems

If flushing the DNS cache doesn’t fully resolve your issues, adjusting or changing DNS server settings in Linux can often improve resolution speed and reliability.

On Ubuntu and its derivatives, systemd-resolved is typically responsible for DNS caching. Here’s how to clear DNS cache Linux effectively:

1. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for Terminal in Activities.

2. To flushdns Linux, run:

sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

3. To verify that the DNS cache is cleared:

sudo systemd-resolve --statistics

4. For systems running BIND, restart the service to ensure DNS records are reloaded:

sudo systemctl restart bind9.service

Clear DNS Cache in Red Hat, Fedora, and CentOS

On RHEL-based systems such as Red Hat, CentOS, and Fedora, the DNS services may vary:

1. For systems using NSCD (Name Service Cache Daemon), run:

sudo systemctl restart nscd.service

2. For systems using dnsmasq:

sudo systemctl restart dnsmasq.service

This will flush DNS Linux for these distributions, similar to running ipconfig dns flush on Windows.

Flush DNS Cache for Other Linux Distributions

If you’re using a different Linux distribution or have a custom DNS service, you can use this clear DNS command to attempt a system-wide flushdns Linux:

sudo /etc/init.d/dns-clean start

This command provides a fallback for clearing DNS cache on various Linux versions that don’t rely on the standard services above.

How to Clear DNS Cache on Chrome

When Chrome starts resolving the wrong IPs or loads outdated content, it’s likely time for a browser-level DNS reset.

Chrome maintains its own internal DNS resolver separate from your system, and clearing it can fix issues faster than system-level changes.

This is why many network engineers recommend performing a flush DNS Chrome procedure before resorting to OS-level troubleshooting.

Access Chrome’s Internal DNS Tool

In your Chrome address bar, type the following and press Enter:

chrome://net-internals/#dns

This is the interface for DNS lookups handled internally by Chrome. It’s the official access point for chrome //net-internals/#dns clear operations.

• Note for Opera Users:

Since Opera is built on Chromium, it uses the same internal DNS resolver structure. To flush DNS in Opera, open your browser and enter opera://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.

Then click “Clear host cache,” just like in Chrome.

This executes the same opera net internals dns clear host cache function behind the scenes, ensuring Opera flushes outdated DNS records fully.

Clear Host Cache in Chrome

On this page, find and click the “Clear host cache” button to perform a chrome clear dns cache operation that removes outdated DNS entries stored within the browser.

This triggers the chrome //net-internals/#dns clear host cache operation, wiping all cached domain resolutions. It’s a precise step to ensure DNS entries are fully resolved.

Note: This tool is part of the broader chrome //net-internals/dns clear interface Chrome provides for advanced DNS cache handling.

Clear Chrome Sockets (Highly Recommended)

To fully flush socket-related caches, go to:

chrome://net-internals/#sockets

Here, click:

• “Close idle sockets”
• “Flush socket pools”

This step ensures Chrome drops all reused network connections, crucial after the Chrome flush DNS command.

Restart Chrome (Optional but Ideal)

Although optional, restarting Chrome after you clear DNS cache Chrome helps apply the reset fully, especially when testing CDN propagation, DNS failovers, or private zones.

Final Tips:

If you’re running Chrome on Linux and have already ran linux clear dns or linux flush dns at the system level, don’t skip the browser reset. Chrome stores a separate DNS cache that’s untouched by commands like ipconfig flushdns or flushdns linux.

Whether you’re on Ubuntu, Arch, or CentOS, you must use the Chrome method too.

To reset it fully, you should run the browser-level chrome net internals dns clear host cache process manually, especially when testing new DNS zones or resolving CDN routing conflicts.

Why You Should Clear DNS Cache?

Over time, your system’s DNS cache may store outdated or malicious records that cause connection issues, security risks, or privacy leaks.

Whether you’re on Windows, Linux, or Chrome, knowing how to clear DNS cache is an essential troubleshooting and protection step.

This step also helps prevent errors such as the Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in Linux & Windows Error by ensuring DNS settings are refreshed and accurate.

Fix Security Risks

Cached DNS entries can be hijacked or spoofed. Attackers may exploit them to redirect users to fake sites.

Running ipconfig /flushdns on Windows or systemd-resolve --flush-caches on Linux helps eliminate these threats.

Protect User Privacy

DNS history reveals your browsing behavior. On shared systems, this can be misused by tracking tools.

Use chrome://net-internals/#dns to clear DNS cache in Chrome and remove host resolution history.

Resolve 404 & Load Errors

Sites moved to new servers can return 404 errors due to outdated cache. Use flushdns on Linux, or ipconfig dns flush to force fresh lookups and fix mismatched domain resolutions.

Flushing the DNS cache often resolves connection interruptions, but if you encounter persistent errors like the Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error, deeper DNS configuration troubleshooting may be required.

Restore Site Access

If a site won’t load despite working elsewhere, DNS cache corruption may be to blame.

Clear DNS commands vary by system: ipconfig flushdns, linux flush dns, or clear dns cache chrome depending on where the issue occurs.

Conclusion

Clearing DNS cache is an important step in maintaining healthy internet connectivity and troubleshooting browsing issues. Whether you are using Windows, macOS, or Linux, the process involves simple commands executed in the command prompt or terminal to flush outdated DNS records.

Understanding why, when, and how to clear the DNS cache empowers you to fix website loading problems, avoid security risks from cached DNS poisoning, and optimize your network experience.

By following the clear and easy-to-understand instructions provided in this guide, beginners can confidently Clear DNS Cache on their devices whenever necessary. Remember to run commands with the appropriate permissions and verify your system details to use the correct procedures. Regular maintenance of your DNS cache and awareness of its role in your internet connection will help ensure smooth and secure browsing overall.

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