How to fix
Chrome error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG
on Windows

I keep getting the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error in Chrome when trying to open any website. My internet is working fine, but Chrome says it can’t reach the DNS server. How do I fix this in Windows?

The Chrome error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG is a DNS error that prevents websites from loading. This most likely means that your system is having trouble translating domain names into IP addresses, which is required to access websites. Although it can be seen as a browser issue, it usually occurs due to incorrect or outdated network settings on Windows.

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error is often experienced by users following a Windows update, an unplanned power shutdown, or network configuration changes that modify DNS settings. It is also commonly associated with improperly configured router settings or blocking by firewall or antivirus software. If the DNS cache is corrupted or the DNS server address configured on your system cannot be reached, this error will surely pop up in Chrome.

There are some possible reasons why this error can occur:

• Malformed or out-of-date DNS server settings
• A corrupted local DNS cache
• Completely incompatible or out-of-date network drivers
• Temporary network loss
• Security software intercepting DNS requests

Flushing the DNS cache, restarting the router, using public DNS services like Google DNS, and disabling third-party firewalls temporarily are some of the ways that users have been able to repair the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error. A reboot of the router and computer will correct proper connection in some cases.

If manual fix does not work or the cause is not known, using a commercial PC repair software like [d1] might be a better time-saving option. Such software will automatically detect and fix DNS misconfigurations, network service issues, and other system-level issues preventing Chrome from making a correct connection.

Fix 1. Flush the DNS cache, reset TCP/IP, and Winsock

A corrupted DNS cache can prevent domain names from resolving correctly. Flushing it forces Windows to rebuild the cache.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt result and pick Run as administrator.
• In the new window, copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  ipconfig /flushdns
  ipconfig /registerdns
  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  netsh winsock reset
• Wait for each of the commands to be executed.
• Close down Command Prompt.
• Restart Chrome and try visiting a website again.

Fix 2. Change DNS server to Google DNS

Using a public DNS server like Google's can help bypass issues with your current DNS provider.

Windows 11

• Right-click on Start and select Network connections.
• Under your connection, click Properties.
• Find the DNS server assignment section and click Edit.
• Set your DNS to Google's:
  Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
  Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
• Click Save.

Windows 10

• Right-click on Start and select Settings.
• Go to Network and Internet section.
• Click on Change adapter options.
• Right-click on your internet connection and pick Properties.
• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) once and go to Properties or select Edit next to the DNS settings.
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses option and set your DNS to Google's:
  Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
  Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
• Click OK.

Fix 3. Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily

Security software can sometimes interfere with DNS traffic. Disabling them briefly can help identify if they’re the cause.

• Open your antivirus software and disable it.
• Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
• Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
• Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public network settings. 
• Try using Chrome again to see if the error is resolved.

Fix 4. Restart your router and computer

Temporary network issues can cause DNS errors. Restarting your equipment can help reset the connection and restore proper DNS resolution.

• Turn off your computer.
• Unplug your router from power.
• Wait for about 30 seconds.
• Plug the device back in and wait for it to reconnect.
• Turn on your computer and open Chrome to check if the error is gone.

Fix 5. Update network drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can disrupt DNS communication.

• Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters section.
• Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
• Restart your computer after updating the drivers.
• For a quicker solution, you can always use an automatic driver updater such as [rev id="DriverFix"].

Fix 6. Reset Chrome settings

Misconfigured Chrome settings can also trigger DNS errors.

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• On the left side, click Reset settings.
• Under Reset settings, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
• Confirm by clicking Reset settings.