How to fix the DNS error PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN The Modern Geek

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How to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error ?

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is one of the most well-known messages for Google Chrome users. It appears when the browser is unable to access certain web pages. Thus, the anomaly evokes other errors like ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED or ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED.

However, it stands out because of the causes and, therefore, the possible solutions.

How to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error ?

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is an error message specific to Google Chrome. However, the problem does not only concern this web browser. It only appears in other forms in competing software.

On identical situations, Brave displays for example DNS_PROBE_POSSIBLE. It is the same for most alternative browsers based on Chromium (Falkon, Opera, Vivaldi, Iridium…).

Mozilla Firefox reports that it cannot connect to the target site’s server. Moreover, the screen includes some solutions to solve this problem. Microsoft Edge also displays a similar error page. The software invites you to refresh the page or to check the web address used.

If you are unsure of the URL, he recommends using a search engine to find the correct address.

Today, many companies offer DNS servers open to the general public. You can, for example, use Google servers in IPv4 (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and IPv6 (2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844). Cloudflare is also popular in the field with its IPv4 servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and IPv6 (2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001). To change DNS servers under macOS :

  • Go to the System Preferences ;
  • Press the network icon, then Advanced ;
  • Select the DNS tab between TCP/IP and WINS;
  • Set up your new IPv4 or IPv6 DNS servers;
  • Confirm the change and restart the browser.

If the technique works, your usual DNS servers are unreachable and cause connection problems. You can eventually use them again after the services have been resumed or returned to normal.

Use a VPN

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN can sometimes be caused by geo-blocking, censorship or banning of a domain name by the access provider. In this case, the request cannot succeed because the network prevents communication with the DNS server. You can nevertheless bypass these different types of blocking by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

How to manually configure a VPN under Windows?

As a reminder, the VPN allows you to ensure your security on the Internet by hiding your real IP and encrypting your communication. Your personal data will then be protected against indiscretions, hacking, possible abuses by web actors… Indeed, the VPN lends you the IP address of one of its remote servers when you browse the web.

In practice, this technology allows you to avoid any form of blocking related to your IP address and your geolocation. You will be effectively assimilated to the virtual private network server. You just have to choose a VPN server based abroad to avoid the local blocking.

Moreover, the technique works even against the restrictions set up by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

See the antivirus side ?

If you are using a VPN, it is best to disable it to find the origin of the DNS errors reported by the browser. This tool is particularly popular for securing Internet connections. That said, the service can sometimes cause compatibility problems with other programs installed on your computer.

This type of problem can also be caused by the antivirus or firewall.

Disable your VPN, antivirus and firewall momentarily to check if your security system is blocking your connection. If the page is displayed, these programs are responsible for the error message. You can then proceed by elimination by reactivating the services one by one.

Once you have identified the problematic element, you will need to check its settings to avoid further inconvenience.

Attention ! This technique should only be used on trusted sites. Otherwise, you expose yourself to viruses and malicious code. Some antivirus programs tend to block suspicious platforms and addresses without consulting you.

Therefore, manual deactivation will create a security hole in your system. You risk a virus infection or a cyber attack.

Turn on the computer

Restarting is a simple and surprisingly effective solution in many cases. Why ? It allows you to delete various temporary files and restart malfunctioning programs. This option is sometimes difficult to consider, especially when you have multiple tabs, documents and applications open.

However, this method allows you to put your system in optimal conditions.

On the other hand, the computer always reports services or software that prevent restarting. These are usually the processes that cause software or hardware problems. Therefore, you have an interesting lead for the further diagnosis, if the restart did not solve your problem. Remember to save your work before turning your machine off and on again.

Moreover, it is better to avoid as much as possible the forced reboot using the power button.

Restarting the box

Restarting is also an effective technique for problems related to the Internet box. This method also allows you to quickly solve an error like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. To turn off the device, you only need to press and hold the power button on the back of the device.

A few seconds are enough for most models available on the market. Then press the same button to turn the equipment back on.

After delays in payment, some subscribers have noticed connection problems in their browsers. Google Chrome is often susceptible to this type of disruption. Therefore, it does not allow access to web addresses, either systematically or randomly. However, the problem can be solved by restarting the device. Do not hesitate to test this solution first, if you suspect the box.

In addition, this technique allows you to remedy many anomalies.