Resolve Windows Networking Issues

Step-by-Step Guide to Run ipconfig /flushdns and netsh winsock reset

These commands help resolve networking issues, such as:

• DNS lookup failures
• Connection drops
• Download errors or "Unknown Server Error" messages

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as Administrator

1. Press Windows Key + S (or click the Start menu).

2. Type cmd or Command Prompt in the search box.

   Right-click on Command Prompt in the results.

   Select “Run as administrator.”

   • If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

You must run Command Prompt as Administrator — otherwise, the second command (netsh winsock reset ) won't work.

Step 2: Flush the DNS Cache

1. In the Command Prompt window, type:

ipconfig /flushdns

1. Press Enter.

2. You should see a message:

   Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Step 3: Reset the Winsock Catalog

1. Type the following command:

netsh winsock reset

1. Press Enter.

2. You should see a message like:

   Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog. You must restart the computer in order to complete the reset.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

To complete the Winsock reset, restart your PC.