How to Flush the DNS Cache on Windows

Occasionally, you need to flush the DNS cache on Windows. This article will show you how to do that on Windows 98/NT/2000 and Windows XP, Windows 7 and Vista, Windows 8 and 8.1, and Windows 10.

1. Windows XP and Windows 98/NT/2000

Flushing the DNS cache on Windows XP couldn’t be easier. Simply do the following:

Click Start, then Run. Type in cmd and press enter.

In the dialog box that pops open, type in the following:

ipconfig /flushdns

You’ll see a message that states:

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

2. Windows 7 and Windows Vista

To flush the DNS cache on Windows 7 and Windows Vista, simply take the following steps:

Click Start and type the word cmd into the search box.

Right click the command prompt icon, and select Run as Administrator

A dialog box with a black screen will open up. Type the following command in, and press enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see a message pop up that says:

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

3. Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

First, ensure you are on the Windows 8 Start Screen. That’s the screen with all the block tiles.

Simple type in cmd and the Windows Search bar will appear on the right hand side of your screen, showing the search results.

Right click on Command Prompt then click Run as Administrator

Type the following command into the screen that open up:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see a message pop up that says:

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

4. Windows 10

To flush the DNS cache on Windows 10, first ensure you are on the Windows 10 desktop.

Right-click on the Start Menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin)

Type the below command into the command prompt window:

ipconfig /flushdns

 

You should see a message pop up that says:

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

 

As you can probably tell, the process for flushing the DNS cache on all Windows operating systems is pretty much the same. The biggest different is figuring out HOW to get to the command prompt. I hope this article helps anyone who needs it.

 

You can also check out our article on How to Flush the DNS Cache on OSX/Mac