chrome //net-internals/#dns
You may encounter various technical issues that can hinder your browsing experience when browsing the internet. One such problem is DNS cache, which stores information about previously visited websites. Over time, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to issues like slow loading times or incorrect webpage display.
In this article, we will explore clearing DNS cache in Chrome using the “chrome://net-internals/#dns” feature. By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient browsing experience.
Table of Contents
What is DNS Cache?
Before we delve into the clearing process, let’s understand what DNS cache is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as a phonebook of the internet. When you type a URL in your browser, DNS translates it into an IP address, allowing your browser to locate the correct web server. To speed up this process, browsers store the DNS data in a cache.
Why Clear DNS Cache?
While DNS caching helps speed up future requests to the same websites, it can sometimes lead to problems. Outdated or corrupted entries in the cache may cause the browser to load the wrong website version or not load it at all. Clearing the DNS cache can resolve these issues and ensure that your browser fetches the latest DNS information for websites.
Ways to Fix Chrome DNS Errors When chrome://net-internals/#dns is Not Working
Flushing DNS is the ultimate way to handle any issues a browser faces. The Domain Name System is responsible for establishing an interpretive connection between the inputs of the user and the results fetched.
Fortunately, some ways can help you resolve Chrome Net Internals DNS error even when chrome://net-internals/#dns is unavailable. Without further ado, let’s check out these ways.
Fix 1 – Use Advanced System Optimizer to Clear Browser Data
Faulty browser data, such as corrupt cache and cookies, can often be the culprit behind your Net Internals DNS error. Wiping such data is crucially important. Since your Chrome tools are not working properly, you may require a third-party application to finish the job.
The Advanced System Optimizer has many features that help simplify PC troubleshooting and optimization. One of its best features is the Privacy Protector module, which allows you to wipe personal browsing data without opening the application.
It can be a handy feature when your chrome://net-internals/#dns shows errors or is not working properly. Here’s what you can do –
Step 1 – Install the app from the link below.
2 Step – In the application, look for Privacy & Security in the left panel and click on it.
Step 3 – You may find the Privacy Protector module after opening the Privacy & Security menu. Click on it to open.
Step 4 – In the Privacy Protector window, click Start Privacy Scan to initiate searching for privacy-exposing traces.
Step 5 – Click Clean to remove all the traces once the scan results are out.
This way, your internal Chrome data is wiped. If anything was bothering your Chrome browser due to search data, this should resolve it for you.
Fix 2 – Clear DNS Cache Using Command Prompt
Sometimes, the Chrome Net Internals error appears when there is a conflict in the DNS cache of your Chrome and overall Windows system. The ideal way to resolve the issue is by clearing the Windows DNS cache. Here are the steps to do so –
Step 1 – Press ‘Start’ on your keyboard and search for CMD
Step 2 – The results should return Command Prompt as an option. Open the same as admin.
Step 3 – In the Command, use the following commands individually (press enter after every line).
Step 4 – Once the process is over, restart your PC.
This way, you can clear the DNS cache on Windows. Remember that the Windows DNS cache is the central source on your PC; hence, you may also experience a difference in all your browsers. However, this process should easily fix the Chrome Net Internals DNS error.
Fix 3 – Disable Chrome Flags
If the excitement of trying new features led you to enable Chrome flags on your PC, try disabling it. Chrome Flags are an integrated way offered by Google to activate features that are not yet available in the official releases. You can think of it as a beta mode.
The Chrome Net Internals DNS error may appear if Chrome Flags are enabled.
The easiest way to disable Chrome Flags is given below –
Step 1 – Open a Chrome on your PC.
2 Step – Enter the following URL – chrome://flags and hit the Enter key.
Step 3 – Once you have opened the Chrome Flags page, find the reset button in the top right corner and click on it.
After disabling the Flags, log back to – chrome://net-internals/#dns and clear DNS again. It should work fine this time as the Net Internals DNS error is resolved.
Fix 4 – Restart Your PC’s DNS Service
If you are still struggling with the DNS error on Chrome, the last resort is to restart the PC’s DNS service. To do so,
Step 1 – Press ‘Start’ on your keyboard and search for CMD
Step 2 – The results should return Command Prompt as an option. Open the same as admin.
Step 3 – In the Command, use the following commands individually (press enter after every line).
Steps to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome //net-internals
Step 1: Accessing Chrome //net-internals
To begin clearing the DNS cache, open a new tab in your Chrome browser. Type “chrome://net-internals/#dns” in the address bar and press Enter. It will take you to the DNS settings page.
Step 2: Clearing DNS Cache
Once on the DNS settings page, locate the “Clear host cache” button. Click on it to initiate the clearing process. You should see a confirmation message indicating that the DNS cache has been successfully cleared.
Step 3: Flush Sockets
In addition to clearing the DNS cache, you can flush sockets for a more comprehensive reset. To do this, navigate to the “Sockets” tab on the left-hand menu. Click the “Flush socket pools” button to clear the socket pools.
Step 4: Finalizing the Process
After completing the above steps, close and reopen your Chrome browser. The DNS cache should now be entirely cleared, ensuring your browser fetches fresh website DNS information.
Benefits of Clearing DNS Cache
Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome can offer several benefits, including:
Faster Browsing: Clearing the cache allows your browser to fetch updated DNS information, leading to faster website loading times.
Improved Website Display: Outdated DNS cache can lead to incorrect website display. Clearing the cache ensures you see the most current version of websites.
Fixing Connection Issues: Corrupted cache entries can cause connection problems. Clearing the cache helps in resolution such issues.
Conclusion
Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome using “chrome://net-internals/#dns” can be a simple yet effective way to enhance your browsing experience. By following the steps drew in this article, you can ensure that your browser fetches the most up-to-date DNS information for websites, resulting in faster loading times and improved website display.