How to Refresh DNS and Restart Windows

Overview

Use this article to perform the VPN workflow's bounded DNS refresh. It clears only the local Windows DNS resolver cache with ipconfig /flushdns, then restarts Windows and retests the VPN. It does not reset Winsock or TCP/IP and does not release or renew network addressing.

Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Save open work and disconnect the VPN client.
2. On a managed device, follow your organization's approved procedure before opening an elevated Command Prompt or changing network state.
3. Open Command Prompt and run only ipconfig /flushdns for this workflow step.
4. Confirm that Windows reports the DNS resolver cache was flushed.
5. Restart Windows, reconnect to the normal network, and retry the VPN connection.
6. Record whether the VPN connected and return to the workflow before making another change.
7. Do not run netsh resets or ipconfig /release or /renew unless an IT administrator or the VPN provider's official instructions explicitly require them.

Common Indicators

• The VPN still does not connect after the client, computer, security software, and adapter checks.
• A stale local DNS resolver entry may be affecting access to the VPN service.
• The workflow has reached Refresh DNS and Restart Windows.

Commands

ipconfig /flushdns

Related Topics

Knowledge Check

Related Commands

Commands demonstrated or referenced in this article.

Command Prompt Beginner

ipconfig

Displays TCP/IP configuration details for Windows network adapters.

View Command

Official Sources and References