DNS cache is a temporary database your OS and browser build as you browse. Each time you visit a website, the domain-to-IP mapping is saved locally, cutting out the round trip to a remote DNS server on repeat visits.
Stale entries are the most common reason to flush the DNS cache: a server moves to a new IP, but your OS or browser still routes to the old address. This guide covers how to clear the DNS cache on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and how to flush the separate cache stored inside Chrome and Firefox.
Flush DNS Cache on Windows
The command is the same on Windows 10, Windows 11, and earlier supported releases.
Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Run the flush command:
bashipconfig /flushdns
A successful run prints:
Windows IP ConfigurationSuccessfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
ipconfig /flushdns clears all entries from the Windows DNS Resolver Cache. The OS makes fresh DNS queries on the next domain lookup.
Clear the DNS Cache...