How to Fix DNS_PROBE_STARTED Error in Google Chrome

Have you ever been happily browsing the web, only to be stopped in your tracks by an annoying “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error in Google Chrome? It’s like hitting a digital roadblock out of nowhere. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you get back on track. Let’s walk through some easy steps to fix this pesky error together.

Understanding the Problem

First, let’s get a grip on what’s happening. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is like the internet’s phonebook, translating web addresses (like www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers understand. When you see the DNS_PROBE_STARTED error, it means there’s a hiccup in this translation process.

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one. Make sure your internet connection is stable. Try loading other websites or using another device to see if the internet is working. If your connection is down, try restarting your modem and router.

Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

Old cached files can sometimes cause issues. Let’s clear them out:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Go to “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data.”
4. In the time range dropdown, select “All time.”
5. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Click “Clear data.”

Step 3: Restart DNS Client Service

Restarting the DNS Client service can refresh your DNS settings:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down to find “DNS Client.”
4. Right-click on it and select “Restart.”

Step 4: Change Your DNS Server

Switching to a different DNS server can sometimes resolve the issue. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter to open Network Connections.
3. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
5. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
6. Enter 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate DNS server (these are Google’s public DNS servers).
7. Click “OK” and close the windows.

Step 5: Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can remove old or corrupted entries:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Step 6: Disable Any Proxy Settings

Sometimes proxy settings can interfere with your connection:

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Scroll down and click “Advanced.”
4. Under “System,” click “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
5. Make sure the “Use a proxy server” option is turned off.

Step 7: Restart Your Computer

When all else fails, a simple restart can often solve the problem. Give your computer a quick reboot and see if the issue persists.

There you have it! These steps should help you fix the DNS_PROBE_STARTED error in Google Chrome. If you still run into issues, it might be worth reaching out to your internet service provider or a tech-savvy friend for some extra help. Happy browsing, and may your internet travels be smooth and error-free!