[Resolved] DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG

17 Oct
Oct , 17 , 2019 Cherly Grove

Windows users often face the DNS error ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG’ and can’t connect to the Internet. This error mainly appears in the Google Chrome browser.  

Mostly it happens when the Internet connection is not working normally or if the DNS server stops responding. This error may occur due to the faulty settings or firewall problem as well. 

If you are also getting the same DNS error and unaware of how to solve this, this guide can help you with some of the most effective solutions. Hence, you are recommended to have a glance at the fixes discussed here. 

Fixes for ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG’ Error on Windows   

Here, you will come across certain hacks, which can eradicate this configuration error in minutes. 

But, before applying the troubleshooting hacks, you can restart the router to check if it can solve this error. For this, press the Power button and hold it for a few seconds. Afterward, turn it on again. 

Now, if you see that the issue persists, then move on to the solutions described below: 

Fix 1: Renew IP Address

You can solve the ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG’ error by renewing the IP address. To do this, you can perform the steps as follows: 

  • Go to the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. 
  • Then, right-click on the ‘Command Prompt’ option that appears as the search result. 
  • Now, type the commands:
    1st: ipconfig /release2nd: ipconfig /all

    3rd: ipconfig /flushdns

    4th: ipconfig /renew

    5th: netsh int ip set dns

    6th: netsh Winsock reset

  • Hit the Enter key after typing each of them to execute the above commands. 

After running the above commands, if the issue is still unresolved, you can try further solutions. 

Fix 2: Change DNS Servers

Some users have changed the DNS server to get rid of ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG’ error. So, to change it, perform the steps stated below: 

  • First and foremost, invoke the Run dialog box by pressing the R and Win key both at the same time. 
  • Now, type “ncpa.cpl” in the Run box and hit the Enter key to proceed. It will navigate to the Network Connections window. 
  • Search for the Internet option that you are connected with and right-click on it. Next, select the Properties from the list. 
  • Afterward, choose the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4’ from the list and again tap on the properties button. 
  • Now, you have to set the DNS addresses: 
    • Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
    • Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
  • At last, click on the OK button to apply the settings. 

After changing the DNS server, if the issue still remains, then continue with the next procedure. 

Fix 3: Disable Windows Defender

Another solution you can try is to turn off the Windows Defender. To perform this, you can take a look at the steps provided here: 

  • First of all, bring up the Start menu and type “windows defender” in the search bar. It will navigate to the “Windows Defender Security Center”. 
  • Afterward, tap on the ‘Virus and threat protection’ settings. 
  • Now, navigate to the ‘Real-Time protection’ and turn it off. 

Once you deactivate the antivirus program, check if the issue still occurs. Else, you can disable the Firewall to troubleshoot this error. 

How to Disable Firewall on Windows 10?

  1. Navigate to the Start menu and open the Control Panel. 
  2. Now, navigate to the ‘System & Security’ category. 
  3. Next, click on the Windows Firewall option to open it. 
  4. Afterward, tap on the ‘Tuen Windows Firewall on or off’ option to disable the feature. 

After disabling both the antivirus and firewall, you can check if the issue is resolved. If you find the error, then enable both these security programs and move on to the next solution. 

Fix 4: Clear Browser Cache

According to some users, they have solved this issue by clearing the cache of the browser. To do this, you can perform the steps: 

  • First, open the browser. Then, go to the upper right corner of the screen and tap on the three-dot menu button. 
  • Now, click on the Settings option and search for the History or ‘Browsing data’ option. 
  • Afterward, check all the boxed and tap on the ‘Clear Browsing Data’ button. 

Now, restart the browser and check if the issue continues. 

How to Fix “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Mac”?

If you are a user of macOS, then apply these steps: 

  1. First, navigate to the Apple menu and choose the ‘System preferences’ option. 
  2. Tap on the ‘Network’ option from the next page. Now, enter the password to proceed further. 
  3. Afterward, you have to choose the network connection that you wish to modify. To change the Google Public DNS settings on Ethernet, tap on the ‘Built-In Ethernet’ option and then click on the ‘Advanced’ button. 
  4. Similarly, to change the broadcast settings, select the ‘Airport’ option and tap on the ‘Advanced’ settings. 
  5. Now, if you see that the IP address needs a replacement, then tap on the ‘+’ sign and set the IP addresses to 8.8.4.4 and 8.8.8.8. 
  6. Once you complete the above steps, tap on the Apply button and then the OK button. 

Now, you can check if the issue is resolved. 

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error on Android Device?

To solve the ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Android’ error, you can change its DNS settings by following the steps mentioned below: 

  • First, open the Settings and tap on the ‘Wi-Fi’ option. 
  • Press the network connection that you are using and hold it for a few seconds. 
  • Afterward, check the ‘Show advanced options’ box. 
  • Select the Static option near the IP settings.
  • Now, type the IP addresses ‘DNS 2’ and ‘DNS 1’ in the DND server section. 
  • Finally, tap on the Save button to apply these changes.   

Summing Up…

These are the best ways to fix the ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG’ error. If you perform the above-discussed steps in their respective order, it will help you to solve this DNS error. 

All the methods we have provided in the above section are foolproof and easy to implement.