How to Flush DNS and Reset Winsock in Windows

Having trouble connecting to websites, getting DNS errors, or experiencing unusual network problems in Windows? Two built-in commands that can help troubleshoot specific networking issues are ipconfig /flushdns and netsh winsock reset.

This guide explains what each command does, how to run it, and when a restart is needed. You can also follow the embedded MDTechVideos tutorial for a visual walkthrough.

Quick Network Repair Commands

1. Flush the DNS resolver cache:

ipconfig /flushdns

2. Reset the Winsock catalog:

netsh winsock reset

Important: Run these commands in an administrator Command Prompt. Restart your computer after resetting Winsock.

Watch the MDTechVideos Tutorial

MDTechVideos demonstrates these same steps in “Fix Windows Sockets Initialization Failed Windows 10/11 [Solution].” The tutorial shows how to open Command Prompt as administrator, flush the DNS cache, reset Winsock, and restart Windows.

Published September 16, 2026. Although the video focuses on a Windows Sockets initialization error, it demonstrates the DNS and Winsock commands covered in this article.

If the embedded player is unavailable, watch the MDTechVideos tutorial on YouTube .

What Do These Commands Do?

These commands address different parts of Windows networking. They are troubleshooting tools, not a guaranteed fix for every connection problem.

ipconfig /flushdns clears the local DNS resolver cache, including dynamically cached entries and negative responses. This can help when Windows has stored an outdated DNS answer or a previous failed lookup.

netsh winsock reset resets the Winsock catalog. Winsock is part of the interface applications use for network communication. Resetting it may help with problems involving its configuration.

Before You Start

Open an administrator Command Prompt:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type Command Prompt or cmd.
  3. Right-click Command Prompt.
  4. Select Run as administrator.
  5. Approve the permission prompt if you are authorized to do so.
Save your work first: The Winsock reset requires a restart. On a work or school computer, check with your IT administrator before changing networking configuration.

Step 1: Flush the DNS Cache

Enter the following command in the administrator Command Prompt, then press Enter: 

ipconfig /flushdns

Windows should display a message stating that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.

Try the affected website or application again. If the problem is resolved, you do not need to reset Winsock just because it appears later in this guide.

Flushing DNS does not change your configured DNS servers or your Wi-Fi password. A restart is generally not required for this command alone.

Step 2: Reset Winsock if Needed

If the connection problem continues and you are troubleshooting a possible Winsock issue, run: 

netsh winsock reset

Press Enter. Windows should report that the Winsock catalog was reset and that a restart is needed to complete the operation.

Step 3: Restart and Test Again

Save your work, close your applications, and restart Windows. After signing back in, test the website or application that was failing.

Troubleshooting Order

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Run ipconfig /flushdns.
  3. Test the affected website or application.
  4. If appropriate and still needed, run netsh winsock reset.
  5. Restart the computer and test again.

When Should You Flush DNS?

Flushing DNS is most relevant when cached name-resolution information may be contributing to a problem. Examples include:

  • A website recently changed servers or DNS records.
  • You are receiving DNS-related errors.
  • A previous failed DNS lookup may still be cached.
  • You changed DNS settings and want to discard cached answers.

A website failing on one computer is not proof of a DNS-cache problem. These symptoms can also have other causes.

When Should You Reset Winsock?

Consider a Winsock reset when troubleshooting networking errors or application connection failures that may involve Windows Sockets. The embedded MDTechVideos tutorial provides an example involving a Windows Sockets initialization error.

A Winsock reset is not the same as resetting your router, changing DNS servers, or using Windows' broader Network reset feature.

What If the Commands Do Not Help?

These commands cannot repair every internet problem. A continuing failure may involve the network adapter, router, modem, DNS server, VPN, firewall, network driver, or internet service provider.

Check whether the issue affects one website, one application, one computer, or every device on your network. That distinction helps narrow down where the problem is occurring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to run both commands?

No. They address different components. If flushing DNS fixes the problem, stop there. Reset Winsock only when it is relevant to the remaining issue.

Do I have to restart after flushing DNS?

A restart is generally not required just to flush the DNS cache. Restart after running netsh winsock reset.

Will these commands change my Wi-Fi password?

No. Clearing the DNS cache and resetting the Winsock catalog do not change your Wi-Fi password.

Will flushing DNS change my DNS server?

No. It clears cached DNS information without changing the configured DNS server addresses.

Will Winsock reset delete saved Wi-Fi networks?

Resetting the Winsock catalog is not the same as deleting saved wireless profiles or performing a full Windows Network reset.

What if I receive an administrator-permission error?

Close the command window and reopen Command Prompt using Run as administrator. If your account does not have the required permissions, contact the device administrator.

Quick Copy: Both Commands

If you intend to run both commands, copy the block below. They must remain on separate lines, not be combined into a single command. 

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset

Run in an administrator Command Prompt. Ensure both commands complete, then restart Windows.

Official Documentation and Video

If a Copy button is unavailable or blocked, select the command text and copy it manually.

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