Websites won't load on your PC?
Connected to Wi-Fi, but websites still won't open? These Windows checks help you see whether your PC can reach its router and look up a website's name. Pick the section that fits. You can skip the rest.
Windows 11 commands. Only the website name-lookup check also applies to Mac.
All sections in this guide
Open the right terminal
- On Windows 11, press Windows + R.
- Type
cmd, then press Enter. Use this normal Command Prompt for the read-only checks. - Paste one command at a time. Read its explanation before pressing Enter. The website cannot run commands on your computer.
Only the DNS lookup below also applies to macOS Terminal. For Mac Wi-Fi troubleshooting, use Wireless Diagnostics. On a managed work device, follow your IT team's instructions.
Check replies from your router
Use this when: Wi-Fi drops, idle responses vary, or relay loss repeats. This checks a different kind of traffic. It does not confirm where the scan's delay or loss occurred.
- Run this command in Command Prompt.
ipconfigRuns only when you paste it into your terminal and press Enter.
- Find the adapter you are using: usually Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter Ethernet. Ignore entries marked disconnected.
- Find its IPv4 Default Gateway. A VPN or virtual adapter may have another gateway, so use the active physical connection. If no IPv4 gateway is shown, stop here and use Windows Get Help or your IT support.
Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi:
IPv4 Address . . . . : [your local address]
Default Gateway . . : 192.168.1.1- Enter that address below. Copy the generated command into Command Prompt.
- Wait for the 20 probes to finish. Each unanswered probe can wait one second. Press Ctrl + C to stop early.
Copy the address from ipconfig, not this example. It stays in this page's memory and is excluded from shared results.
ping -n 20 -w 1000 GATEWAY_ADDRESSReply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=3ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=4ms TTL=64| You see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Replies with fairly similar times | The gateway answered those probes. Compare the affected app or another device. This does not clear the internet path. |
| Times jump or some replies are missing | Repeat close to the access point, then over Ethernet with similar traffic. A repeated difference makes the changed link worth investigating. |
| Only "Request timed out" | Recheck the address and adapter. Some routers block or limit ICMP replies. If websites work, this is an inconclusive ping check. |
| "Destination host unreachable" | Check the cable or Wi-Fi connection and the selected gateway. Do not assume the ISP failed. |
Ping summaries count missing ICMP replies. They are not the app's packet loss or this site's TURN relay result. Do not import a ping percentage into a shared scan.
Check a website's name lookup
Use this when: one site will not open, especially with a name-resolution error. DNS translates a hostname into addresses. The scan does not test the affected site's DNS.
- Check the website address for a typo. Try another browser and the service's status page.
- Enter the failing hostname below. On Windows use Command Prompt. On Mac open Terminal. Run the generated
nslookupcommand. - Repeat with a known working hostname, such as
example.com, as a reference. This sends a DNS query when you run it.
Use the name from the address bar. Omit https://, paths, and account information. This field stays in page memory. Copying it does not send a query.
nslookup WEBSITE_HOSTNAME| Output | Next step |
|---|---|
| Name and one or more addresses | Your queried DNS server returned a record. This does not test login, TLS, page loading, or the browser's own DNS path. |
| Non-existent domain / NXDOMAIN | Recheck spelling. If only this name fails, check the service's status or contact its support. DNS filtering can also affect answers. |
| Timeout / no response | Compare a working hostname and another device. Your configured resolver or the path to it may not answer. This is not proof of a DNS-server fault. |
| "Server: Unknown," but addresses follow | The DNS server's own reverse name may be missing. Read the answer for your requested hostname; "Unknown" alone is not a failed lookup. |
Lookup succeeds, but Chrome still shows a DNS error?
Chrome can use Secure DNS separately from this command. Inspect the selected provider before changing it.
- More (three dots)
- Settings
- Privacy and security → Security
- Use secure DNS
Record the original choice. On a personal device, compare the current service provider option if a custom provider is selected, then restore your original preference. Do not bypass required work or parental-control settings. A change affects how DNS queries are handled. It does not increase transfer capacity.
When clearing DNS cache may help
Clearing the Windows DNS cache can help when it holds an old address for a website, such as after the site moves. Its reach is limited. Wi-Fi coverage, game delay, upload queues, and an unresponsive DNS server need different checks.
- Save the lookup result and check the site's spelling and status first.
- If a stale Windows entry is plausible, search Start for Command Prompt. Choose Run as administrator on a device you manage.
- Run the command below. Windows should report that it flushed the DNS resolver cache.
- Retry the same site. If the symptom remains, stop repeating the flush and investigate the browser or service instead.
ipconfig /flushdnsRuns only when you paste it into your terminal and press Enter.
New lookups repopulate the cache automatically. This does not change your DNS-server settings, clear every browser cache, or repair internet speed.
Keep a useful support record
Write down the command, time, adapter, connection method, and whether the symptom occurred. Include the comparison that changed the pattern. Keep full output private: it can contain network names and addresses. Share a short description with support, not a public dump of ipconfig output.
Resist the reset-everything advice. Releasing addresses or resetting the network can disconnect you and remove settings. Save those changes for a specific problem they can help solve.
Sources and app instructions
Can't find the menu? Your app or operating-system version may use different labels. Try the official instructions below. The example readings in this guide are made up to show you what to look for.
What to save for support
Keep a short private record of the command, time, connection, and comparison. Each reply or lookup answers a specific question. You'll need further comparisons to narrow down a fault.
Compare connection readings