Reset an Internet Connection

I'm having problems accessing websites or programs and I've already tried all Recommended Browser Settings found.

How do I flush the DNS or reset my computer's connection to the Internet?

The instructions to flush your DNS are different depending on your computer, see the section below for instructions that fit your setup.

If you have cleared your browser's temporary files and cookies and adjusted your settings, there may be an issue with the way the network is configured. To correct it, please flush and reset the DNS by following the instructions below. You may also need to restart your modem and/or router (sometimes referred to as a power cycle).

Note: If you are using a public or shared computer, you may need to ask a network administrator to perform these steps.

Windows

Note: These instructions will require you to use the Windows command prompt. For information about using the command prompt, please visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/command-prompt-faq.

Windows 10. 8 and 8.1

1. Navigate to the desktop. (From Home, tap or click the Desktop tile).

2. Right-click the Start button (the Windows logo in the lower-left).

3. Choose Command Prompt (Admin).

4. When asked whether to allow Command Prompt to make changes to your computer, select Yes.
   
   Note: If you are asked for an administrative login, you will need to contact your system administrator.

5. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter.

6. Type "ipconfig /registerdns" and press Enter.

7. Type "ipconfig /release" and press Enter.

8. Type "ipconfig /renew" and press Enter.

9. Type "netsh winsock reset" and press Enter.

10. Restart the computer.

Windows 7

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories.

2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.

3. When asked whether to allow Command Prompt to make changes to your computer, select Yes.
   
   Note: If you are asked for an administrative login, you will need to contact your system administrator.

4. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter.

5. Type "ipconfig /registerdns" and press Enter.

6. Type "ipconfig /release" and press Enter.

7. Type "ipconfig /renew" and press Enter.

8. Type "netsh winsock reset" and press Enter.

9. Restart the computer.

XP and Vista

1. Close all browser windows.

2. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.

3. Type the following at the command prompt: ipconfig /flushdns

4. If the command was successful, you will see the message, "DNS Resolver Cache Successfully Flushed."
   If you receive the message, "Action Requires Elevation" please contact the administrator of your computer to complete these steps.

Mac OS X

1. Close all browser windows.

2. Click Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

3. In the Terminal window, type in the corresponding command for your Mac OS X version:

   • OS X 10.10 (Yosemite): sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache

   • OS X 10.7 - 10.9 (Mavericks, Mountain Lion, and Lion): sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

   • OS X 10.6 and older: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

4. Press Enter again and the DNS cache should be flushed.

Additional Steps

If the steps above do not resolve the issue, and you are on a home network, you may need to run a power cycle:

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Turn off your modem and router (if you have one), then wait for about 15 seconds.

3. Plug in your modem, then wait for 1-2 minutes.

4. Plug in your router (if you have one), then wait for 1-2 minutes.

5. Turn on your computer.