5 Ways to Fix DNS_PROBE_STARTED Error on Google Chrome

The “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error is an annoying roadblock which stops users from accessing websites on Google Chrome. This error is typically known to occur due to issues with the Domain Name System (DNS), which is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Whenever your system’s DNS fails to resolve a domain, it triggers the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error, preventing you from reaching your desired website.

However, you don’t need to panic on seeing this error on your browser. You can easily resolve the issue with a handful of quick techniques.

In this blog, we will first discuss the reasons behind DNS_PROBE_STARTED error message and then look at some of the easy and quick solutions to fix it.

What Is DNS_PROBE_STARTED Error Message?

To understand what the DNS_PROBE_STARTED error means, let’s break it down into two parts: “DNS” and “PROBE_STARTED”:

DNS (Domain Name System): The Internet uses IP addresses, which are unique numbers assigned to each device you connect to the Internet. However, it would be very challenging to remember the IP addresses for every website you have visited and/or want to visit. That’s where the DNS comes in. The DNS is like a phonebook for the internet and it translates human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.0.1). Computers can easily understand these IP addresses.

PROBE_STARTED: A “probe” is a term used to describe a diagnostic test or an investigation. In the context of dns_probe_started error, it means that Google Chrome has failed in it’s attempt to check the DNS settings of the website you’re trying to reach. Now, when you encounter the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error, it indicates that your Google Chrome has initiated the process of looking up the IP address of the website, but it is taking longer than expected or encountering an issue during the DNS resolution.

So, when does this error occur?

Common Causes of the DNS_PROBE_STARTED Error Warning

Here are a few possible reasons why you might encounter this error:

1. Network connectivity issues: Your internet connection might be unstable, preventing your browser from reaching the DNS.
2. DNS server problems: The DNS servers that your computer is configured to use may be corrupted or not responding correctly.
3. Firewall or security software interference: Sometimes, antivirus or firewalls can also interfere with the DNS lookup process, leading to the error.

Methods To Fix The DNS_PROBE_STARTED Error Message

#1. Change IPv4 IPv6 DNS address

If you’re experiencing the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error while trying to access websites, changing your IPv4 IPv6 DNS address can help resolve the issue. This method involves modifying the DNS server settings on your computer to use alternative DNS servers.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to do it:

1. Go to the Control Panel, click on “Network and Internet,” and then select “Network and Sharing Center.” From there, click on “Change adapter settings” on the left side of the window.

   

2. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.” In the window that appears, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” depending on your network configuration, and click on “Properties.”

   

3. In the properties window mentioned in Step 2, select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option. For IPv4, enter preferred DNS as “8.8.8.8” and alternate DNS as “8.8.4.4.” For IPv6, use “2001:4860:4860::8888” as preferred DNS and “2001:4860:4860::8844” as alternate DNS.

   

4. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the properties window. Restart your computer to apply the new DNS settings.

Try reloading the website after restarting the system to see if the error disappears.

#2. Clear Your Browser Cache And Cookies

Clearing your browser cache and cookies can help resolve various issues, including the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error. Caches and cookies are temporary files stored by your Google Chrome browser to improve performance and remember certain website settings. However, sometimes these files can become outdated or corrupted, causing browsing problems. Deleting google chrome data can resolve connectivity issues.

1. Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
2. Once you’re in the browser settings, look for the section related to browsing data or privacy. It may be called “Privacy & Security.”
3. Find an option to clear browsing data or clear history. Click on that option.

   

4. Start by clearing your browsing history where you can choose between last hour to All time.
5. After clearing the cache and cookies, close your browser completely and then reopen it.

Once your browser is open again, try accessing websites to see if the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error has been resolved.

#3. Refreshing The DNS Server Address

If you’re experiencing the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error, refreshing the DNS can help resolve the issue. Refreshing the DNS involves clearing the DNS cache on your computer, which can sometimes hold outdated or incorrect information.

Follow these steps to refresh DNS:

1. Press Windows key, type “Command Prompt,” and open the Command Prompt application. You can also press the Windows key + R, type “cmd” into the Run box, and press Enter:

   

2. Enter ipconfig/flushdns in the cmd to clear any incorrect DNS entries from your system.
3. Next, enter the ipconfig/renew command into the cmd which will will renew your computer’s IP address.
4. Finally, input the ipconfig/registerdns command which will will register your computer’s DNS settings with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Restart your system after the last step and check if the solution was able to fix the dns_probe_started error.

#4. Uninstalling And Reinstalling The Network Driver

If you’re still encountering the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error and other troubleshooting methods haven’t worked, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver on your computer may help resolve the issue.

What are network drivers?

The network driver is a software component that allows your computer to communicate with and connect to the internet. Sometimes, issues with the network driver can cause problems with DNS resolution, leading to the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error.

Uninstalling and reinstalling the network driver can help refresh its configuration and potentially fix the problem. Let’s see how do this:

1. To identify the Network Driver, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

   

2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Device Manager.

   

3. Locate the network driver associated with your network adapter. It is usually named something like “Ethernet Controller” or “Wireless Adapter.”

   

4. Right-click on the network driver and select “Uninstall” or “Remove.” Confirm the action if prompted.
5. After uninstalling the network driver, restart your computer. This allows the operating system to automatically reinstall the driver during the startup process.
6. After reinstalling the network driver, check if the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error has been resolved. Open Google Chrome browser and try accessing websites to see if the issue persists.

By following these steps, you can uninstall and reinstall the network driver on your computer to potentially resolve the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error. It’s worth noting that the process may vary slightly depending on your operating system and network adapter. If you encounter any difficulties or the problem persists or can’t find your network adapter, it’s recommended to seek further assistance from a technical expert or your computer manufacturer’s support team.

#5. Disable Antivirus Software And Firewall

Disabling your antivirus and firewall temporarily can help troubleshoot the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error, as these security measures can sometimes interfere with network connections. However, it’s important to note that disabling your antivirus and firewall will leave your computer more vulnerable to online threats and cyberattacks. Therefore, it’s recommended that you only disable them temporarily for diagnostic purposes.

Temporary disable antivirus:

1. Look for the antivirus and firewall programs installed on your computer. Common antivirus software includes Windows Defender, McAfee, Norton, Avast, or AVG.
2. Go to the settings of your antivirus.
3. Look for options like “Disable,” “Pause,” or “Turn Off Protection.” Select the appropriate option to disable the antivirus software temporarily. A confirmation prompt may appear, asking if you want to proceed. Click “Yes” or “Disable” to confirm.
4. Once the antivirus and firewall protection are disabled, open your web browser and try accessing websites to check if the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error has been resolved. If the error no longer occurs, it indicates that the antivirus or firewall software was causing the issue.
5. After you have finished testing, it is crucial to re-enable your antivirus and firewall protection to ensure the security of your computer. Right-click on their icons in the system tray and select the appropriate option to enable or resume protection.

Disable the Windows firewall settings:

1. Open the Start menu and type “Control Panel.”
2. In the Control Panel window, search for “Windows Defender Firewall” and click on it.

   

3. In the left-hand panel, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”

   

4. You may need administrator privileges to make changes. If prompted, click on “Continue” or provide the administrator password.
5. In the Windows Defender Firewall settings, select the option “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both the private and public network settings.

   

6. Click “OK” to save the changes and disable the firewall.

Remember, disabling antivirus and firewall protection should only be a temporary measure for troubleshooting purposes. You should enable both the firewall and antivirus once you have tested if disabling resolves the error.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “DNS_PROBE_STARTED” error can be frustrating when trying to access the internet. However, by following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of resolving the issue. Changing your IPv4/IPv6 DNS address provides an alternative DNS server option that may help improve connectivity. Uninstalling and reinstalling the network driver can refresh its configuration and potentially fix the problem. Flushing and refreshing the DNS clears the cache, ensuring updated DNS information is obtained. Additionally, disabling antivirus and firewall software temporarily can help identify if they are causing the issue.

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