How to Fix “dns_probe_started” in Google Chrome

Get your browser up and running again

Google Chrome’s “dns_probe_started” error appears when your browser is experiencingDomain Name Server (DNS) problems. These issues are usually the result of a malfunctioning DNS. However, there could be other reasons, like your router not working as intended.

Fortunately, you have several methods to potentially fix this DNS problem in your web browser. Here are all the ways you can use to troubleshoot it.

Relaunch Google Chrome

Relaunching your Chrome browser helps you fix various issues in the browser, including the “dns_probe_started” error. It’s easy to use this method, and there’s no harm in performing it.

Make sure to save your unsaved work before you reopen the browser. Then, close the browser by selecting theXicon at the top-right corner.

RelaunchChromeby double-clicking the browser icon on your toolbar or desktop. If you don’t have a shortcut, open theStartmenu and search and launch the browser.

Enter your sites, and Chrome should open them without any issues.

Restart Your Router

Browser issues are also often linked to your router, and you should ensure your router is working as it should. If your router has minor glitches, you can reboot the device and potentially fix those problems.

You can reboot most routers by pressing thePowerbutton on them. If yours doesn’t have that button, use the power socket switch to power the router off and on.

You can also reboot a few routers from the settings page. If you have one like that, access your router’s settings page in your web browser, head to theMaintenanceor similar tab, and choose theRestart The Routeroption.

Use the Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Both Windows 10 and 11 are loaded with multiple troubleshooters to help you detect and fix issues on your computer. For example, when you experience a “dns_probe_started” error in Chrome, it’s worthusing the Internet Connections troubleshooterto find and fix your issue.

These troubleshooters run on their own for the most part, so you don’t have to be tech-savvy to be able to use them.

Flush Your DNS Cache and Renew the IP Address

Your computer keeps a DNS cache library to quickly resolve your domains to IP addresses. Sometimes, this cache experiences issues and causes various problems with your web browsers, including “dns_probe_started.”

You candelete your DNS cacheandacquire a new IP addresswithout affecting your browsing history or personal data.

Change Your PC’s DNS Server

Your web browsers (including Chrome) use your DNS server to reach your sites’ IP addresses. If yourDNS server ever experiences issues, your browsers can’t resolve domain names and thus display errors.

You can fix the “dns_probe_started” error in Chrome by changing your DNS server. There are many good alternative options to choose from, some of which come from large companies like Google and Cloudflare.

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

Sometimes, Chrome displays a “dns_probe_started” error if your antivirus or firewall blocks your site. In this case, turn off your antivirus and firewall and see if your site then opens.

Here’s how todisable Windows’ built-in antivirusand firewall:

Update the Network Adapter Driver

Updating your network adapter drivers is as important as for your other hardware components. New driver updates bring bug fixes, new features, and general improvements that help reduce various errors.

Windows automates the whole driver update process, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t use this method to fix the “dns_probe_started” problem.

Fix dns_probe_started With a Few Easy Clicks in Chrome

Chrome’s “dns_probe_started” error isn’t permanent or linked to a critical system issue. Because of that, you canget around the errorby changing a few DNS-related options on your system. Once that’s done, your browser will be up and running, like before.

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

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How to Fix “dns_probe_started” in Google Chrome#

Relaunch Google Chrome#

Restart Your Router#

Use the Internet Connections Troubleshooter#

Flush Your DNS Cache and Renew the IP Address#

Change Your PC’s DNS Server#

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall#

Update the Network Adapter Driver#

Fix dns_probe_started With a Few Easy Clicks in Chrome#