ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED is one of the most common issues on web browsers. Whenever you fail to get internet access, this error message might pop up. However, this error is most likely to happen on Google Chrome.
The issue named ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED can appear as error code 137 also.
Improper internet settings, overloading browsing data, and corrupted DNS can trigger this problem. On the other hand, any temporary glitch, hardware bugs, and malware attacks can be some other reasons behind the same scenario.
Fortunately, there are dedicated solutions to fix this browser error. Here’s how you can eliminate the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED issue.
Make Room for Browsing Data
In simple words, you have to clear existing browser data. The web browser might be filled with cookies, cached files, images, and plug-in data. Therefore, you must remove them and check if the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED issue persists.
Follow the guidelines below to remove this problem from Google Chrome:
- Click the three vertical dots or Menu on your Google Chrome browser.
- Choose Settings from the list of options.
- Scroll down until you can notice the Advanced Settings option.
- Expand it and click on the option that says, ‘Clear browsing data’.
- There are two categories: Basic and advanced.
Opt for the Basic category if you don’t want to lose your passwords, auto-fills, and other personalised data settings. It consists of Cached images and files, Browsing history, and Cookies and other site data. - If you don’t mind losing your customised data settings, passwords, and auto-fills, you can go with the Advanced settings.
- After that, you can opt for the Clear Data option.
Wait for the process to be completed. Restart the Google Chrome browser and check if the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED issue has disappeared.
Reset Network Services Manually
If the above solution wasn’t useful, then you can try resetting a few network services in the Command Prompt window. This solution has worked for numerous users and hopefully, it will work for you.
- Use the keyboard shortcut of Windows+X to bring up the context menu. Choose either Command Prompt (Admin) or Powershell (Admin) from the menu.
- A UAC prompt might appear; simply click on the Yes button to proceed.
- When the Command Prompt or Powershell window shows up, you have to enter the following commands.
- Make sure you press the Enter key after you’re done typing a single command:
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /all
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
- netsh int ip set dns
- netsh winsock reset
We hope you have entered these commands as they are mentioned in this order. Now, you can restart your computer and launch the Google Chrome browser to see if the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error still exists.
Modify the DNS Address
According to users, the improper or corrupted DNS address can lead to the same consequence. To recover your internet access, you can try the following instructions:
- Go to the network connection icon on your Windows computer. Right-click on the icon.
- A pop-up menu appears, and you need to choose the ‘Open Network and Sharing Centre’ option.
- Select the ‘Change adapter settings’ option from the left pane of the window.
- Right-click the network that you’re using currently.
- Click on the Properties option from the appearing menu.
- Ensure that you check the box next to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Then, click the Properties button.
- Go for the option, ‘Use the following DNS server address’. After that, place 8.8.8.8 in the box next to the Preferred DNS server. Additionally, fill the Alternate DNS server field with 8.8.4.4.
Finally, you can save your changes by clicking on the OK button. Check if the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED issue persists.
Run a Security Scan
If you are still struggling with the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED issue, then your system might have malware. We think it’s high time to run a scan to detect threats on your computer system.
You can use the built-in Windows Defender Firewall to scan and remove the virus and other threats from your device.
On the other hand, you can rely on the third-party antivirus you installed on your computer. Run a full scan of your computer. This might take some time. Therefore, keep patience, and when it completes, check if the issue is still there.
Reset the Settings of Google Chrome
Experts have verified that a set of incompatible or improper configurations can trigger the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED issue. Hence, you can roll back Google Chrome’s settings to its default factory values.
Here’s how you do so:
- Explore Google Chrome and click on its Menu or three vertical dots. It’s on the top-right corner of the browser.
- Locate the Settings option and click on it to expand.
- Scroll down along the Settings page and click on the Advanced Settings option.
- There should be a Restore Settings option. Select it and click the Reset option.
Afterwards, you can restart Google Chrome and notice if the same error still appears when you try navigating the internet.
Take the Help of a Virtual Private Network
If the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error is still annoying, you can try this trick. Virtual Private Networks help in bypassing the internet connectivity via your Internet Service Provider’s connection. And, you can connect to the dedicated DNS servers without any hassle.
If you are using a VPN, activate it and check if the issue is resolved. Otherwise, you can sign up for a new VPN connection. There are countless paid and free VPN services across the internet.
But, we recommend you to go for a paid and trusted VPN service so that you need not compromise quality and security.
Additional Workarounds
If you don’t mind hanging out with another web browser, you should do that. Google Chrome might not be able to overcome the issue right now. Therefore, you should use another web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Safari, or anything you prefer.
If other browsers show you the same ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED or similar error, reset your router or the entire network. If this doesn’t fix the issue, contact your Internet Service Provider.
