Knowledgebase

What is your Local DNS Cache?

When you visit a website using it’s domain name (e.g. SpringsHosting.com), your browser is directed to a DNS server where it learns the IP address of that website. You are then directed to that IP when you access the domain name. A record of the IP address that domain name points to is created within your local operating system, so that if you visit that same website again, the information is accessed quicker. The records that get created are your Local DNS Resolver Cache.

Sometimes the IP address of a website may change, such as when you move your website to a new server or provider. If the Local DNS Resolver Cache has the old IP address record, it may result in your computer not being able to reach the site, as it will attempt to reach the old location. Clearing the local DNS cache will remove the record of the old IP, so you your computer will have to go back and query a DNS server to get the new address. Please follow the directions below for your respective operating system to clear your cache.

Windows 10

To clear your DNS cache on Windows 10, perform the following steps:

1. Hold down the Windows key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog box.

2. Type the following command in the Run dialog box

   ipconfig /flushdns

   If the command succeeds, the system returns the following message:

   Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Windows 8

To clear your DNS cache on Windows 8, perform the following steps:

1. On your keyboard, press Win+X to open the WinX Menu.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

3. Run the following command:

   ipconfig /flushdns

   If the command succeeds, the system returns the following message:

   Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Windows 7

To clear your DNS cache on Windows 7, perform the following steps:

1. Click Start.
2. Enter cmd in the Start menu search text box.
3. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

4. Run the following command:

   ipconfig /flushdns

   If the command succeeds, the system returns the following message:

   Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Windows XP, 2000, or Vista®

To clear your DNS cache on Windows XP, 2000, or Vista®, perform the following steps:

1. Click Start.
2. On the Start menu, click Run....
   • If you do not see the Run command in Vista, enter run in the Search bar.

3. Run the following command in the Run text box:

   ipconfig /flushdns

   If the command succeeds, the system returns the following message:

   Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

MacOS 10.10.4 and above

To clear your DNS cache on MacOS X version 10.10.4 or above, perform the following steps:

1. Click Applications.
2. Click Utilities.
3. Click Terminal.

4. Run the following command:

   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

   If the command succeeds, the system does not return any output.

   *Warning: To run this command, you must know the computer's administrator account password.*

MacOS 10.10.1, 10.10.2, and 10.10.3

To clear your DNS cache on MacOS X version 10.10 through 10.10.3, perform the following steps:

1. Click Applications.
2. Click Utilities.
3. Click Terminal.

4. Run the following command:

   sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache

   If the command succeeds, the system does not return any output.

   *Warning: To run this command, you must know the computer's administrator account password.*

MacOS 10.7, 10.8, and 10.9

To clear your DNS cache on MacOS X version 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9, perform the following steps:

1. Click Applications.
2. Click Utilities.
3. Double-click Terminal.

4. Run the following command:

   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

   If the command succeeds, the system does not return any output.

   *Warning: To run this command, you must know the computer's administrator account password.*

MacOS 10.5 and 10.6

To clear your DNS cache on MacOS X version 10.5 or 10.6, perform the following steps:

1. Click Applications.
2. Click Utilities.
3. Double-click Terminal.

4. Run the following command:

   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

   If the command succeeds, the system does not return any output.

   *Warning: To run this command, you must know the computer's administrator account password.*