How to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG (Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS)

Another possible cause for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error are the current DNS settings. Initially, DNS should be handled by the ISP you are subscribed to, however, you have the possibility to change them by yourself. The most reliable DNS server is the one of Google, which you can easily switch to - i.e.

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

To learn how to check out and/or change the DNS settings, check out the don't know how to change the DNS settings solutions.

There is a possibility that the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error message is caused by issues with the IP address (your Internet ID). Releasing and renewing the IP address can help you resolve this issue. To release and renew the IP address, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the start menu and type either cmd or command prompt;
2. Once it appears in the search results, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator;
3. Once the Command Prompt opens, type the following commands in the same order as they are written here, and hit enter once you write each of them (i.e. type the first one and hit enter and write the second one and hit enter) :
   
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   
   
4. Close the Command Prompt
   
   

On rare occasions, the router and/or modem can sometimes be the cause of this error message. To fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error message, try restarting the router and modem, e.g. by unplugging them from the power cords nd plugging them back in after 2-5 minutes.

Maybe your device saved some corrupted DNS settings. In order to fix it, you need to do the cleaning, i.e. to flush the DNS.

If you are not sure how to flush the DNS, feel free to consult the don't know how to flush the DNS guide.

Maybe the current firewall and antivirus settings are causing this issue. To test this, try disabling them and check if you still get the error message. If you don't get it, it's time to access the firewall and the antivirus, investigate how they are configured, and reconfigure them, if needed.

To disable the Windows Firewall:

To enable the Windows Firewall:

Resetting the IP catalog can fix many errors, one of them being DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG. To reset the catalog, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the start menu and type either command prompt or cmd;
2. Once it appears in the search results, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator;
3. Once the Command Prompt opens, type the following commands in the same order as they are written here, and press enter once you write each of them (i.e. write the first one and press enter and then the second one and press enter):
   
   netsh int ip reset
   netsh winsock reset catalog
   
4. Close the command prompt.

One of the reasons for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error message is the great amount of cookies in your device. In order to fix this error message and browse the internet again, you need to clear the cache files, the cookies and other unnecessary data.

If you feel unsure how to clear the browser's cache (and cookies), check out the don't know how to clear the browser cache guide and don't know how to delete browser cookies guide and find the easiest ways to do that.

Maybe the reason for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error is an outdated driver, which can't keep up the same pace with the new rules on the Internet. It is very important to check for and update your computer's drivers on time, as a way to prevent future errors that may arise.

If you are not sure how to find and install the appropriate drivers your computer needs, check out the don't know how to download and install drivers.

Another common reason for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error can be the Internet connection itself. Temporary downtimes, repair works done by your ISP close to your area, the router, and many similar scenarios can contribute to this error message.

The following solutions can help you resolve issues related to Internet connection:

- No internet connection
- Slow internet connection

Maybe a bad (sometimes malicious) browser extension might be the reason for this error message. In this case, disabling, ultimately removing the browser extension should solve this problem.

Feel free to check out the don't know how to remove browser extensions guide, which will teach you how to remove browser extensions.

Maybe the reason for this error message are corrupted registry files, or "residues" (junk) of other processes. In this case, you need to fix the registry files. As tampering with the registry can be dangerous, the best and safest option is to install a cleaner which will do all the work.

Popular registry cleaning software include CCleaner, Advanced Systemcare and many others, which aside from cleaning the registry, they also offer other tools which can help you improve your computer's speed and reliability.