This article serves as a guide for clearing and resetting the DNS resolver cache, which stores the IP addresses related to frequently accessed DNS names.
It is also beneficial for accelerating the DNS propagation for newly added or modified domains, as it removes the local cache from your computer and enables you to access the most recent cache.
Flushing DNS in Microsoft Windows
In Microsoft Windows, you can execute the command ipconfig /flushdns to clear the DNS resolver cache.
1. Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
2. Enter the command: ipconfig /flushdns and press enter.
3. A successful flush will present the following result.
Windows IP Configuration
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
Flushing DNS in Mac OS X Leopard
1. Launch a Terminal window from Applications/Utilities.
2. Enter the command: lookupd -flushcache
Flushing DNS in Mac OS X
1. Launch a Terminal window from Applications/Utilities.
2. Enter the command: dscacheutil -flushcache
Flushing DNS in Linux
The DNS cache can be cleared by restarting the nscd daemon.
1. Open a Terminal window
2. Enter the command: /etc/rc.d/init.d/nscd restart