Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

• Why Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) Happens
• 1. Restart Your PC and Network Devices
• 2. Flush DNS Cache and Reset IP Settings
• 3. Change DNS Server Settings
• 4. Check and Repair the Hosts File
• 5. Reset Winsock and IP Stack
• 6. Disable Proxy Server Settings
• 7. Run the Network Troubleshooter
• 8. Reset Network Settings
• 9. Advanced Troubleshooting
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) is a network error that occurs when Windows cannot resolve a server name to an IP address. To fix it, restart your PC and network devices, flush the DNS cache, change DNS servers to public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8), and check your hosts file for entries. If the error persists, reset Winsock, disable proxy settings, run the network troubleshooter, or reset network settings. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) Happens

Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) is a network-related error that occurs when Windows is unable to resolve a domain name to its corresponding IP address. This error is commonly encountered during Windows Update, Microsoft Store installations, and application updates. The error code 0x80072ee7 translates to ERROR_INTERNET_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, indicating a DNS resolution failure. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft WinINet Error Codes documentation.

When Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) appears, it typically indicates that your computer cannot find the server it needs to connect to. This error is similar to other network errors like DNS Server Not Responding and WiFi Connected but No Internet, but it specifically points to a DNS resolution problem. Common triggers include corrupted DNS cache, misconfigured DNS settings, incorrect hosts file entries, proxy server interference, or ISP DNS server issues.

Before diving into fixes, ensure your internet connection is working by visiting a website in your browser. If other websites load but the error persists with specific services, the issue may be with DNS resolution for those specific domains. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

1. Restart Your PC and Network Devices

The simplest fix for Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) is restarting your PC and network devices. This clears temporary DNS cache and refreshes network connections.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Power off your modem and router. Unplug them from power.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
4. Wait for all lights to stabilize, then restart your PC.
5. Try the operation that caused Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) again.

2. Flush DNS Cache and Reset IP Settings

Corrupted DNS cache can cause Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). Flushing the DNS cache and resetting IP settings can resolve this.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands in sequence:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /registerdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset

3. Restart your PC.

3. Change DNS Server Settings

Your ISP’s DNS servers may be slow or unreliable, causing Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). Switching to public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare can resolve this issue.

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
5. For IPv6, also set 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844.
6. Click OK and restart your PC.

4. Check and Repair the Hosts File

Incorrect entries in the hosts file can block domain resolution and cause Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). Check for any entries that may be redirecting legitimate domains.

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
2. Open the hosts file with Notepad (as administrator).
3. Look for entries that may be blocking domains (e.g., entries with 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0 followed by a domain name).
4. If you find suspicious entries, remove or comment them out with a #.
5. Save the file and restart your PC.

5. Reset Winsock and IP Stack

Corrupted Winsock catalog entries can cause Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). Resetting Winsock can resolve network-related issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands:

   netsh winsock reset catalog
   netsh int ip reset reset.log

3. Restart your PC.
4. After restart, check if Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) is resolved.

6. Disable Proxy Server Settings

Proxy server settings can interfere with DNS resolution and cause Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). Disabling proxy settings can resolve the issue.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
2. Ensure “Use a proxy server” is turned Off.
3. If using a VPN, disconnect it temporarily and try again.
4. If you are on a corporate network, contact your IT administrator for the correct proxy settings.

7. Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix network issues, including Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved).

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Internet Connections and click Run.
3. Also run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
4. Allow the tools to scan for issues and apply fixes.
5. Restart your PC after the troubleshooters complete.

8. Reset Network Settings

If the error persists, resetting all network settings can resolve Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). This will remove and reinstall all network adapters and reset settings to defaults.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Click Reset now and confirm.
4. Your PC will restart automatically after 5 minutes.
5. After restart, reconfigure your network settings and try again.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Check for Malware

Malware can modify DNS settings or hosts files and cause Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved). Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Disable IPv6 Temporarily

Some networks have issues with IPv6. Open Network Adapter Properties and uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) to test if this resolves the error.

Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Third-party firewalls or antivirus can block DNS resolution. Temporarily disable them to test. For more, see Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working for similar troubleshooting steps.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert to a previous state. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the error occurs during Windows Update, run the dedicated Windows Update Troubleshooter. See our guide on Windows 11 Update Stuck for more details.

Manually Set a Static IP Address

If DHCP is not working properly, manually set a static IP address in the same subnet as your router. Contact your network administrator for the correct settings.

Check for DNS Leaks

If using a VPN, check for DNS leaks. Use online tools to verify that your DNS requests are being routed correctly. For more, see How to Fix DNS Leak Test.

If you have exhausted all options, contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) is a DNS resolution error that can be fixed with systematic troubleshooting. The most reliable solutions are restarting network devices, flushing the DNS cache, changing DNS servers to public options like Google DNS, and checking the hosts file. If the error persists, resetting Winsock, disabling proxy settings, running network troubleshooters, or resetting network settings will usually resolve the issue.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and periodically checking DNS settings, can prevent Windows Error 0x80072ee7 (Server Name Could Not Be Resolved) from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on DNS Server Not Responding, WiFi Connected but No Internet, and Chrome ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT.

Related Guides

• Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub
• DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 11
• WiFi Connected but No Internet on Windows 11
• Chrome ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
• “Your Connection is Not Private” Error
• Windows 11 Update Stuck Fix
• How to Update Drivers Windows 11
• How to Use System Restore Windows 11
• How to Scan Malware Windows 11
• How to Fix DNS Leak Test
• Internet Works But Apps Won’t Connect
• Network Adapter Disappeared from Device Manager
• Windows 11 High CPU Usage Fix
• Windows 11 Running Slow Fix

FAQ