Windows 11 Can Ping IP Addresses but Cannot Resolve Hostnames

Check for software that can intercept or block network traffic, especially VPN clients, third-party antivirus, firewalls, ad blockers, or network-filtering tools. A VPN kill switch can behave as though all traffic is being dropped even when the VPN is disconnected. Temporarily disable or uninstall anything installed around the time the problem began, then restart the computer.

Inspect the Windows hosts file as well as the adapter and firewall settings. The hosts file is located at C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts; unusual entries could override normal DNS resolution. Also reinstall the network adapter drivers and temporarily test with the firewall and other security software disabled, then turn protection back on afterward.

Since the issue follows the computer across Ethernet and a phone hotspot, test whether Windows itself is the problem. Boot from a Linux USB drive and try browsing or running DNS lookups there. If networking works in Linux, the hardware and networks are probably fine and the Windows network stack or a filter driver is likely damaged.

Changing DNS to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 will not help if DNS packets are being blocked before they leave the machine. Check whether the router can resolve names independently, and compare the configured DNS server, default gateway, and nslookup results. If the router works but this PC times out on every network, focus on VPN, firewall, or filter-driver software rather than the ISP.