Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Ubuntu App for Windows sporadically gets a “Temporary Failure in Name Resolution” error

Temporary failure in name resolution error with Ubuntu app for Windows and VPN connection.

Quick Answer: Try setting the DNS server to a static value, such as 8.8.8.8, in the /etc/resolv.conf file or using a third-party DNS service.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The 'Temporary Failure in Name Resolution' error occurs when the Ubuntu app for Windows is unable to resolve hostnames, causing issues with connecting to remote servers via SSH. This error affects users who rely on name resolution for their work or daily activities.

This issue can be frustrating as it prevents users from accessing essential online services and resources. Fortunately, this guide provides steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the 'Temporary Failure in Name Resolution' error.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary cause of this error is the DNS resolver configuration. The Ubuntu app for Windows uses a default DNS resolver that may not be configured correctly or could be conflicting with other network settings.
  • An alternative reason could be the presence of a VPN, which can sometimes interfere with the DNS resolution process.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Resolving DNS Resolver Configuration

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Run the command `echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" | sudo tee /etc/resolv.conf` to update the DNS resolver configuration with a reliable public DNS server.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Restart the Ubuntu app for Windows and test if the issue is resolved.

Disabling VPN's Network Interface

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the Network Connections settings. Press the Windows key + R, type `netcpl.cpl`, and press Enter.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Find the VPN connection in the list of available network connections, right-click on it, and select 'Properties'.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: In the Properties window, click on the 'Advanced' tab and check if there is an option to disable the network interface for the VPN. If available, toggle this option off.
  4. Step 4: Step 4: Restart the Ubuntu app for Windows and test if the issue is resolved.

✨ Wrapping Up

To permanently resolve the 'Temporary Failure in Name Resolution' error, it's recommended to update the DNS resolver configuration using the first method. Additionally, disabling the VPN's network interface can also help resolve the issue. If both methods fail, consider seeking further assistance from a network administrator or IT professional.

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