diff --git a/client/cmd/service_controller.go b/client/cmd/service_controller.go
index b92e1cc05..d416afaac 100644
--- a/client/cmd/service_controller.go
+++ b/client/cmd/service_controller.go
@@ -11,11 +11,12 @@ import (
 	"github.com/kardianos/service"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc"
+
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/server"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
-	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
-	"google.golang.org/grpc"
 )
 
 func (p *program) Start(svc service.Service) error {
@@ -109,7 +110,6 @@ var runCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		cmd.Printf("Netbird service is running")
 		return nil
 	},
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/connect.go b/client/internal/connect.go
index 575269956..7e752ad79 100644
--- a/client/internal/connect.go
+++ b/client/internal/connect.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package internal
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
@@ -93,6 +94,12 @@ func runClient(
 ) error {
 	log.Infof("starting NetBird client version %s", version.NetbirdVersion())
 
+	// Check if client was not shut down in a clean way and restore DNS config if required.
+	// Otherwise, we might not be able to connect to the management server to retrieve new config.
+	if err := dns.CheckUncleanShutdown(config.WgIface); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("checking unclean shutdown error: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	backOff := &backoff.ExponentialBackOff{
 		InitialInterval:     time.Second,
 		RandomizationFactor: 1,
@@ -244,7 +251,7 @@ func runClient(
 
 		log.Info("stopped NetBird client")
 
-		if _, err := state.Status(); err == ErrResetConnection {
+		if _, err := state.Status(); errors.Is(err, ErrResetConnection) {
 			return err
 		}
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/dbus_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/dbus_linux.go
index cb38cd9d9..b2604e9fa 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/dbus_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/dbus_linux.go
@@ -4,9 +4,11 @@ package dns
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
 	"github.com/godbus/dbus/v5"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-	"time"
 )
 
 const dbusDefaultFlag = 0
@@ -14,6 +16,7 @@ const dbusDefaultFlag = 0
 func isDbusListenerRunning(dest string, path dbus.ObjectPath) bool {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(dest, path)
 	if err != nil {
+		log.Tracef("error getting dbus object: %s", err)
 		return false
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
@@ -21,14 +24,18 @@ func isDbusListenerRunning(dest string, path dbus.ObjectPath) bool {
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.TODO(), 5*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 
-	err = obj.CallWithContext(ctx, "org.freedesktop.DBus.Peer.Ping", 0).Store()
-	return err == nil
+	if err = obj.CallWithContext(ctx, "org.freedesktop.DBus.Peer.Ping", 0).Store(); err != nil {
+		log.Tracef("error calling dbus: %s", err)
+		return false
+	}
+
+	return true
 }
 
 func getDbusObject(dest string, path dbus.ObjectPath) (dbus.BusObject, func(), error) {
 	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("get dbus: %w", err)
 	}
 	obj := conn.Object(dest, path)
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/file_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/file_linux.go
index acb31b7f0..c62da7016 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/file_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/file_linux.go
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ package dns
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
 	"os"
 	"strings"
 
@@ -49,7 +50,7 @@ func (f *fileConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		if backupFileExist {
 			err = f.restore()
 			if err != nil {
-				return fmt.Errorf("unable to configure DNS for this peer using file manager without a Primary nameserver group. Restoring the original file return err: %s", err)
+				return fmt.Errorf("unable to configure DNS for this peer using file manager without a Primary nameserver group. Restoring the original file return err: %w", err)
 			}
 		}
 		return fmt.Errorf("unable to configure DNS for this peer using file manager without a nameserver group with all domains configured")
@@ -58,7 +59,7 @@ func (f *fileConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	if !backupFileExist {
 		err = f.backup()
 		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("unable to backup the resolv.conf file")
+			return fmt.Errorf("unable to backup the resolv.conf file: %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -67,7 +68,7 @@ func (f *fileConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 
 	resolvConf, err := parseBackupResolvConf()
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(err)
+		log.Errorf("could not read original search domains from %s: %s", fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation, err)
 	}
 
 	f.repair.stopWatchFileChanges()
@@ -96,10 +97,16 @@ func (f *fileConfigurator) updateConfig(nbSearchDomains []string, nbNameserverIP
 		if restoreErr != nil {
 			log.Errorf("attempt to restore default file failed with error: %s", err)
 		}
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an creating resolver file %s. Error: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("creating resolver file %s. Error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("created a NetBird managed %s file with the DNS settings. Added %d search domains. Search list: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, len(searchDomainList), searchDomainList)
+
+	// create another backup for unclean shutdown detection right after overwriting the original resolv.conf
+	if err := createUncleanShutdownIndicator(fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation, fileManager, nbNameserverIP); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to create unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
 	}
 
-	log.Infof("created a NetBird managed %s file with your DNS settings. Added %d search domains. Search list: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, len(searchDomainList), searchDomainList)
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -111,14 +118,14 @@ func (f *fileConfigurator) restoreHostDNS() error {
 func (f *fileConfigurator) backup() error {
 	stats, err := os.Stat(defaultResolvConfPath)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while checking stats for %s file. Error: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("checking stats for %s file. Error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
 	}
 
 	f.originalPerms = stats.Mode()
 
 	err = copyFile(defaultResolvConfPath, fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while backing up the %s file. Error: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("backing up %s: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -126,12 +133,58 @@ func (f *fileConfigurator) backup() error {
 func (f *fileConfigurator) restore() error {
 	err := copyFile(fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation, defaultResolvConfPath)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while restoring the %s file from %s. Error: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring %s from %s: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
 	}
 
 	return os.RemoveAll(fileDefaultResolvConfBackupLocation)
 }
 
+func (f *fileConfigurator) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(storedDNSAddress *netip.Addr) error {
+	resolvConf, err := parseDefaultResolvConf()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("parse current resolv.conf: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// no current nameservers set -> restore
+	if len(resolvConf.nameServers) == 0 {
+		return restoreResolvConfFile()
+	}
+
+	currentDNSAddress, err := netip.ParseAddr(resolvConf.nameServers[0])
+	// not a valid first nameserver -> restore
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("restoring unclean shutdown: parse dns address %s failed: %s", resolvConf.nameServers[1], err)
+		return restoreResolvConfFile()
+	}
+
+	// current address is still netbird's non-available dns address -> restore
+	// comparing parsed addresses only, to remove ambiguity
+	if currentDNSAddress.String() == storedDNSAddress.String() {
+		return restoreResolvConfFile()
+	}
+
+	log.Info("restoring unclean shutdown: first current nameserver differs from saved nameserver pre-netbird: not restoring")
+	return nil
+}
+
+func restoreResolvConfFile() error {
+	log.Debugf("restoring unclean shutdown: restoring %s from %s", defaultResolvConfPath, fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation)
+
+	if err := copyFile(fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation, defaultResolvConfPath); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring %s from %s: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown resolv.conf file: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // generateNsList generates a list of nameservers from the config and adds the primary nameserver to the beginning of the list
 func generateNsList(nbNameserverIP string, cfg *resolvConf) []string {
 	ns := make([]string, 1, len(cfg.nameServers)+1)
@@ -231,17 +284,17 @@ func validateAndFillSearchDomains(initialLineChars int, s *[]string, vs []string
 func copyFile(src, dest string) error {
 	stats, err := os.Stat(src)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while checking stats for %s file when copying it. Error: %s", src, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("checking stats for %s file when copying it. Error: %s", src, err)
 	}
 
 	bytesRead, err := os.ReadFile(src)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while reading the file %s file for copy. Error: %s", src, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("reading the file %s file for copy. Error: %s", src, err)
 	}
 
 	err = os.WriteFile(dest, bytesRead, stats.Mode())
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an writing the destination file %s for copy. Error: %s", dest, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("writing the destination file %s for copy. Error: %s", dest, err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host.go b/client/internal/dns/host.go
index ee50b39d0..3070763a6 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package dns
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
 	"strings"
 
 	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/dns"
@@ -11,6 +12,7 @@ type hostManager interface {
 	applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error
 	restoreHostDNS() error
 	supportCustomPort() bool
+	restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(storedDNSAddress *netip.Addr) error
 }
 
 type HostDNSConfig struct {
@@ -27,9 +29,10 @@ type DomainConfig struct {
 }
 
 type mockHostConfigurator struct {
-	applyDNSConfigFunc    func(config HostDNSConfig) error
-	restoreHostDNSFunc    func() error
-	supportCustomPortFunc func() bool
+	applyDNSConfigFunc            func(config HostDNSConfig) error
+	restoreHostDNSFunc            func() error
+	supportCustomPortFunc         func() bool
+	restoreUncleanShutdownDNSFunc func(*netip.Addr) error
 }
 
 func (m *mockHostConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
@@ -53,11 +56,19 @@ func (m *mockHostConfigurator) supportCustomPort() bool {
 	return false
 }
 
+func (m *mockHostConfigurator) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(storedDNSAddress *netip.Addr) error {
+	if m.restoreUncleanShutdownDNSFunc != nil {
+		return m.restoreUncleanShutdownDNSFunc(storedDNSAddress)
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("method restoreUncleanShutdownDNS is not implemented")
+}
+
 func newNoopHostMocker() hostManager {
 	return &mockHostConfigurator{
-		applyDNSConfigFunc:    func(config HostDNSConfig) error { return nil },
-		restoreHostDNSFunc:    func() error { return nil },
-		supportCustomPortFunc: func() bool { return true },
+		applyDNSConfigFunc:            func(config HostDNSConfig) error { return nil },
+		restoreHostDNSFunc:            func() error { return nil },
+		supportCustomPortFunc:         func() bool { return true },
+		restoreUncleanShutdownDNSFunc: func(*netip.Addr) error { return nil },
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_android.go b/client/internal/dns/host_android.go
index 169cc7c47..9230cb257 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_android.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_android.go
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 package dns
 
+import "net/netip"
+
 type androidHostManager struct {
 }
 
-func newHostManager(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
+func newHostManager() (hostManager, error) {
 	return &androidHostManager{}, nil
 }
 
@@ -18,3 +20,7 @@ func (a androidHostManager) restoreHostDNS() error {
 func (a androidHostManager) supportCustomPort() bool {
 	return false
 }
+
+func (a androidHostManager) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go b/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go
index 0f16b7828..5ae84fb91 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ import (
 	"bufio"
 	"bytes"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net/netip"
 	"os/exec"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
@@ -34,7 +36,7 @@ type systemConfigurator struct {
 	createdKeys      map[string]struct{}
 }
 
-func newHostManager(_ WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
+func newHostManager() (hostManager, error) {
 	return &systemConfigurator{
 		createdKeys: make(map[string]struct{}),
 	}, nil
@@ -50,17 +52,22 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	if config.RouteAll {
 		err = s.addDNSSetupForAll(config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("add dns setup for all: %w", err)
 		}
 	} else if s.primaryServiceID != "" {
 		err = s.removeKeyFromSystemConfig(getKeyWithInput(primaryServiceSetupKeyFormat, s.primaryServiceID))
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("remote key from system config: %w", err)
 		}
 		s.primaryServiceID = ""
 		log.Infof("removed %s:%d as main DNS resolver for this peer", config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
 	}
 
+	// create a file for unclean shutdown detection
+	if err := createUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to create unclean shutdown file: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	var (
 		searchDomains []string
 		matchDomains  []string
@@ -85,7 +92,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		err = s.removeKeyFromSystemConfig(matchKey)
 	}
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add match domains: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	searchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix)
@@ -96,7 +103,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		err = s.removeKeyFromSystemConfig(searchKey)
 	}
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add search domains: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -119,7 +126,11 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) restoreHostDNS() error {
 	_, err := runSystemConfigCommand(wrapCommand(lines))
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("got an error while cleaning the system configuration: %s", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("clean system: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown file: %s", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -129,7 +140,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) removeKeyFromSystemConfig(key string) error {
 	line := buildRemoveKeyOperation(key)
 	_, err := runSystemConfigCommand(wrapCommand(line))
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove key: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	delete(s.createdKeys, key)
@@ -140,7 +151,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) removeKeyFromSystemConfig(key string) error {
 func (s *systemConfigurator) addSearchDomains(key, domains string, ip string, port int) error {
 	err := s.addDNSState(key, domains, ip, port, true)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add dns state: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("added %d search domains to the state. Domain list: %s", len(strings.Split(domains, " ")), domains)
@@ -153,7 +164,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) addSearchDomains(key, domains string, ip string, po
 func (s *systemConfigurator) addMatchDomains(key, domains, dnsServer string, port int) error {
 	err := s.addDNSState(key, domains, dnsServer, port, false)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add dns state: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("added %d match domains to the state. Domain list: %s", len(strings.Split(domains, " ")), domains)
@@ -178,33 +189,37 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) addDNSState(state, domains, dnsServer string, port
 
 	_, err := runSystemConfigCommand(stdinCommands)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while applying state for domains %s, error: %s", domains, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("applying state for domains %s, error: %w", domains, err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
 func (s *systemConfigurator) addDNSSetupForAll(dnsServer string, port int) error {
-	primaryServiceKey, existingNameserver := s.getPrimaryService()
-	if primaryServiceKey == "" {
-		return fmt.Errorf("couldn't find the primary service key")
+	primaryServiceKey, existingNameserver, err := s.getPrimaryService()
+	if err != nil || primaryServiceKey == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("couldn't find the primary service key: %w", err)
 	}
-	err := s.addDNSSetup(getKeyWithInput(primaryServiceSetupKeyFormat, primaryServiceKey), dnsServer, port, existingNameserver)
+
+	err = s.addDNSSetup(getKeyWithInput(primaryServiceSetupKeyFormat, primaryServiceKey), dnsServer, port, existingNameserver)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add dns setup: %w", err)
 	}
+
 	log.Infof("configured %s:%d as main DNS resolver for this peer", dnsServer, port)
 	s.primaryServiceID = primaryServiceKey
+
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (s *systemConfigurator) getPrimaryService() (string, string) {
+func (s *systemConfigurator) getPrimaryService() (string, string, error) {
 	line := buildCommandLine("show", globalIPv4State, "")
 	stdinCommands := wrapCommand(line)
+
 	b, err := runSystemConfigCommand(stdinCommands)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Error("got error while sending the command: ", err)
-		return "", ""
+		return "", "", fmt.Errorf("sending the command: %w", err)
 	}
+
 	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(bytes.NewReader(b))
 	primaryService := ""
 	router := ""
@@ -217,7 +232,11 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) getPrimaryService() (string, string) {
 			router = strings.TrimSpace(strings.Split(text, ":")[1])
 		}
 	}
-	return primaryService, router
+	if err := scanner.Err(); err != nil && err != io.EOF {
+		return primaryService, router, fmt.Errorf("scan: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return primaryService, router, nil
 }
 
 func (s *systemConfigurator) addDNSSetup(setupKey, dnsServer string, port int, existingDNSServer string) error {
@@ -228,7 +247,14 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) addDNSSetup(setupKey, dnsServer string, port int, e
 	stdinCommands := wrapCommand(addDomainCommand)
 	_, err := runSystemConfigCommand(stdinCommands)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while applying dns setup, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("applying dns setup, error: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (s *systemConfigurator) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	if err := s.restoreHostDNS(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring dns via scutil: %w", err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -266,7 +292,7 @@ func runSystemConfigCommand(command string) ([]byte, error) {
 	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader(command)
 	out, err := cmd.Output()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("got error while running system configuration command: \"%s\", error: %s", command, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("running system configuration command: \"%s\", error: %w", command, err)
 	}
 	return out, nil
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_ios.go b/client/internal/dns/host_ios.go
index 5058d6ba4..ad8b14fb8 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_ios.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_ios.go
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ package dns
 
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 )
@@ -20,7 +22,7 @@ func newHostManager(dnsManager IosDnsManager) (hostManager, error) {
 func (a iosHostManager) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	jsonData, err := json.Marshal(config)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("marshal: %w", err)
 	}
 	jsonString := string(jsonData)
 	log.Debugf("Applying DNS settings: %s", jsonString)
@@ -35,3 +37,7 @@ func (a iosHostManager) restoreHostDNS() error {
 func (a iosHostManager) supportCustomPort() bool {
 	return false
 }
+
+func (a iosHostManager) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/host_linux.go
index 931cda28d..37d8f704a 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_linux.go
@@ -4,7 +4,9 @@ package dns
 
 import (
 	"bufio"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"strings"
 
@@ -19,8 +21,27 @@ const (
 	resolvConfManager
 )
 
+var ErrUnknownOsManagerType = errors.New("unknown os manager type")
+
 type osManagerType int
 
+func newOsManagerType(osManager string) (osManagerType, error) {
+	switch osManager {
+	case "netbird":
+		return fileManager, nil
+	case "file":
+		return netbirdManager, nil
+	case "networkManager":
+		return networkManager, nil
+	case "systemd":
+		return systemdManager, nil
+	case "resolvconf":
+		return resolvConfManager, nil
+	default:
+		return 0, ErrUnknownOsManagerType
+	}
+}
+
 func (t osManagerType) String() string {
 	switch t {
 	case netbirdManager:
@@ -38,13 +59,17 @@ func (t osManagerType) String() string {
 	}
 }
 
-func newHostManager(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
+func newHostManager(wgInterface string) (hostManager, error) {
 	osManager, err := getOSDNSManagerType()
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
 	log.Debugf("discovered mode is: %s", osManager)
+	return newHostManagerFromType(wgInterface, osManager)
+}
+
+func newHostManagerFromType(wgInterface string, osManager osManagerType) (hostManager, error) {
 	switch osManager {
 	case networkManager:
 		return newNetworkManagerDbusConfigurator(wgInterface)
@@ -58,12 +83,15 @@ func newHostManager(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
 }
 
 func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, error) {
-
 	file, err := os.Open(defaultResolvConfPath)
 	if err != nil {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unable to open %s for checking owner, got error: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unable to open %s for checking owner, got error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
 	}
-	defer file.Close()
+	defer func() {
+		if err := file.Close(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("close file %s: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		}
+	}()
 
 	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(file)
 	for scanner.Scan() {
@@ -101,6 +129,10 @@ func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, error) {
 			return resolvConfManager, nil
 		}
 	}
+	if err := scanner.Err(); err != nil && err != io.EOF {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("scan: %w", err)
+	}
+
 	return fileManager, nil
 }
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go b/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go
index 3a574c4ee..c8bf2e552 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/host_windows.go
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ package dns
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net/netip"
 	"strings"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
@@ -9,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 const (
-	dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath            = "SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\Dnscache\\Parameters\\DnsPolicyConfig\\NetBird-Match"
+	dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath            = `SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters\DnsPolicyConfig\NetBird-Match`
 	dnsPolicyConfigVersionKey           = "Version"
 	dnsPolicyConfigVersionValue         = 2
 	dnsPolicyConfigNameKey              = "Name"
@@ -19,7 +21,7 @@ const (
 )
 
 const (
-	interfaceConfigPath          = "SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\Tcpip\\Parameters\\Interfaces"
+	interfaceConfigPath          = `SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces`
 	interfaceConfigNameServerKey = "NameServer"
 	interfaceConfigSearchListKey = "SearchList"
 )
@@ -34,12 +36,16 @@ func newHostManager(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	return newHostManagerWithGuid(guid)
+}
+
+func newHostManagerWithGuid(guid string) (hostManager, error) {
 	return &registryConfigurator{
 		guid: guid,
 	}, nil
 }
 
-func (s *registryConfigurator) supportCustomPort() bool {
+func (r *registryConfigurator) supportCustomPort() bool {
 	return false
 }
 
@@ -48,17 +54,22 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	if config.RouteAll {
 		err = r.addDNSSetupForAll(config.ServerIP)
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("add dns setup: %w", err)
 		}
 	} else if r.routingAll {
 		err = r.deleteInterfaceRegistryKeyProperty(interfaceConfigNameServerKey)
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("delete interface registry key property: %w", err)
 		}
 		r.routingAll = false
 		log.Infof("removed %s as main DNS forwarder for this peer", config.ServerIP)
 	}
 
+	// create a file for unclean shutdown detection
+	if err := createUncleanShutdownIndicator(r.guid); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to create unclean shutdown file: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	var (
 		searchDomains []string
 		matchDomains  []string
@@ -80,12 +91,12 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		err = removeRegistryKeyFromDNSPolicyConfig(dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath)
 	}
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("add dns match policy: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	err = r.updateSearchDomains(searchDomains)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("update search domains: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -94,7 +105,7 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 func (r *registryConfigurator) addDNSSetupForAll(ip string) error {
 	err := r.setInterfaceRegistryKeyStringValue(interfaceConfigNameServerKey, ip)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("adding dns setup for all failed with error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("adding dns setup for all failed with error: %w", err)
 	}
 	r.routingAll = true
 	log.Infof("configured %s:53 as main DNS forwarder for this peer", ip)
@@ -106,33 +117,33 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) addDNSMatchPolicy(domains []string, ip string) er
 	if err == nil {
 		err = registry.DeleteKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath)
 		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("unable to remove existing key from registry, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %s", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, err)
+			return fmt.Errorf("unable to remove existing key from registry, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %w", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, err)
 		}
 	}
 
 	regKey, _, err := registry.CreateKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, registry.SET_VALUE)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to create registry key, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %s", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to create registry key, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %w", dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath, err)
 	}
 
 	err = regKey.SetDWordValue(dnsPolicyConfigVersionKey, dnsPolicyConfigVersionValue)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %s", dnsPolicyConfigVersionKey, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %w", dnsPolicyConfigVersionKey, err)
 	}
 
 	err = regKey.SetStringsValue(dnsPolicyConfigNameKey, domains)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %s", dnsPolicyConfigNameKey, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %w", dnsPolicyConfigNameKey, err)
 	}
 
 	err = regKey.SetStringValue(dnsPolicyConfigGenericDNSServersKey, ip)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %s", dnsPolicyConfigGenericDNSServersKey, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %w", dnsPolicyConfigGenericDNSServersKey, err)
 	}
 
 	err = regKey.SetDWordValue(dnsPolicyConfigConfigOptionsKey, dnsPolicyConfigConfigOptionsValue)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %s", dnsPolicyConfigConfigOptionsKey, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to set registry value for %s, error: %w", dnsPolicyConfigConfigOptionsKey, err)
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("added %d match domains to the state. Domain list: %s", len(domains), domains)
@@ -141,18 +152,25 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) addDNSMatchPolicy(domains []string, ip string) er
 }
 
 func (r *registryConfigurator) restoreHostDNS() error {
-	err := removeRegistryKeyFromDNSPolicyConfig(dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(err)
+	if err := removeRegistryKeyFromDNSPolicyConfig(dnsPolicyConfigMatchPath); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("remove registry key from dns policy config: %s", err)
 	}
 
-	return r.deleteInterfaceRegistryKeyProperty(interfaceConfigSearchListKey)
+	if err := r.deleteInterfaceRegistryKeyProperty(interfaceConfigSearchListKey); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove interface registry key: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown file: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (r *registryConfigurator) updateSearchDomains(domains []string) error {
 	err := r.setInterfaceRegistryKeyStringValue(interfaceConfigSearchListKey, strings.Join(domains, ","))
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("adding search domain failed with error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("adding search domain failed with error: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("updated the search domains in the registry with %d domains. Domain list: %s", len(domains), domains)
@@ -163,13 +181,13 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) updateSearchDomains(domains []string) error {
 func (r *registryConfigurator) setInterfaceRegistryKeyStringValue(key, value string) error {
 	regKey, err := r.getInterfaceRegistryKey()
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("get interface registry key: %w", err)
 	}
-	defer regKey.Close()
+	defer closer(regKey)
 
 	err = regKey.SetStringValue(key, value)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("applying key %s with value \"%s\" for interface failed with error: %s", key, value, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("applying key %s with value \"%s\" for interface failed with error: %w", key, value, err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -178,13 +196,13 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) setInterfaceRegistryKeyStringValue(key, value str
 func (r *registryConfigurator) deleteInterfaceRegistryKeyProperty(propertyKey string) error {
 	regKey, err := r.getInterfaceRegistryKey()
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("get interface registry key: %w", err)
 	}
-	defer regKey.Close()
+	defer closer(regKey)
 
 	err = regKey.DeleteValue(propertyKey)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("deleting registry key %s for interface failed with error: %s", propertyKey, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("deleting registry key %s for interface failed with error: %w", propertyKey, err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -197,20 +215,33 @@ func (r *registryConfigurator) getInterfaceRegistryKey() (registry.Key, error) {
 
 	regKey, err := registry.OpenKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, regKeyPath, registry.SET_VALUE)
 	if err != nil {
-		return regKey, fmt.Errorf("unable to open the interface registry key, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %s", regKeyPath, err)
+		return regKey, fmt.Errorf("unable to open the interface registry key, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %w", regKeyPath, err)
 	}
 
 	return regKey, nil
 }
 
+func (r *registryConfigurator) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	if err := r.restoreHostDNS(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring dns via registry: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 func removeRegistryKeyFromDNSPolicyConfig(regKeyPath string) error {
 	k, err := registry.OpenKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, regKeyPath, registry.QUERY_VALUE)
 	if err == nil {
-		k.Close()
+		defer closer(k)
 		err = registry.DeleteKey(registry.LOCAL_MACHINE, regKeyPath)
 		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("unable to remove existing key from registry, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %s", regKeyPath, err)
+			return fmt.Errorf("unable to remove existing key from registry, key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\%s, error: %w", regKeyPath, err)
 		}
 	}
 	return nil
 }
+
+func closer(closer io.Closer) {
+	if err := closer.Close(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to close: %s", err)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/local.go b/client/internal/dns/local.go
index 170eaee08..ba4ae42d9 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/local.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/local.go
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ func (d *localResolver) lookupRecord(r *dns.Msg) dns.RR {
 func (d *localResolver) registerRecord(record nbdns.SimpleRecord) error {
 	fullRecord, err := dns.NewRR(record.String())
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("register record: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	fullRecord.Header().Rdlength = record.Len()
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/network_manager_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/network_manager_linux.go
index b4a7a2514..dfd4cf4d3 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/network_manager_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/network_manager_linux.go
@@ -5,8 +5,10 @@ package dns
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/binary"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
+	"strings"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/godbus/dbus/v5"
@@ -41,9 +43,13 @@ const (
 	networkManagerDbusPrimaryDNSPriority       int32 = -500
 	networkManagerDbusWithMatchDomainPriority  int32 = 0
 	networkManagerDbusSearchDomainOnlyPriority int32 = 50
-	supportedNetworkManagerVersionConstraint         = ">= 1.16, < 1.28"
 )
 
+var supportedNetworkManagerVersionConstraints = []string{
+	">= 1.16, < 1.27",
+	">= 1.44, < 1.45",
+}
+
 type networkManagerDbusConfigurator struct {
 	dbusLinkObject dbus.ObjectPath
 	routingAll     bool
@@ -71,19 +77,19 @@ func (s networkManagerConnSettings) cleanDeprecatedSettings() {
 	}
 }
 
-func newNetworkManagerDbusConfigurator(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
+func newNetworkManagerDbusConfigurator(wgInterface string) (hostManager, error) {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(networkManagerDest, networkManagerDbusObjectNode)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get nm dbus: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 	var s string
-	err = obj.Call(networkManagerDbusGetDeviceByIPIfaceMethod, dbusDefaultFlag, wgInterface.Name()).Store(&s)
+	err = obj.Call(networkManagerDbusGetDeviceByIPIfaceMethod, dbusDefaultFlag, wgInterface).Store(&s)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("call: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	log.Debugf("got network manager dbus Link Object: %s from net interface %s", s, wgInterface.Name())
+	log.Debugf("got network manager dbus Link Object: %s from net interface %s", s, wgInterface)
 
 	return &networkManagerDbusConfigurator{
 		dbusLinkObject: dbus.ObjectPath(s),
@@ -97,14 +103,14 @@ func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) supportCustomPort() bool {
 func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	connSettings, configVersion, err := n.getAppliedConnectionSettings()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while retrieving the applied connection settings, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("retrieving the applied connection settings, error: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	connSettings.cleanDeprecatedSettings()
 
 	dnsIP, err := netip.ParseAddr(config.ServerIP)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to parse ip address, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to parse ip address, error: %w", err)
 	}
 	convDNSIP := binary.LittleEndian.Uint32(dnsIP.AsSlice())
 	connSettings[networkManagerDbusIPv4Key][networkManagerDbusDNSKey] = dbus.MakeVariant([]uint32{convDNSIP})
@@ -145,23 +151,37 @@ func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) er
 	connSettings[networkManagerDbusIPv4Key][networkManagerDbusDNSPriorityKey] = dbus.MakeVariant(priority)
 	connSettings[networkManagerDbusIPv4Key][networkManagerDbusDNSSearchKey] = dbus.MakeVariant(newDomainList)
 
+	// create a backup for unclean shutdown detection before adding domains, as these might end up in the resolv.conf file.
+	// The file content itself is not important for network-manager restoration
+	if err := createUncleanShutdownIndicator(defaultResolvConfPath, networkManager, dnsIP.String()); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to create unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	log.Infof("adding %d search domains and %d match domains. Search list: %s , Match list: %s", len(searchDomains), len(matchDomains), searchDomains, matchDomains)
 	err = n.reApplyConnectionSettings(connSettings, configVersion)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while reapplying the connection with new settings, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("reapplying the connection with new settings, error: %w", err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
 func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) restoreHostDNS() error {
 	// once the interface is gone network manager cleans all config associated with it
-	return n.deleteConnectionSettings()
+	if err := n.deleteConnectionSettings(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("delete connection settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) getAppliedConnectionSettings() (networkManagerConnSettings, networkManagerConfigVersion, error) {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(networkManagerDest, n.dbusLinkObject)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the applied connection settings, err: %s", err)
+		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the applied connection settings, err: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
@@ -176,7 +196,7 @@ func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) getAppliedConnectionSettings() (network
 	err = obj.CallWithContext(ctx, networkManagerDbusDeviceGetAppliedConnectionMethod, dbusDefaultFlag,
 		networkManagerDbusDefaultBehaviorFlag).Store(&connSettings, &configVersion)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("got error while calling GetAppliedConnection method with context, err: %s", err)
+		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("calling GetAppliedConnection method with context, err: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return connSettings, configVersion, nil
@@ -185,7 +205,7 @@ func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) getAppliedConnectionSettings() (network
 func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) reApplyConnectionSettings(connSettings networkManagerConnSettings, configVersion networkManagerConfigVersion) error {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(networkManagerDest, n.dbusLinkObject)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the applied connection settings, err: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the applied connection settings, err: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
@@ -195,7 +215,7 @@ func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) reApplyConnectionSettings(connSettings
 	err = obj.CallWithContext(ctx, networkManagerDbusDeviceReapplyMethod, dbusDefaultFlag,
 		connSettings, configVersion, networkManagerDbusDefaultBehaviorFlag).Store()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while calling ReApply method with context, err: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("calling ReApply method with context, err: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -204,21 +224,34 @@ func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) reApplyConnectionSettings(connSettings
 func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) deleteConnectionSettings() error {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(networkManagerDest, n.dbusLinkObject)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the applied connection settings, err: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the applied connection settings, err: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.TODO(), 5*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 
+	// this call is required to remove the device for DNS cleanup, even if it fails
 	err = obj.CallWithContext(ctx, networkManagerDbusDeviceDeleteMethod, dbusDefaultFlag).Store()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while calling delete method with context, err: %s", err)
+		var dbusErr dbus.Error
+		if errors.As(err, &dbusErr) && dbusErr.Name == dbus.ErrMsgUnknownMethod.Name {
+			// interface is gone already
+			return nil
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("calling delete method with context, err: %s", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (n *networkManagerDbusConfigurator) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	if err := n.restoreHostDNS(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring dns via network-manager: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 func isNetworkManagerSupported() bool {
 	return isNetworkManagerSupportedVersion() && isNetworkManagerSupportedMode()
 }
@@ -250,13 +283,13 @@ func isNetworkManagerSupportedMode() bool {
 func getNetworkManagerDNSProperty(property string, store any) error {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(networkManagerDest, networkManagerDbusDNSManagerObjectNode)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the network manager dns manager object, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the network manager dns manager object, error: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
 	v, e := obj.GetProperty(property)
 	if e != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error getting property %s: %v", property, e)
+		return fmt.Errorf("getting property %s: %w", property, e)
 	}
 
 	return v.Store(store)
@@ -278,15 +311,26 @@ func isNetworkManagerSupportedVersion() bool {
 	}
 	versionValue, err := parseVersion(value.Value().(string))
 	if err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("nm: parse version: %s", err)
 		return false
 	}
 
-	constraints, err := version.NewConstraint(supportedNetworkManagerVersionConstraint)
-	if err != nil {
-		return false
+	var supported bool
+	for _, constraint := range supportedNetworkManagerVersionConstraints {
+		constr, err := version.NewConstraint(constraint)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("nm: create constraint: %s", err)
+			return false
+		}
+
+		if met := constr.Check(versionValue); met {
+			supported = true
+			break
+		}
 	}
 
-	return constraints.Check(versionValue)
+	log.Debugf("network manager constraints [%s] met: %t", strings.Join(supportedNetworkManagerVersionConstraints, " | "), supported)
+	return supported
 }
 
 func parseVersion(inputVersion string) (*version.Version, error) {
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/resolvconf_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/resolvconf_linux.go
index 1dad7627a..b8f753e28 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/resolvconf_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/resolvconf_linux.go
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ package dns
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
 	"os/exec"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
@@ -21,14 +22,14 @@ type resolvconf struct {
 }
 
 // supported "openresolv" only
-func newResolvConfConfigurator(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
+func newResolvConfConfigurator(wgInterface string) (hostManager, error) {
 	resolvConfEntries, err := parseDefaultResolvConf()
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(err)
+		log.Errorf("could not read original search domains from %s: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
 	}
 
 	return &resolvconf{
-		ifaceName:             wgInterface.Name(),
+		ifaceName:             wgInterface,
 		originalSearchDomains: resolvConfEntries.searchDomains,
 		originalNameServers:   resolvConfEntries.nameServers,
 		othersConfigs:         resolvConfEntries.others,
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ func (r *resolvconf) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	if !config.RouteAll {
 		err = r.restoreHostDNS()
 		if err != nil {
-			log.Error(err)
+			log.Errorf("restore host dns: %s", err)
 		}
 		return fmt.Errorf("unable to configure DNS for this peer using resolvconf manager without a nameserver group with all domains configured")
 	}
@@ -57,9 +58,14 @@ func (r *resolvconf) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		append([]string{config.ServerIP}, r.originalNameServers...),
 		r.othersConfigs)
 
+	// create a backup for unclean shutdown detection before the resolv.conf is changed
+	if err := createUncleanShutdownIndicator(defaultResolvConfPath, resolvConfManager, config.ServerIP); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to create unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	err = r.applyConfig(buf)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("apply config: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("added %d search domains. Search list: %s", len(searchDomainList), searchDomainList)
@@ -67,20 +73,34 @@ func (r *resolvconf) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 }
 
 func (r *resolvconf) restoreHostDNS() error {
+	// openresolv only, debian resolvconf doesn't support "-f"
 	cmd := exec.Command(resolvconfCommand, "-f", "-d", r.ifaceName)
 	_, err := cmd.Output()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while removing resolvconf configuration for %s interface, error: %s", r.ifaceName, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("removing resolvconf configuration for %s interface, error: %w", r.ifaceName, err)
 	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
 func (r *resolvconf) applyConfig(content bytes.Buffer) error {
+	// openresolv only, debian resolvconf doesn't support "-x"
 	cmd := exec.Command(resolvconfCommand, "-x", "-a", r.ifaceName)
 	cmd.Stdin = &content
 	_, err := cmd.Output()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error while applying resolvconf configuration for %s interface, error: %s", r.ifaceName, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("applying resolvconf configuration for %s interface, error: %w", r.ifaceName, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (r *resolvconf) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	if err := r.restoreHostDNS(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring dns for interface %s: %w", r.ifaceName, err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/response_writer.go b/client/internal/dns/response_writer.go
index af02971b9..edc65a5d9 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/response_writer.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/response_writer.go
@@ -31,10 +31,13 @@ func (r *responseWriter) RemoteAddr() net.Addr {
 func (r *responseWriter) WriteMsg(msg *dns.Msg) error {
 	buff, err := msg.Pack()
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("pack: %w", err)
 	}
-	_, err = r.Write(buff)
-	return err
+
+	if _, err := r.Write(buff); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("write: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
 }
 
 // Write writes a raw buffer back to the client.
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server.go b/client/internal/dns/server.go
index c22672cd0..9986f632e 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server.go
@@ -142,12 +142,15 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) Initialize() (err error) {
 	if s.permanent {
 		err = s.service.Listen()
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("service listen: %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 
 	s.hostManager, err = s.initialize()
-	return err
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("initialize: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
 }
 
 // DnsIP returns the DNS resolver server IP address
@@ -225,7 +228,7 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) UpdateDNSServer(serial uint64, update nbdns.Config) erro
 		}
 
 		if err := s.applyConfiguration(update); err != nil {
-			return err
+			return fmt.Errorf("apply configuration: %w", err)
 		}
 
 		s.updateSerial = serial
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server_android.go b/client/internal/dns/server_android.go
index 5e1494e9e..7ca12d69d 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server_android.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server_android.go
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 package dns
 
 func (s *DefaultServer) initialize() (manager hostManager, err error) {
-	return newHostManager(s.wgInterface)
+	return newHostManager()
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server_darwin.go b/client/internal/dns/server_darwin.go
index feeb69352..d5a018f09 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server_darwin.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server_darwin.go
@@ -3,5 +3,5 @@
 package dns
 
 func (s *DefaultServer) initialize() (manager hostManager, err error) {
-	return newHostManager(s.wgInterface)
+	return newHostManager()
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/server_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/server_linux.go
index 7d7027839..aeb24b511 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/server_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/server_linux.go
@@ -3,5 +3,5 @@
 package dns
 
 func (s *DefaultServer) initialize() (manager hostManager, err error) {
-	return newHostManager(s.wgInterface)
+	return newHostManager(s.wgInterface.Name())
 }
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/service_listener.go b/client/internal/dns/service_listener.go
index 232f6ebc2..9c783d9df 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/service_listener.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/service_listener.go
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) Listen() error {
 	s.listenIP, s.listenPort, err = s.evalListenAddress()
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to eval runtime address: %s", err)
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("eval listen address: %w", err)
 	}
 	s.server.Addr = fmt.Sprintf("%s:%d", s.listenIP, s.listenPort)
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/service_memory.go b/client/internal/dns/service_memory.go
index 128dda840..757cd962a 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/service_memory.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/service_memory.go
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ func (s *serviceViaMemory) Listen() error {
 	var err error
 	s.udpFilterHookID, err = s.filterDNSTraffic()
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return fmt.Errorf("filter dns traffice: %w", err)
 	}
 	s.listenerIsRunning = true
 
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/systemd_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/systemd_linux.go
index 3cd4342ad..27a93fbe1 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/systemd_linux.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/systemd_linux.go
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ package dns
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 	"net/netip"
@@ -30,6 +31,8 @@ const (
 	systemdDbusSetDefaultRouteMethodSuffix = systemdDbusLinkInterface + ".SetDefaultRoute"
 	systemdDbusSetDomainsMethodSuffix      = systemdDbusLinkInterface + ".SetDomains"
 	systemdDbusResolvConfModeForeign       = "foreign"
+
+	dbusErrorUnknownObject = "org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.UnknownObject"
 )
 
 type systemdDbusConfigurator struct {
@@ -52,22 +55,22 @@ type systemdDbusLinkDomainsInput struct {
 	MatchOnly bool
 }
 
-func newSystemdDbusConfigurator(wgInterface WGIface) (hostManager, error) {
-	iface, err := net.InterfaceByName(wgInterface.Name())
+func newSystemdDbusConfigurator(wgInterface string) (hostManager, error) {
+	iface, err := net.InterfaceByName(wgInterface)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get interface: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(systemdResolvedDest, systemdDbusObjectNode)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get dbus resolved dest: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
 	var s string
 	err = obj.Call(systemdDbusGetLinkMethod, dbusDefaultFlag, iface.Index).Store(&s)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get dbus link method: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	log.Debugf("got dbus Link interface: %s from net interface %s and index %d", s, iface.Name, iface.Index)
@@ -84,7 +87,7 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) supportCustomPort() bool {
 func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	parsedIP, err := netip.ParseAddr(config.ServerIP)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to parse ip address, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to parse ip address, error: %w", err)
 	}
 	ipAs4 := parsedIP.As4()
 	defaultLinkInput := systemdDbusDNSInput{
@@ -93,7 +96,7 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 	}
 	err = s.callLinkMethod(systemdDbusSetDNSMethodSuffix, []systemdDbusDNSInput{defaultLinkInput})
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("setting the interface DNS server %s:%d failed with error: %s", config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("setting the interface DNS server %s:%d failed with error: %w", config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort, err)
 	}
 
 	var (
@@ -121,7 +124,7 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		log.Infof("configured %s:%d as main DNS forwarder for this peer", config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
 		err = s.callLinkMethod(systemdDbusSetDefaultRouteMethodSuffix, true)
 		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("setting link as default dns router, failed with error: %s", err)
+			return fmt.Errorf("setting link as default dns router, failed with error: %w", err)
 		}
 		domainsInput = append(domainsInput, systemdDbusLinkDomainsInput{
 			Domain:    nbdns.RootZone,
@@ -132,6 +135,12 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 		log.Infof("removing %s:%d as main DNS forwarder for this peer", config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
 	}
 
+	// create a backup for unclean shutdown detection before adding domains, as these might end up in the resolv.conf file.
+	// The file content itself is not important for systemd restoration
+	if err := createUncleanShutdownIndicator(defaultResolvConfPath, systemdManager, parsedIP.String()); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to create unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	log.Infof("adding %d search domains and %d match domains. Search list: %s , Match list: %s", len(searchDomains), len(matchDomains), searchDomains, matchDomains)
 	err = s.setDomainsForInterface(domainsInput)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -143,7 +152,7 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig) error {
 func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) setDomainsForInterface(domainsInput []systemdDbusLinkDomainsInput) error {
 	err := s.callLinkMethod(systemdDbusSetDomainsMethodSuffix, domainsInput)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("setting domains configuration failed with error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("setting domains configuration failed with error: %w", err)
 	}
 	return s.flushCaches()
 }
@@ -153,17 +162,29 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) restoreHostDNS() error {
 	if !isDbusListenerRunning(systemdResolvedDest, s.dbusLinkObject) {
 		return nil
 	}
+
+	// this call is required for DNS cleanup, even if it fails
 	err := s.callLinkMethod(systemdDbusRevertMethodSuffix, nil)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("unable to revert link configuration, got error: %s", err)
+		var dbusErr dbus.Error
+		if errors.As(err, &dbusErr) && dbusErr.Name == dbusErrorUnknownObject {
+			// interface is gone already
+			return nil
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("unable to revert link configuration, got error: %w", err)
 	}
+
+	if err := removeUncleanShutdownIndicator(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to remove unclean shutdown resolv.conf backup: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	return s.flushCaches()
 }
 
 func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) flushCaches() error {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(systemdResolvedDest, systemdDbusObjectNode)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the object %s, err: %s", systemdDbusObjectNode, err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the object %s, err: %w", systemdDbusObjectNode, err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.TODO(), 5*time.Second)
@@ -171,7 +192,7 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) flushCaches() error {
 
 	err = obj.CallWithContext(ctx, systemdDbusFlushCachesMethod, dbusDefaultFlag).Store()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while calling the FlushCaches method with context, err: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("calling the FlushCaches method with context, err: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -180,7 +201,7 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) flushCaches() error {
 func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) callLinkMethod(method string, value any) error {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(systemdResolvedDest, s.dbusLinkObject)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the object, err: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the object, err: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
@@ -194,22 +215,29 @@ func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) callLinkMethod(method string, value any) error
 	}
 
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while calling command with context, err: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("calling command with context, err: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (s *systemdDbusConfigurator) restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(*netip.Addr) error {
+	if err := s.restoreHostDNS(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restoring dns via systemd: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 func getSystemdDbusProperty(property string, store any) error {
 	obj, closeConn, err := getDbusObject(systemdResolvedDest, systemdDbusObjectNode)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got error while attempting to retrieve the systemd dns manager object, error: %s", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("attempting to retrieve the systemd dns manager object, error: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer closeConn()
 
 	v, e := obj.GetProperty(property)
 	if e != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error getting property %s: %v", property, e)
+		return fmt.Errorf("getting property %s: %w", property, e)
 	}
 
 	return v.Store(store)
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_android.go b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_android.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..105fb00bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_android.go
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+package dns
+
+func CheckUncleanShutdown(string) error {
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e077ec84d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_darwin.go
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+//go:build !ios
+
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io/fs"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation = "/var/lib/netbird/unclean_shutdown_dns"
+
+func CheckUncleanShutdown(string) error {
+	if _, err := os.Stat(fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation); err != nil {
+		if errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+			// no file -> clean shutdown
+			return nil
+		} else {
+			return fmt.Errorf("state: %w", err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	log.Warnf("detected unclean shutdown, file %s exists. Restoring unclean shutdown dns settings.", fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation)
+
+	manager, err := newHostManager()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create host manager: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := manager.restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(nil); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restore unclean shutdown backup: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func createUncleanShutdownIndicator() error {
+	dir := filepath.Dir(fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation)
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(dir, os.FileMode(0755)); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create dir %s: %w", dir, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := os.WriteFile(fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation, nil, 0644); err != nil { //nolint:gosec
+		return fmt.Errorf("create %s: %w", fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation, err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func removeUncleanShutdownIndicator() error {
+	if err := os.Remove(fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove %s: %w", fileUncleanShutdownFileLocation, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_ios.go b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_ios.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..105fb00bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_ios.go
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+package dns
+
+func CheckUncleanShutdown(string) error {
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_linux.go b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_linux.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..afd587720
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_linux.go
@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+//go:build !android
+
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io/fs"
+	"net/netip"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation  = "/var/lib/netbird/resolv.conf"
+	fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation = "/var/lib/netbird/manager"
+)
+
+func CheckUncleanShutdown(wgIface string) error {
+	if _, err := os.Stat(fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation); err != nil {
+		if errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+			// no file -> clean shutdown
+			return nil
+		} else {
+			return fmt.Errorf("state: %w", err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	log.Warnf("detected unclean shutdown, file %s exists", fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation)
+
+	managerData, err := os.ReadFile(fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("read %s: %w", fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation, err)
+	}
+
+	managerFields := strings.Split(string(managerData), ",")
+	if len(managerFields) < 2 {
+		return errors.New("split manager data: insufficient number of fields")
+	}
+	osManagerTypeStr, dnsAddressStr := managerFields[0], managerFields[1]
+
+	dnsAddress, err := netip.ParseAddr(dnsAddressStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("parse dns address %s failed: %w", dnsAddressStr, err)
+	}
+
+	log.Warnf("restoring unclean shutdown dns settings via previously detected manager: %s", osManagerTypeStr)
+
+	// determine os manager type, so we can invoke the respective restore action
+	osManagerType, err := newOsManagerType(osManagerTypeStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("detect previous host manager: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	manager, err := newHostManagerFromType(wgIface, osManagerType)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create previous host manager: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := manager.restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(&dnsAddress); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restore unclean shutdown backup: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func createUncleanShutdownIndicator(sourcePath string, managerType osManagerType, dnsAddress string) error {
+	dir := filepath.Dir(fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation)
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(dir, os.FileMode(0755)); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create dir %s: %w", dir, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := copyFile(sourcePath, fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create %s: %w", sourcePath, err)
+	}
+
+	managerData := fmt.Sprintf("%s,%s", managerType, dnsAddress)
+
+	if err := os.WriteFile(fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation, []byte(managerData), 0644); err != nil { //nolint:gosec
+		return fmt.Errorf("create %s: %w", fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func removeUncleanShutdownIndicator() error {
+	if err := os.Remove(fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove %s: %w", fileUncleanShutdownResolvConfLocation, err)
+	}
+	if err := os.Remove(fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove %s: %w", fileUncleanShutdownManagerTypeLocation, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_windows.go b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_windows.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..41db46768
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/internal/dns/unclean_shutdown_windows.go
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io/fs"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	netbirdProgramDataLocation = "Netbird"
+	fileUncleanShutdownFile    = "unclean_shutdown_dns.txt"
+)
+
+func CheckUncleanShutdown(string) error {
+	file := getUncleanShutdownFile()
+
+	if _, err := os.Stat(file); err != nil {
+		if errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+			// no file -> clean shutdown
+			return nil
+		} else {
+			return fmt.Errorf("state: %w", err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	logrus.Warnf("detected unclean shutdown, file %s exists. Restoring unclean shutdown dns settings.", file)
+
+	guid, err := os.ReadFile(file)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("read %s: %w", file, err)
+	}
+
+	manager, err := newHostManagerWithGuid(string(guid))
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create host manager: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := manager.restoreUncleanShutdownDNS(nil); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("restore unclean shutdown backup: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func createUncleanShutdownIndicator(guid string) error {
+	file := getUncleanShutdownFile()
+
+	dir := filepath.Dir(file)
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(dir, os.FileMode(0755)); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create dir %s: %w", dir, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte(guid), 0600); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("create %s: %w", file, err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func removeUncleanShutdownIndicator() error {
+	file := getUncleanShutdownFile()
+
+	if err := os.Remove(file); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove %s: %w", file, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func getUncleanShutdownFile() string {
+	return filepath.Join(os.Getenv("PROGRAMDATA"), netbirdProgramDataLocation, fileUncleanShutdownFile)
+}
diff --git a/client/internal/dns/upstream.go b/client/internal/dns/upstream.go
index 4e08841dc..9fd524700 100644
--- a/client/internal/dns/upstream.go
+++ b/client/internal/dns/upstream.go
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) waitUntilResponse() {
 		}
 
 		log.Tracef("checking connectivity with upstreams %s failed. Retrying in %s", u.upstreamServers, exponentialBackOff.NextBackOff())
-		return fmt.Errorf("got an error from upstream check call")
+		return fmt.Errorf("upstream check call error")
 	}
 
 	err := backoff.Retry(operation, exponentialBackOff)
diff --git a/client/internal/engine.go b/client/internal/engine.go
index 4493c75e8..cfb947b13 100644
--- a/client/internal/engine.go
+++ b/client/internal/engine.go
@@ -1080,6 +1080,11 @@ func (e *Engine) close() {
 		log.Errorf("failed closing ebpf proxy: %s", err)
 	}
 
+	// stop/restore DNS first so dbus and friends don't complain because of a missing interface
+	if e.dnsServer != nil {
+		e.dnsServer.Stop()
+	}
+
 	log.Debugf("removing Netbird interface %s", e.config.WgIfaceName)
 	if e.wgInterface != nil {
 		if err := e.wgInterface.Close(); err != nil {
@@ -1098,10 +1103,6 @@ func (e *Engine) close() {
 		e.routeManager.Stop()
 	}
 
-	if e.dnsServer != nil {
-		e.dnsServer.Stop()
-	}
-
 	if e.firewall != nil {
 		err := e.firewall.Reset()
 		if err != nil {
diff --git a/iface/iface_linux.go b/iface/iface_linux.go
index 73606a25c..62ae0f0de 100644
--- a/iface/iface_linux.go
+++ b/iface/iface_linux.go
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@ func NewWGIFace(iFaceName string, address string, wgPort int, wgPrivKey string,
 	wgIFace.tun = newTunUSPDevice(iFaceName, wgAddress, wgPort, wgPrivKey, mtu, transportNet)
 	wgIFace.userspaceBind = true
 	return wgIFace, nil
-
 }
 
 // CreateOnAndroid this function make sense on mobile only