Are you facing issues with your internet connection? Is your website not loading properly or are you unable to access certain webpages?
One common troubleshooting step is to check your DNS server settings. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to check your DNS server in Windows.
What is a DNS Server?
A Domain Name System (DNS) server is responsible for translating domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e., 192.168.0.1). It acts as a directory that helps your computer connect to the correct website when you enter a URL in your web browser.
Checking Your DNS Server in Windows
To check your DNS server settings in Windows, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt
To open the Command Prompt, press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd, and then press Enter.
Step 2: Run the Command
In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all, and then press Enter. This command will display detailed information about your network connections.
Step 3: Locate Your Network Adapter
In the list of information displayed, locate the network adapter that you are currently using for internet connectivity. It may be labeled as Ethernet adapter Ethernet, Wi-Fi adapter Wi-Fi, or something similar.
Step 4: Find Your DNS Server Address
In the details for your network adapter, look for the line that says DNS Servers. The IP addresses listed next to it are your DNS server addresses. They might be displayed as a primary and secondary DNS server.
Understanding the Results
The DNS server addresses displayed in the Command Prompt window are the ones currently configured for your network adapter. If you see Obtain DNS server address automatically, it means that your computer is using a DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
Changing Your DNS Server in Windows
If you encounter issues with your current DNS server or wish to use a different one, you can change the settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Network Connections
Press Windows key + R, then type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This will open the Network Connections window.
Step 2: Access Adapter Properties
In the Network Connections window, right-click on the network adapter you want to configure (e., Ethernet or Wi-Fi), and select Properties.
Step 3: Change DNS Server Settings
In the Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click on Properties.
In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select either “Obtain DNS server address automatically” or “Use the following DNS server addresses“. If you choose the latter option, enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses provided by your preferred DNS service.
Step 4: Save Changes
After entering the desired DNS server addresses, click OK to save the changes.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we explained what a DNS server is and how to check your DNS server settings in Windows. By following these steps, you can diagnose network issues and change your DNS server if necessary. Remember to always select reliable DNS servers for a stable and secure internet connection.
We hope this article was helpful in resolving your DNS-related concerns. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us.