How Do I Find My DNS Server?
Understanding how to find your DNS server is essential for troubleshooting network connectivity issues and configuring your internet settings. The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating human-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses, enabling communication between devices on the internet.
Why Do You Need to Know Your DNS Server?
Knowing your DNS server can help you diagnose and resolve various internet-related problems. For example, if you are unable to access a specific website or experiencing slow browsing speeds, checking your DNS server settings can be the first step towards finding a solution.
Finding Your DNS Server on Windows
If you’re using a Windows operating system, follow these steps to find your DNS server:
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Step 1:
Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
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Step 2:
Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and click on it when it appears in the search results.
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Step 3:
In the Control Panel window, navigate to Network and Internet, then click on Network and Sharing Center.
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Step 4:
In the Network and Sharing Center, click on your active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
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Step 5:
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If you’re using a wired connection, click on the Details button.
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If you’re using a wireless connection, click on the Wireless Properties button, then navigate to the Security tab.
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Step 6:
In the Details or Wireless Network Properties window, look for the “IPv4 DNS Server” or “DNS Server” field. The IP address listed there is your DNS server.
Finding Your DNS Server on macOS
If you’re using a macOS device, follow these steps to find your DNS server:
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Step 1:
Click on the Apple menu located at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
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Step 2:
In the System Preferences window, click on Network.
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Step 3:
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If you’re connected via Ethernet, select the Ethernet option.
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If you’re connected via Wi-Fi, select the Wi-Fi option.
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Step 4:
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If you selected Ethernet in the previous step, click on the “Advanced” button and go to the “DNS” tab.
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If you selected Wi-Fi in the previous step, click on the “Advanced..” button and go to the “DNS” tab.
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Step 5:
In the DNS tab, you will see a list of DNS servers. The topmost server is typically the one your device is currently using.
Now that you know how to find your DNS server on both Windows and macOS, you can easily troubleshoot network issues and configure your internet settings accordingly. Remember to consult your internet service provider or network administrator if you need specific DNS server information for your network.
Conclusion
Finding your DNS server is a fundamental skill that can help you resolve internet-related problems effectively. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you’ll be able to identify your DNS server on both Windows and macOS, empowering yourself to troubleshoot connectivity issues with confidence.