In this tutorial, we will learn how to find your internet DNS server. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for translating website addresses (URLs) into IP addresses that computers can understand. Finding your DNS server can be useful in troubleshooting network issues or configuring network settings.
Checking DNS Server on Windows
If you are using a Windows operating system, the following steps will help you find your DNS server:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
To open the Command Prompt, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter.
Step 2: Enter Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /all
This command will display detailed information about your network configuration.
Step 3: Locate DNS Server Address
In the output of the previous command, look for a section called “DNS Servers“. The IP address listed next to it is your DNS server address.
Finding DNS Server on macOS or Linux
If you are using a Mac or Linux system, you can find your DNS server by following these steps:
Step 1: Open Terminal
To open Terminal on macOS, go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. On Linux systems, search for “Terminal” in the applications launcher.
In the Terminal window, enter one of the following commands and press Enter:
cat /etc/resolv.conf
or
nmcli dev show | grep DNS
These commands will display the configuration file or network information, respectively.
Step 3: Find DNS Server Address
In the output, look for a line that starts with “nameserver“. The IP address listed after it is your DNS server address.
Using Online Tools to Find DNS Server
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, several online tools can help you find your DNS server:
These websites will display your DNS server information without requiring any technical knowledge.
Conclusion
Finding your internet DNS server is essential for troubleshooting network issues and configuring network settings. Whether you use command-line tools or online resources, knowing your DNS server can help identify and resolve connectivity problems effectively.
Remember to note down your DNS server address for future reference. It can be helpful when seeking assistance from technical support or making changes to your network configuration.