When it comes to troubleshooting network issues or configuring network settings, one of the essential pieces of information you need is the DNS (Domain Name System) server. The DNS server is responsible for translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses, allowing us to access websites and other resources on the internet.
If you’re wondering how to identify your DNS server, you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, we’ll explore different methods to find out what DNS server you are using.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
To check your DNS server using Command Prompt in Windows, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Step 2: Type “cmd” and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type “nslookup” followed by a space.
- Step 4: Next, type “google.com” (or any other domain name) and press Enter.
- Step 5: Look for the line that starts with “DNS Server” – this will display the IP address of your DNS server.
This method works on Windows operating systems. If you’re using a different operating system like macOS or Linux, refer to their respective documentation for finding your DNS server.
Method 2: Using Network Settings
If you prefer a graphical approach, you can find your DNS server through network settings. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Go to your computer’s network settings. On Windows, you can find it in the Control Panel or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting “Open Network & Internet settings.”
- Step 2: In the Network settings, click on “Change adapter options” or “Network and Sharing Center” (depending on your Windows version).
- Step 3: Right-click on your active network connection and select “Status“.
- Step 4: In the Status window, click on “Details“.
- Step 5: Look for the “IPv4 DNS Server” or “Preferred DNS Server” field – this will display the IP address of your DNS server.
This method works on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, depending on the version and interface of your operating system, the steps may vary slightly.
Method 3: Using Online Tools
If you prefer not to use command-line tools or dig into network settings, you can also utilize online tools to identify your DNS server. These tools provide a more user-friendly approach:
Simply visit one of these websites, and they will display your current DNS server information based on your IP address.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we explored three different methods to identify your DNS server. Whether you prefer using the command line, network settings, or online tools, you now have the knowledge to find this crucial piece of information.
Knowing your DNS server can be helpful when troubleshooting network issues or configuring custom DNS settings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to quickly and easily identify your DNS server and take control of your network configuration.