How Do I Know if My DNS Server Is Working Windows?

Are you experiencing slow internet connection or having trouble accessing certain websites? It could be due to issues with your DNS (Domain Name System) server.

The DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to websites over the internet. If your DNS server is not functioning properly, it can lead to various connectivity problems. In this article, we will guide you on how to check if your DNS server is working on Windows.

Checking the DNS Server Settings

If you suspect that your DNS server might be causing the connectivity issues, the first step is to check its settings on your Windows computer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” into the Run box and click OK.
3. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
4. In the Properties window, scroll down and find the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Select it and click on Properties.
5. In the next window, make sure that both the options are set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically“.

   This ensures that your computer is using the default DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

6. If this option was already selected or didn’t resolve your issue, you can manually set the DNS server addresses. You can use Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4) or any other reliable DNS servers.
7. Click on OK to save the changes and exit the Properties window.
8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Pinging the DNS Server

If you have checked and adjusted the DNS server settings but are still experiencing connectivity issues, you can further diagnose the problem by pinging your DNS server. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” into the Run box and click OK.
3. In The Command Prompt window, type “ping [DNS_server_address]” without quotes, replacing [DNS_server_address] with the actual IP address of your DNS server. For example, if you are using Google’s Public DNS, you would type “ping 8.8“.
4. If The ping command is successful and displays a response from the server, it indicates that your computer can reach the DNS server without any issues.
5. If The ping command fails or times out, it suggests a problem with your network connection or the DNS server itself.

Clearing DNS Cache

In some cases, clearing your computer’s DNS cache can help resolve DNS server issues. Follow these steps to clear the DNS cache:

1. Open the Command Prompt as mentioned earlier.
2. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” without quotes and press Enter.
3. You should receive a confirmation message stating that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.

Contacting Your ISP or Network Administrator

If none of the above steps help resolve your DNS server issues, it is recommended to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator for further assistance. They can provide you with specific instructions or insights into any known DNS server problems in your area.

By following these steps, you can determine whether your DNS server is working correctly on Windows and take necessary actions to fix any issues. Remember that troubleshooting network problems can sometimes be complex, and it’s always a good idea to seek professional help if needed.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable insights into diagnosing and resolving DNS server problems on Windows.