How Do I Know Which DNS Server Is Resolving?

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Heather Bennett

Have you ever wondered how your computer is able to find and access websites? It all starts with the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts as a phone book for the internet, translating human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand.

But have you ever wanted to know which DNS server is actually resolving those domain names for you? In this article, we will explore different methods to find out exactly that.

Checking DNS Settings on Windows

If you’re using a Windows operating system, there are a few simple steps you can take to determine which DNS server your computer is using:

  • Step 1: Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing “cmd”, and hitting Enter.
  • Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
  • Step 3: Look for the “DNS Servers” line in the output. This will display the IP addresses of the DNS servers being used by your computer.

Finding DNS Server Information on macOS

If you’re using a Mac, follow these steps to find out which DNS server is resolving domain names on your system:

  • Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences”.
  • Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on “Network”.
  • Step 3: Select your active network connection from the left sidebar (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  • Step 4: Click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom-right corner of the window.
  • Step 5: Go to the “DNS” tab. Here you will find a list of DNS servers that your Mac is currently using.

Determining DNS Server on Linux

If you’re using a Linux-based operating system, you can use the following steps to find out which DNS server your system is configured to use:

  • Step 1: Open a terminal window.
  • Step 2: Type the command cat /etc/resolv.conf and press Enter.
  • Step 3: Look for the line starting with “nameserver”. The IP address following “nameserver” denotes your current DNS server.

Analyzing DNS Resolvers’ Performance

If you’re curious about not only which DNS server is resolving domain names but also how well it’s performing, you can use online tools like DNSPerf, DNS Benchmark, or GRC’s DNS Benchmark Tool. These tools analyze and compare the performance of different public DNS resolvers based on their response times and reliability.

In Summary

The ability to determine which DNS server is resolving domain names can be helpful in troubleshooting network issues, optimizing internet performance, or simply satisfying curiosity. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, there are easy steps to follow to find this information.

Additionally, online tools can provide further insights into the performance of different DNS resolvers. So go ahead, explore the world of DNS and unlock a deeper understanding of your internet connection!

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