Network Configuration and DNS Server Identification

This reference details methods for identifying the Domain Name System (DNS) server(s) utilized by a Windows computer.

Using the Command Prompt Interface

The command prompt offers several commands to retrieve network configuration details, including DNS server information. These commands leverage the Windows system's network management tools.

`ipconfig` Command

The ipconfig /all command displays comprehensive network configuration information for all network adapters installed on the system. Within the output for each adapter, look for the "DNS Servers" section, which lists the IP addresses of the DNS servers currently configured for that adapter.

`netsh` Command

The netsh command provides a more advanced interface for managing network settings. Using netsh interface ipv4 show config and netsh interface ipv6 show config, one can obtain DNS server settings for IPv4 and IPv6 respectively. The output will list the DNS server addresses associated with the active network connection.

Graphical User Interface Methods

Alternatively, DNS server information can be accessed through the Windows graphical user interface (GUI).

Network Connections Settings

Accessing network connection properties (typically found in the Network and Sharing Center) provides access to the IPv4 and IPv6 settings for each network connection. Within these settings, the DNS server addresses are explicitly listed.

Understanding DNS Server Roles

DNS servers translate domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1), which are required for network communication. A computer typically uses one or more DNS servers to resolve domain names.

Multiple DNS Servers

Often, multiple DNS servers are configured as a form of redundancy and improved performance. If one DNS server becomes unavailable, the computer can automatically switch to an alternate server.

DNS Server Configuration Changes

The specific method for changing DNS server settings varies depending on the operating system and network configuration. These settings are usually adjusted within the network adapter properties mentioned above.