Step-by-Step Guide to Install and Configure DNS on Windows Server

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to install and configure DNS on Windows Server. If you’re eager to learn, join us as we walk through the steps to effectively install, configure, and manage DNS on your Windows Server machines.

What is DNS in Windows Server?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a crucial service for both enterprises and the broader Internet. It enables users to utilize domain names instead of numerical IP addresses to access systems. For instance, when you enter a hostname like www.thewindowsclub.com, DNS translates it into an IP address, allowing the computer to recognize and access the corresponding website.

How to Install and Configure DNS on Windows Server

Follow the steps outlined below to install and configure DNS on your Windows Server.

1. Assign a Static IP Address
2. Install the DNS Role from Roles and Features
3. Add a New DNS Entry
4. Limit IP Addresses

Let’s delve into each step in detail.

1] Assign a Static IP Address

First, it’s essential to assign a static IP address instead of using a dynamic one. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start search option and enter “View network connections” .
2. Right-click on your network interface (either WiFi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
4. Check the box for Use the following IP address, enter an IP address, then click on the Subnet Mask field (it will populate automatically), and enter the Default gateway, typically the IP address of your router.
5. Specify a DNS server (you can enter your local DNS) and click OK.
6. Finally, reboot your computer.

Ensure the default gateway is correctly configured (like your router or modem), as it directs traffic outside your network and an external DNS server is vital for resolving names beyond your local environment.

2] Install the DNS Role from Roles and Features

After setting a static IP, install the DNS Role to configure DNS:

1. Launch Server Manager.
2. Navigate to Manage > Add Roles and Features, then click Next.
3. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
4. In the Server Roles tab, check DNS Server, then click Next.
5. Skip the Features tab by clicking Next again.
6. In the Confirmation tab, check Restart the destination server automatically if required, then click Install.

Once the installation is finished, click Close.

To confirm that DNS is operational, open Command Prompt as an administrator and attempt to ping your host. DNS should properly resolve the hostname.

3] Add a New DNS Entry

Upon installing the DNS Role, a default entry is created with the hostname matching your computer’s name. You can add additional DNS host entries by following these steps:

1. Open the Server Manager console.
2. Navigate to Tools > DNS.
3. Select your server name, expand it, then the Forward-lookup zone, and click on your domain.
4. In an empty area, right-click and choose New Host (A or AAAA).
5. Provide a name, assign an IP address, and include the server’s IP address if needed.
6. Check Create associated pointer (PTR) record.
7. Click Add Host.
8. Click OK when prompted to finish the process.

You can now ping the server using the hostname we just established.

We recommend flushing your system’s DNS cache. To do this, execute ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt.

4] Limit IP Addresses

If your system has multiple IP addresses or interfaces, you can control which ones process DNS requests:

1. In Server Manager, go to Tools > DNS.
2. Select your server on the left side, right-click, and click on Properties.
3. Under the Interfaces tab, choose Only the following IP addresses, and select the desired IP address.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

This guide should help you understand the configuration and management of DNS on Windows Server effectively.

How to Add a DNS Entry in Windows Server?

To add a DNS entry, access Server Manager and navigate to Tools > DNS. This opens the DNS console. Expand the server entry, go to your domain, right-click in an empty area, and select New Host (A or AAAA). Fill in the necessary fields to create your DNS entry.

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