How to Set Up a DNS Server in Windows Server

Setting up a DNS server in Windows is a straightforward process that involves a few different steps. DNS, or Domain Name System, is a protocol used to translate domain names, like google.com, into IP addresses that computers can use to connect to websites and services. By setting up your own DNS server, you can have more control over your network's DNS queries and improve the overall speed and performance of your network.

Step 1: Install the DNS Server Role

The first step in setting up a DNS server in Windows is to install the DNS Server role on your server. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Server Manager app on your Windows server.
  2. Click on "Add roles and features" in the main dashboard.
  3. Choose "Role-based or feature-based installation" and click "Next."
  4. Select your server from the server pool and click "Next."
  5. Scroll down and select the "DNS Server" role from the list of available roles.
  6. Click "Next" until you get to the "Confirm installation selections" screen, then click "Install."

Step 2: Configure your DNS Server

Once the DNS Server role is installed, you need to configure your DNS server to start resolving queries. Here's how to configure your DNS server:

  1. Open the DNS MMC console by clicking on the Start Menu and searching for "DNS."
  2. Expand the domain you want to configure in the console tree and select the "Forward Lookup Zones" folder.
  3. Right-click on the "Forward Lookup Zones" folder and select "New Zone."
  4. Follow the steps in the New Zone Wizard to create your new forward lookup zone.
  5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the "Reverse Lookup Zones" folder if you want to configure reverse DNS as well.

Step 3: Configure your Network Clients

The final step in setting up your DNS server is to configure your network clients to use your DNS server for name resolution. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the network adapter properties for each client on your network.
  2. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" from the list and click "Properties."
  3. Click on the "Use the following DNS server addresses" radio button and enter the IP address of your new DNS server.
  4. Click "OK" to save your changes.

That's all there is to setting up a DNS server in Windows. With your new DNS server, you can have greater control over your network's DNS queries and improve the overall performance of your network.

Back to blog