How to Check DNS Settings in Windows 10
Understanding DNS Settings
Before we dive into how to check DNS settings in Windows 10, it’s essential to understand what DNS is and why it’s crucial for your online experience. DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses that your computer can use to access websites and other online resources. In Windows 10, DNS settings are managed by the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (FWAS) component.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking DNS Settings in Windows 10
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your DNS settings in Windows 10:
Step 1: Open the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
- Click on the Start button and type "Windows Defender Firewall" in the search bar.
- Click on the Windows Defender Firewall icon to open it.
- Click on the Advanced settings button in the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Check the DNS Settings
- In the Advanced settings window, click on the Inbound Rules tab.
- Click on the New Rule button in the right-hand menu.
- Select Rule Type as Port and click on Next.
- Select TCP as the protocol and enter the following settings:
- Protocol: TCP
- Local Port: 53 (DNS)
- Remote Port: Any (select all ports)
- IP Protocol: TCP
- IP Address: Any (select all IP addresses)
- IP Range: Any (select all IP ranges)
- Action: Allow the connection
- Condition: Any (select all conditions)
- Enabled: Yes
- Click on Next and then Finish to create the new rule.
Step 3: Check the DNS Settings in the DNS Manager
- Click on the Start button and type "DNS Manager" in the search bar.
- Click on the DNS Manager icon to open it.
- In the DNS Manager window, click on the Windows Defender Firewall in the left-hand menu.
- In the Windows Defender Firewall window, click on the Inbound Rules tab.
- Click on the New Rule button in the right-hand menu.
- Select Rule Type as Port and click on Next.
- Select TCP as the protocol and enter the following settings:
- Protocol: TCP
- Local Port: 53 (DNS)
- Remote Port: Any (select all ports)
- IP Protocol: TCP
- IP Address: Any (select all IP addresses)
- IP Range: Any (select all IP ranges)
- Action: Allow the connection
- Condition: Any (select all conditions)
- Enabled: Yes
- Click on Next and then Finish to create the new rule.
Step 4: Check the DNS Settings in the Command Prompt
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command to check the DNS settings:
netsh advfirewall show profile name "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security" - Press Enter to run the command.
Important Points to Note
- Make sure to check the DNS settings for all the IP addresses and ports mentioned in the previous steps.
- If you’re using a VPN or a proxy server, you may need to add additional rules to allow the VPN or proxy server to communicate with the DNS server.
- If you’re experiencing issues with DNS settings, you can try restarting the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security or the DNS Manager.
Conclusion
Checking DNS settings in Windows 10 is a crucial step in ensuring that your computer is communicating with the correct DNS server. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily check your DNS settings and ensure that your computer is connected to the correct DNS server. Remember to always check the DNS settings for all the IP addresses and ports mentioned in the previous steps, and to add any additional rules as needed.
