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Microsoft DNS Server

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Windows Server DNS, the location mechanism Active Directory depends on

DNS Server Software
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  • Deployment On Premise, Hybrid
  • Starting price Included in Windows Server
  • Free trial Available
  • Best for Small Business, Medium Business, Large Enterprise

What is Microsoft DNS Server?

Windows Server DNS is the DNS role built into Windows Server, and its significance comes less from its DNS features than from what depends on it.

DNS is essential to Active Directory Domain Services, serving as the domain controller location mechanism for authentication, updates and searches. The DNS server stores and replicates the zones containing the names and IP addresses of every computer in the domain, so clients can resolve names and, critically, find a domain controller. When a user logs in to an Active Directory domain, the DNS Client queries DNS to locate a domain controller, gets its IP address back, and only then can authentication begin.

That dependency is why DNS problems in a Windows environment rarely present as DNS problems. They present as logins failing, group policy not applying or replication stalling, and the actual fault is a name that will not resolve.

Windows Server DNS can also run as a standalone solution without Active Directory, for instance hosting public lookup zones for an organisation. The DNS Client service is included in every client and server version of Windows and runs by default after installation. Integration with Active Directory allows zones to be stored in the directory and replicated with it rather than through separate zone transfers. Licensing is part of Windows Server rather than separate.

Key Features of Microsoft DNS Server

  • Authoritative DNS for Windows domains
  • Active Directory integrated zones
  • Domain controller location for authentication
  • Directory based zone replication
  • Standalone DNS operation without AD
  • Forward and reverse lookup zones
  • Conditional forwarding
  • DNSSEC support
  • Built in DNS Client on all Windows versions
  • PowerShell and GUI management

Microsoft DNS Server Pricing

Included with Windows Server

Included in Windows Server

Request pricing

No separate DNS licence. The role ships with Windows Server, so the cost is the server licence and its CALs.

Microsoft DNS Server Specifications

Deployment
  • On Premise
  • Hybrid
Desktop
  • Windows
Built for
  • Small Business
  • Medium Business
  • Large Enterprise
Support
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Knowledge Base
Public API
Yes
Free trial
Yes
Free plan
No
Runs in browser
No
Customisable
No
Website
learn.microsoft.com

Microsoft DNS Server Screenshots

Microsoft DNS Server screenshot 1

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Microsoft DNS Server FAQs

There is no separate charge. The DNS Server role is included with Windows Server, so the cost is the Windows Server licence itself rather than a DNS product licence.

DNS is the domain controller location mechanism. When a user logs in, the client queries DNS to find a domain controller and only then can authentication begin.

Because so much depends on it. DNS failures in a Windows environment usually present as failed logins, group policy not applying or replication stalling rather than as name resolution errors.

Yes, Windows Server DNS can function as a standalone DNS solution, for example hosting public lookup zones for an organisation.

Zones stored in the directory itself and replicated along with it, rather than being replicated through conventional DNS zone transfers between servers.