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Asked: 2024-09-24T10:11:09+05:30 In: ,

How can I find out which DNS servers my system is currently using through the command line?

I’ve been digging into some networking stuff lately, and I hit a bit of a wall. I know that DNS servers are super important for translating those easy-to-remember domain names into IP addresses and all, but I realized I have no idea which DNS servers my system is currently using. I mean, it seems like a basic thing to check, right? But every time I try to figure it out, I feel like I’m just going in circles.

So, I’m curious if anyone here knows how to find out what DNS servers are being utilized on a system using the command line. I’ve heard it might differ if you’re on Windows versus macOS or Linux. Like, I get that there are specific commands for each operating system, but can someone break it down? Maybe even share what commands you would run, along with a bit about what they actually do?

Also, it’d be cool to know if there’s a way to see not just the primary DNS but also any secondary ones, just to get the full picture. I mean, I’ve seen settings in the network adapter properties, but I prefer the command line—it feels more legit, you know? Plus, I feel like knowing how to do this can come in handy later, especially if I ever need to troubleshoot internet issues or something.

Oh, and if anyone has insights on how often these DNS servers should be checked for changes, that’d be awesome too! I’ve read that sometimes ISPs change them without you really knowing, which sounds a bit sketchy if I’m not keeping tabs on it. I’m just kind of overwhelmed with the whole networking terminology, so any simple explanations or step-by-step instructions would really help. I appreciate any tips or advice you can throw my way!

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    2 Answers


    1. To find out which DNS servers your system is currently using, you can use different commands depending on whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Linux. For Windows, open the Command Prompt and execute the command ipconfig /all. This will display a list of all your network configurations, including the DNS servers under the section for your active network adapter. For macOS, you can utilize the scutil --dns command in the Terminal, which provides detailed information about your DNS resolution configuration, including both primary and secondary DNS servers. On Linux, the command cat /etc/resolv.conf will typically show the DNS servers being used, as this file contains the nameserver entries configured for your network.

      In general, checking your DNS settings periodically is a good practice, especially if you suspect network issues or slow browsing speeds. ISPs may change the DNS servers they provide without notice, and any such changes can impact your internet experience. If you want to be proactive about your DNS settings, consider using reliable public DNS services like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) that tend to be more stable. Additionally, if you are troubleshooting network problems, knowing the DNS servers can help isolate issues related to name resolution versus connectivity problems. Keeping an eye on these settings and being aware of any changes can save you a lot of headaches down the line.



    2. Finding Your DNS Servers via Command Line

      If you’re looking to find out which DNS servers your system is using, you’re on the right track! Here’s a simple breakdown of how to check it based on your operating system:

      For Windows:

      1. Open the Command Prompt. You can do this by typing cmd in the Start menu search bar and hitting Enter.
      2. Type the following command and hit Enter:
        3. ipconfig /all
      3. Look for a section labeled “DNS Servers.” You should see your primary and any secondary DNS servers listed there.

      For macOS:

      1. Open the Terminal. You can find it in Applications > Utilities, or just search for “Terminal.”
      2. Type the following command and press Enter:
        3. scutil --dns
      3. This will show you a lot of details, but look for the “nameserver” entries to find your DNS servers.

      For Linux:

      1. Open your terminal. You can usually find it in your applications menu.
      2. To see your DNS servers, type:
        3. cat /etc/resolv.conf
      3. Look for lines starting with nameserver. These will list the IP addresses of your DNS servers.

      Why Check DNS Servers?

      Checking your DNS settings is a good habit, especially if you suspect internet issues. Your ISP can change the DNS servers without you knowing, and using a reliable DNS can speed up your browsing experience or even help with security.

      How Often Should You Check?

      There’s no specific rule about how often to check your DNS servers, but it’s a good idea to do it if you notice slow browsing or connectivity issues. If you like to keep an eye on things, maybe check every few months or whenever you change your network settings.

      Don’t stress too much about the networking jargon. Once you get the hang of it, it’ll start making sense. Good luck!


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