How to Run a Local DNS Server on Windows
Set up a local DNS server on Windows for private domains, test records, and controlled DNS responses.
DNS guides
Practical DNS guides for Windows projects
Learn how to use a local DNS server for Windows, development domains, portable project setups, private networks, and service deployments.
Portable DNS Server for Windows: When It Makes Sense
Use a portable DNS server when a project needs DNS behavior without installing a Windows Service.
DNS Server for Developers
Create local domains, predictable records, wildcard names, and private DNS behavior for development work.
Windows DNS Server Software: Service Mode vs Portable Mode
Compare Windows Service and Portable editions and choose the right runtime for your workflow.
How to Create Local DNS Records for Development
Create A, AAAA, CNAME, TXT, MX, SRV, PTR, and wildcard records for local development domains.
Authoritative DNS Server vs DNS Forwarder
Understand the difference between local authoritative zones and forwarding unknown domains upstream.
How to Block or Ignore Domains with a Local DNS Server
Use ignored domains and local DNS behavior to stop selected names from receiving a DNS response.
DNS Server with Admin UI for Windows
Manage zones, records, forwarding, logs, statistics, and licenses from a graphical Windows Admin UI.