How to view DNS cache content in Windows

This article focuses on the Windows DNS cache . We are going to explain what it is, how we can easily see the content stored on our computer and how we can delete it. A review of this term related to networks and linked to privacy, a very important factor for users today.

What is Windows DNS Cache

When we talk about DNS cache we refer to the information that is stored temporarily related to DNS searches in the operating system or browser of that computer.

Basically we can say that it is a record of the websites that we have visited. When we enter a website for the first time, our system uses the domain name resolution service. However, when entering a second time, that information is already stored.

If we take RedesZone as an example and enter the address in the browser, the first thing it does is check the DNS cache to see if we have already visited it before. If we have not entered before, it will use the DNS server of our provider or the one we have configured. Keep in mind that this cache can be stored both in the operating system and in the browser.

How to view the contents of the DNS cache

We can easily see the DNS cache in Windows 10. We already know that it is the most widely used desktop operating system today among users worldwide.

This information comes from DNS lookups that occur when trying to visit websites, named FTP servers, and other remote hosts. Windows uses this cache to improve the performance of web-based applications.

To see this information we have to go to the Command Prompt. We enter Start and write CDM and execute it with administrator rights. Once we are there we have to execute the command ipconfig / displaydns . The results will appear there.

Among the results we will see the name of the record (name that queries the DNS and the records that belong to that name), the type of record (displayed as a number or name), the life period (time in seconds after which it must expire cache entry), data length (length in bytes, for example an IPv4 address is 4 bytes; IPv6 is 16 bytes), section (actual response to query), and host.

We see all this information on the screen. However we can also easily export it to a TXT file. To do this we execute the command dnscachecontents.txt , followed by the previous one, and it will open in a text file.

Additionally we can also see the DNS cache stored in Windows through PowerShell. We have to execute Get-DnsClientCache and it will show us the whole list.

How to clear DNS cache in Windows

We have explained what the DNS cache is, what it is for and how we can see it in Windows 10. But we also have the option to clear it in a simple way. This is very useful at times when problems arise. A way to be able to solve those errors that make us unable to connect to the Internet correctly.

To do this we have to go to the Command Prompt again and this time execute the command ipconfig / flushdns . In this way everything stored will be erased and you will start saving it again.

One option that we have at our disposal is to disable DNS storage . We have to go to Start, write Services and run it. Now we look for DNS Client (DNS Client Service) and stop it. From that moment on, it will no longer store this data.

In short, by following these steps that we have mentioned, we can see the content of the DNS cache in Windows 10. It is a simple process and for which we only have to execute some of the options that we have mentioned. We can also delete everything that is saved.

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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