# How to Install DNS Role on Windows Server 2012

> URL: https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/how-to-install-dns-role-windows-server-2012/ | Published: 2015-05-18 | Updated: 2024-06-05 | Author: Jose Velazquez

##### Verified and Tested 03/18/2015

### Introduction

This how-to will walk you through the Install of DNS Server in Windows Server 2012.

Domain Name System (DNS) is a system that translates a Domain name to the IP address that is associated with it over the World Wide Web. It is widely used to store the following records: A Records, AAA Records, MX Records, Name Servers, PTR/ Reverse Records, C Names, and more. It is what makes a Domain Name resolve.

## Install DNS Role on Windows Server 2012

Open the **Server Manager** from the taskbar.

From **Server Manager **Dashboard, select **Add roles and features**. This will launch the Roles and Features Wizard, allowing modifications to be performed on the Windows Server 2012 instance.

![Install DNS Role on Windows Server 2012- Add roles and features](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dns1.jpg)

Add roles and features

 

Note: If it’s the first time you have entered this wizard, you will get a **Before you Begin** page. Review it, and you can check the Skip this page by default box,  then click **Next.**

 

Select **Role-based or feature-based** installation from the Installation Type screen and click **Next**.

![Select Role-based or Feature-based installation](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dns2.jpg)

Installation Type

 

You will now have the **Select destination server** page. Your server will be selected by default, so you can click **Next**to continue.

![Select your server](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dns3.jpg)

Select your server

 

Select **DNS Server,** and the following page will come up. Click **Add Features**to continue.

![Select Add features in the Add roles and features wizard](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dns4.jpg)

Add roles and features wizard

 

Click**Next** on the **Server Roles** page. Then review and **select optional features** to install during the DNS Server installation by placing a check in the box next to any desired features; Once done, click **Next**.

![Select any optional features that you may need.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dns5.jpg)

Select any optional features

 

Click Next on the **DNS Server** tab. Then Confirm the installation selections, then click **Install**. (Note: DNS Server doesn’t require a restart after the installation so that box can remain unchecked).

![Confirm and Install your your DNS server](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dns6.jpg)

Confirm and Install your DNS server

Once the installation is completed, you can click **Close** on the **Results** page, and you’re all set.

Congratulations! You have just Installed DNS in Windows Server 2012. If you would like the configure DNS, please Check our “[Configure DNS in Windows Server 2012](https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/how-to-configure-dns-windows-server-2012/)” article. Thank you for following along in this How-To, and feel free to check back with us for any new updates.

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