Setup Cloud Windows DNS Server in Azure/AWS/Google GCP
To setup and install a Windows DNS server in the cloud on Azure, AWS or Google GCP, the quickest and easiest way is to use our IaaS DNS virtual machine offering from the cloud marketplaces. Our virtual machine comes pre configured as a Windows DNS server on Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019 DNS server. Click any of the deployment buttons below to deploy to your preferred cloud provider.
Cloud Windows DNS Server
Azure DNS Server
AWS DNS Server
Google DNS Server
Table of Contents
Getting Started with Cloud Windows DNS Server
Logging in via RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) into new DNS Server
Once you have deployed our DNS server, the first step is to RDP into the new instance once it has fully booted up. The following links explain how to connect the VM once it has finished being deployed:
- How to RDP to AWS Windows Instance
- How to RDP to Google GCP Windows Instance
- How to RDP to Azure Windows Virtual Machine
Once logged in, you’re now ready to start setting up DNS as per the getting started section next.
Cloud Windows DNS Server Planning
Once you’ve downloaded our DNS virtual machine, the first task is to set the virtual machine with a static IP address.
This is very important so clients can resolve using the correct IP address incase the servers IP address changes.
Note:
- For best performance, IPv6 should be disabled.
- A public IP address should be assigned to each DNS server VM if you want to provide name resolution externally.
- If you are using DDNS, you might need to disable DNS record scavenging. Azure DHCP leases are long, and scavenging might remove DNS records prematurely.
- Provide appropriate recursive resolution to allow resolution of external domain names.
- Be accessible (TCP and UDP on port 53) from the clients it serves, and be able to access the internet.
Create a DNS Forward Lookup Zone
Step 1. Open server manager dashboard.
Step 2. Click Tools -> DNS
Step 3. In DNS manager console, expand DNS server. Right-click Forward Lookup Zones.
Step 4. Click New Zone.
Step 5. Click Next.
Step 6. Choose primary zone. If your server is part of Active Directory, you can choose to “Store the zone in AD” (Optional).
Step 9. Provide the zone name and click Next.
Step 10. Choose “Create a new file with this ….” and click Next.
Step 11. Choose “Do not allow dynamic updates” or “Allow only secure dynamic updates” if your environment is part of Active Directory (AD).
Step 12. Click Finish.
Adding DNS Host Record in a Forward Lookup Zone
Step 1. Open DNS manager console and right-click your forward lookup zone where you would like to create a host record.
Step 2. Click New Host (A or AAAA).
Step 3. Provide the name (and this will become FQDN in the form support.mydomain.com), and IP address.
Step 4. Click ‘Add Host‘ and you are done.
Windows DNS Firewall Ports
The following firewall ports will need to be open if there is a firewall appliance in between your DNS server and clients.
Incoming open ports:TCP/53
UDP/53
Outgoing open ports:TCP/53
UDP/53
To setup AWS firewall rules refer to – AWS Security Groups
To setup Azure firewall rules refer to – Azure Network Security Groups
To setup Google GCP firewall rules refer to – Creating GCP Firewalls
Windows DNS Server Support / Documentation
If you have any questions about this Microsoft DNS server deployment or are experiencing any issues with your deployment leave your comments below and i will answer them for you within 24 hours.
Microsoft documentation on using Windows DNS Server can be found on:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/dns/dns-top
If you would like to hire us to setup your DNS server environment for you, get in touch and we can get you up and running.
