DnsServer module: setup and commands

Module 2 min read Windows PowerShell 5.1 and PowerShell 7

Written and tested by Dhrub Bharali · Updated 02 October 2026

Query DNS zones and records with Get-DnsServerZone and Get-DnsServerResourceRecord before changing forwarders, aging or scavenging.

Getting it

Available on any DNS server, and on an admin workstation once the RSAT DNS tools are installed with Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Rsat.Dns.Tools.

Examples

1PS> Get-DnsServerZone -ComputerName DC01

Show reference output

1 ZoneName ZoneType IsDsIntegrated IsReverseLookupZone

2 -------- -------- -------------- -------------------

3 corp.local Primary True False

1PS> Get-DnsServerForwarder -ComputerName DC01

Show reference output

1 IPAddress UseRootHint Timeout(s)

2 --------- ----------- ----------

3 1.1.1.1 True 5

4 8.8.8.8 True 5

What it is for

Use it when the job is to change or audit what a DNS server holds rather than to resolve a name. It fits zone inventories, stale record cleanup, and confirming that conditional forwarders point where the design says they should.

Typical tasks

Inventory forward and reverse lookup zones
Export A and CNAME records for a zone
Audit forwarders and root hints
Check aging and scavenging settings
Add or remove a record during a cutover
Compare zone contents between two servers

Check the installed version

1PS> Get-Module -ListAvailable DnsServer | Select-Object Name, Version, Path

2PS> Get-Command -Module DnsServer

Compare the module path and version with the session used by your scheduled task or automation account. Use it when the job is to change or audit what a DNS server holds rather than to resolve a name. It fits zone inventories, stale record cleanup, and confirming that conditional forwarders point where the design says they should.

Primary documentation

PowerShell objects and pipelines documentation

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