How to Find Fully Qualified Domain Name in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) on Windows 10 is quite simple. By using the Command Prompt, you can easily identify the FQDN of your computer. This process involves just a few straightforward steps which we’ll cover below.

How to Find Fully Qualified Domain Name on Windows 10

In the following steps, you’ll learn how to find the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) on a Windows 10 computer using the Command Prompt. This will help you understand your computer’s place within the network.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Press the Windows key, type "cmd," and hit Enter.

Opening the Command Prompt is your first gateway to finding your FQDN. The Command Prompt is a built-in tool in Windows that lets you execute commands directly.

Step 2: Type the Command

In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig /all" and press Enter.

This command provides detailed information about your network configuration, including the FQDN.

Step 3: Locate the Hostname

Look for the "Host Name" entry in the results.

The Host Name is the first part of your FQDN. Make a note of it as you’ll need it for the following steps.

Step 4: Find the Primary DNS Suffix

Locate the "Primary DNS Suffix" entry in the same results.

The Primary DNS Suffix is the domain part of your FQDN. Combine it with your Host Name to get the full FQDN.

Step 5: Combine the Information

Combine the Host Name and Primary DNS Suffix to get the FQDN.

For example, if your Host Name is "computer1" and your Primary DNS Suffix is "example.com," your FQDN is "computer1.example.com."

After completing these steps, you’ve successfully found your FQDN using the Command Prompt on Windows 10. Now you know exactly how your computer identifies itself within the network.

Tips for Finding Fully Qualified Domain Name on Windows 10

  • If Command Prompt feels intimidating, you can also use PowerShell.
  • Double-check the spelling when you type commands.
  • If you only see the Host Name but not the Primary DNS Suffix, your computer might not be part of a domain.
  • For a quicker check, type "set" in Command Prompt and look for the "USERDNSDOMAIN" entry.
  • Familiarize yourself with network terms to better understand the output.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)?

An FQDN is the complete domain name for a specific computer, including both the host name and the domain name.

Why do I need to know my FQDN?

Knowing your FQDN is essential for network communications, especially in larger networks or when configuring certain software.

What if my computer is not part of a domain?

If your computer is not part of a domain, you will not have a Primary DNS Suffix, and thus, no FQDN.

Can I find the FQDN using PowerShell?

Yes, you can use the command "Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object CsName, WindowsDomain" in PowerShell.

How often does the FQDN change?

The FQDN typically remains constant unless you change the computer’s name or its domain membership.

Summary

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the command.
  3. Locate the Hostname.
  4. Find the Primary DNS Suffix.
  5. Combine the information.

Conclusion

Finding the fully qualified domain name on Windows 10 is a breeze once you know the steps. This process is crucial for a myriad of tasks, from setting up software to troubleshooting network issues. Remember, your FQDN uniquely identifies your computer within a network, making it essential for seamless network operations.

If you’re diving deeper into networking or just setting up a new system, knowing how to find the FQDN can save you a lot of headaches. For more advanced topics, you might want to explore command line tools or network configuration tutorials.

Keep practicing these steps, and soon enough, navigating the Command Prompt will feel like second nature. Happy computing!