nslookup Command – Complete Reference (Windows)The nslookup command is used to query DNS servers to obtain domain name or IP address mapping and troubleshoot DNS-related issues.
nslookup [options] [hostname] [server]
hostname: The domain name or IP to look up.server: (Optional) Specify a DNS server to use instead of the default.| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Interactive | Entered by running nslookup with no args |
| Non-Interactive | Run a single query from command line |
nslookup google.com
nslookup 8.8.8.8
nslookup google.com 1.1.1.1
Type:
nslookup
Then use commands inside the shell.
> server 1.1.1.1
> set type=MX
> google.com
> exit
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
set type=A |
Query IPv4 address records |
set type=AAAA |
Query IPv6 address records |
set type=MX |
Query mail exchange records |
set type=NS |
Query name server records |
set type=TXT |
Query text records |
set type=ANY |
Query all available records |
set debug |
Enable detailed output |
set timeout=10 |
Set timeout in seconds |
set retry=2 |
Set number of retries |
server <IP> |
Set DNS server to use |
exit |
Quit interactive mode |
Server: dns.google
Address: 8.8.8.8
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: google.com
Addresses: 142.250.182.206
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Lookup IP of domain | nslookup example.com |
| Reverse IP lookup | nslookup 8.8.8.8 |
| Use alternate DNS server | nslookup example.com 1.1.1.1 |
| Query specific record type | set type=MX → example.com |
| Enable verbose/debug mode | set debug |
nslookup is a powerful and flexible DNS query tool for resolving domain names, verifying DNS records, and troubleshooting name resolution issues. Ideal for both quick checks and in-depth diagnostics.