To edit Microsoft DNS, you'll primarily do so through the Microsoft 365 admin center if you're using Microsoft's DNS hosting for your domain associated with Microsoft 365 services. Here's how:
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Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center: Use your administrator credentials to log in at Microsoft 365 admin center. You'll need global administrator or DNS administrator permissions.
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Go to the "Settings" menu and select "Domains": In the left-hand navigation, find and click on "Settings," then choose "Domains."
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Select the domain you want to manage and click on "Manage DNS": You'll see a list of your domains. Click on the specific domain name you want to edit the DNS records for. Look for and click on a button labeled something like "Manage DNS" or "DNS Records."
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Add, edit, or delete DNS records: On the DNS management page, you'll find a table or interface where you can view and modify your DNS records.
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Adding a new record: Look for an "Add record" button. You'll typically need to specify the record type (e.g., A, MX, CNAME, TXT), hostname, value, and TTL (Time To Live).
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Editing an existing record: Find the record you want to change and select the edit option (often a pencil icon). Modify the record's values as needed.
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Deleting a record: Select the record you want to remove and click the "Delete" button (often a trash can icon).
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Important Considerations:
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Propagation Time: After making changes to your DNS records, it can take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate across the internet. This means that some users might still be directed to the old settings during this time.
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Record Types: Be familiar with the different DNS record types and their purposes. Incorrectly configured DNS records can disrupt your email, website, and other services. Common record types include:
- A Record: Maps a hostname to an IPv4 address.
- AAAA Record: Maps a hostname to an IPv6 address.
- CNAME Record: Creates an alias for another hostname.
- MX Record: Specifies the mail servers responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain.
- TXT Record: Used for various purposes, including domain verification and SPF records.
- SRV Record: Specifies the location of servers for specific services.
- NS Record: Delegates a subdomain to a different set of name servers.
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Backups: Before making significant changes to your DNS records, consider taking a backup or screenshot of your current settings. This will make it easier to revert to the previous configuration if something goes wrong.
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Third-Party DNS Hosting: If you're not using Microsoft's DNS hosting (i.e., you're using a service like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Namecheap), you'll need to edit your DNS records through their respective management interfaces. The general principles remain the same, but the specific steps and interface will differ. Look for a "DNS Management" section within their control panel.
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Incorrect Settings: If you're unsure about how to configure your DNS records, consult with your IT administrator or the documentation for the specific service you're trying to configure (e.g., Microsoft 365, a web hosting provider). Incorrect DNS settings can cause service outages.
