In this “how to” tutorial, I will show you how to add a DNS zone on a Windows DNS server.
Open the DNS console
On a server where the DNS role is installed, open the DNS Manager administrative console.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-01-800x399.png)
Add a DNS zone in direct lookup zones
In the left panel, right-click on Direct search zones and click on New zone.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-02-800x404.png)
Opening the wizard for creating a DNS zone
In the first step of the wizard, click on Next.
![Zone DNS Wizard](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-03.png)
Choose the type of zone
Select the type of zone you want to create (usually a main zone) and click on Next.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-04.png)
Configure replication in an Active Directory environment in the zone
If you are in an Active Directory environment and the zone is created on a domain control, configure how the zone will be replicated in the environment and click on the Next button.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-05.png)
Indicate the name of the DNS zone
Now indicate the name of the zone, which generally corresponds to a DNS name and click on Next.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-06.png)
Configure dynamic update
Configure the dynamic update of the zone, in the case of a DNS zone which allows access to services (Internet sites), it is not necessary to activate the dynamic update. Once configured, click on Next.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-07.png)
Confirm the creation of the DNS zone
A preview of the DNS zone that will be created is displayed, click on the Finish button to confirm the addition of the DNS zone on the server.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-08.png)
DNS zone created
The zone is now created and available in the DNS Manager console.
![](https://rdr-it.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ht-zone-dns-add-09-800x403.png)
Now you need to add DNS records.