Portable DNS / Windows
Portable DNS Server for Windows: when it makes sense
Portable mode runs DNS Server Sentinel directly from a folder. It is useful when you want DNS behavior without installing a Windows Service.
When this is useful
Portable mode is useful when DNS behavior should belong to a project instead of the whole machine. A developer can keep a DNS configuration inside a repository, demo folder, lab package, or test environment and launch it only when that project is active.
It is also a good fit when you do not want to install a Windows Service, when you need a quick no-install DNS server for a customer demo, or when multiple projects require different local domains and records.
Why use portable mode
Portable mode is convenient for developers, consultants, QA teams, and project demos. The DNS configuration can live next to the project and travel with it.
- No Windows Service installation required.
- Configuration can be stored inside the project folder.
- Easy to start, stop, replace, or remove.
- Good for local testing, demos, and isolated environments.
Example command
& ".\DnsServerSentinel.Service.exe" --portable --config ".\.sentinel\dns-config.json"If no port is passed as a command-line argument, Portable mode reads the bind IP and port from the selected JSON configuration. The default DNS port is 53.
Portable vs Service
Portable mode is easier for project-local workflows. Service mode is better for a permanent machine-level DNS server. Both editions use the same DNS engine and JSON configuration model.