WINDOWS SERVICE
Dnscache: DNS Client
Caches Domain Name System (DNS) names and registers the full computer name for this computer.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Service name | Dnscache |
|---|---|
| Display name | DNS Client |
| Runs from | C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe |
| Command line | svchost.exe -k NetworkService -p |
| Runs as | NetworkService |
| Verdict | Leave it alone |
| Microsoft, Windows Server 2016 guidance | No guidance |
Paths, signer and service account observed on Windows 11 build 26300 on 9 November 2026. Run the commands below to check your own PC.
Should you touch it?
Leave it aloneMicrosoft says that if it stops, DNS names still resolve, but query results are not cached and the computer's name is not registered. If it is disabled, services that depend on it do not start. The cache is the useful part, so we would leave it running.
What PC Tweaker does with it
PC Tweaker does not change this service. No control in the catalogue stops it, disables it or edits its start type.
Check it yourself
See its state and start type
PowerShellGet-Service Dnscache | Format-List Name, DisplayName, Status, StartType sc qc Dnscache
Common questions
What does the Dnscache service do?
Caches Domain Name System (DNS) names and registers the full computer name for this computer. It runs C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe (svchost.exe -k NetworkService -p) as NetworkService.
Can I disable Dnscache?
Leave it alone. Microsoft says that if it stops, DNS names still resolve, but query results are not cached and the computer's name is not registered. If it is disabled, services that depend on it do not start. The cache is the useful part, so we would leave it running.