Download BuckDNS 2.41(14)

What this download includes

Automatic DNS Path Failover and Automatic Server Failover. Configure DoH, DoT or recursive fallback when the preferred resolution path fails, with automatic return after recovery. Pair BuckDNS servers and configure your network or devices to use both DNS addresses so another server remains available.

Version 2.41(14) adds parallel nameserver discovery and reuse of recursive DNS infrastructure while preserving DNSSEC and TTL limits. Zone pages show current signing and activation results instead of obsolete migration warnings. Linux upgrades migrate application directories, service accounts, configuration and commands to BuckDNS names, retaining private pre-upgrade backups and existing settings, zones, signing keys, cluster identity and saved history. Choose from six working themes, including the light Corporate theme. Selected queries expose block and allow actions directly above the listing, including cached responses. Emergency DNS extends to primary forwarding: choose another DoH or DoT provider, or direct recursion. BuckDNS verifies the emergency path before switching and returns to the primary after confirmed recovery. Recursive mode retains encrypted emergency forwarding. DNSSEC, filtering, local zones and conditional routes remain enforced. Privacy Controls includes optional check-ins and local data controls, while manual updates move to Settings → Updates. Settings, zones, signing keys and saved history are preserved.

Windows now uses an EXE setup wizard for both fresh installations and updates. Run it over the existing installation; no archive extraction or terminal commands are needed.

Version 2.41(14) includes the .NET DNS engine, DNSSEC corrections, improved cache refresh, disk-backed blocklists, subscription allowlists, zone type selection, encrypted upstream forwarding, persistent caching and primary/replica synchronization. DNS, administration and cluster synchronization run in .NET. Windows includes the required runtime; Node is not included.

New cache controls include entry limits, failure caching, configurable stale-answer timing and prefetch triggers in seconds. Logging settings provide file/console destinations, query recording and retention controls. Dashboard statistics support configurable retention, a 365-day view and an optional memory-only mode. Existing saved settings and history are preserved during upgrade.

Both downloads include system CPU, memory, disk, network and uptime statistics; six themes including Corporate; compact administration screens with readable text and ordinary numerals; and clear status indicators. DNSSEC validation has one switch under Resolution Mode. Windows setup also adds Start menu and desktop shortcuts, an installed-program entry, and a service-status tray.

Linux setup

For Debian-based Linux with systemd. The installer checks for .NET 10 and ASP.NET Core 10 and installs missing runtimes automatically. Internet access is required for that download.

1. Download the package

   Run this command, or use the Linux download button above and open a terminal in the download folder:

   wget -O buckdns_2.41.14_all.deb https://buckskeeters.com/api/buckdns/download/linux/2.41.14

   The package installs its prerequisites automatically.

2. Install BuckDNS

   Run this command in the terminal:

   sudo apt install ./buckdns_2.41.14_all.deb

3. Configure your server

   Run the configuration command using your server’s local IP address:

   sudo buckdns-configure YOUR_SERVER_IP

   Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice, then type AGREE to continue. Declining cancels setup.

4. Open the dashboard

   Open this address in a browser on your network:

   http://YOUR_SERVER_IP/

Windows setup

For Windows x64. Administrator access is required. The Windows package is not code-signed.

1. Download the Windows installer

   Use the Windows button above to download BuckDNS-2.41.14-windows-x64.exe.

2. Run the EXE

   Open the downloaded installer and approve the Windows administrator prompt. Review the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice, then select I Agree to continue.

3. Install or update

   For a new server, enter its assigned IPv4 address and console port. For an existing installation, setup detects the saved address and port and updates BuckDNS in place. Settings, zones, keys, history and existing firewall restrictions are retained. Setup creates a backup before replacement and checks DNS startup.

4. Open BuckDNS

   Use the desktop shortcut or Start menu entry. The default console port is 5380. Updating restarts DNS briefly; follow the progress in the installer.

Update from the Linux console

Settings → Updates includes an Update server button when a newer release is available. Earlier releases place this button in Settings → About. Open the secure console, enter your Linux login and sudo password, and follow the live installation output. The updater verifies the release and backs up configuration before installing. DNS restarts briefly, then the console reconnects.

The secure console uses HTTPS on port 8443. On the first visit, trust the server’s local certificate. Install 2.41(14) with the terminal commands above to add this feature to an older server.

After installation

Choose direct recursion or forwarding, review allowed client networks, and enable the lists you want. Configure your router’s DHCP DNS settings or individual devices to use BuckDNS. Devices using their own DNS service can bypass filtering.

If a device stops resolving, inspect its requests in Query log. Check the result and source before changing a list. An allow rule only overrides filtering; it does not fix an upstream or authoritative NXDOMAIN response.

Updates are installed manually. Review the in-app update notice and back up configuration before upgrading. Keep replicas on a compatible release.