Windows
The Windows application consists of a control window and the DnsPatrolAgent system service running in the background. The service runs a local DNS proxy on 127.0.0.1 and forwards queries to the DoH URL assigned to the device. When protection is started, 127.0.0.1 is set statically as the DNS server on the network interfaces; when it is stopped, the interfaces are returned to the DNS servers from DHCP.
Installation
The application is installed with an installer, which requires the dialog allowing it to make changes to the computer to be confirmed. Restarting the computer after the installation completes is recommended.
First launch
On first launch the application asks for a registration code issued by an administrator from the administration portal. The code is 8 characters long, consists of uppercase letters and digits, and is entered into the field below the Please enter your registration code to continue text. The Register button verifies the code and the application moves on to its main screen.
Main screen
The main screen shows the current state of the protection:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Active | DNS PATROL is running and malicious traffic is blocked |
| Inactive | DNS PATROL is not running, queries are handled by the DNS server from DHCP |
The available buttons depend on the status:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| Stop protection | Stops the protection and returns the DNS settings to DHCP (the Active status) |
| Start protection | Starts the protection (the Inactive status) |
| Refresh Status | Reloads the status of the service |
Device information
Hovering over the information icon in the top-right corner shows the details under which the device is recorded in the portal: the computer name, the MAC address and the device token. The same device can be found in the portal under Access control > Devices.
Browser extension
The installation also includes an extension for Chrome and Edge that explains why a site was blocked instead of showing the browser’s default error page.
Uninstallation
Uninstall the application only while it is in the Inactive state. The uninstaller stops and removes the DnsPatrolAgent service, but it no longer reverts the DNS settings on the network interfaces. Uninstalling in the Active state therefore leaves the interfaces statically set to 127.0.0.1, where nothing listens once the service is gone, and name resolution on the computer stops working.
Reporting issues
Problems with the application or with websites and applications being unavailable are handled by the organisation’s IT support. If the application does not work right after installation, try restarting the computer first.