Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator ExpertDeploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenantEasy

A Microsoft 365 administrator needs to assign a custom domain, 'contoso.com', to their tenant. The domain is currently registered with a third-party registrar. Which DNS record type is primarily used to verify domain ownership during the custom domain setup process in Microsoft 365?

  1. ASRV record
  2. BA record
  3. CMX record
  4. DTXT record
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. TXT record

To prove ownership of a custom domain, Microsoft 365 typically requires adding a specific TXT record to the domain's DNS zone. This record contains a unique verification string that Microsoft 365 checks.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. SRV records are for service location and are configured after verification.
  • B. A records map hostnames to IP addresses and are not used for domain ownership verification in this context.
  • C. MX records are for mail exchange and are configured after verification.

DNS TXT Record

A type of DNS record that provides text information to sources outside your domain, often used for verification or policy data.

  • Used for domain ownership verification (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google).
  • Can contain SPF or DKIM records for email authentication.
  • Does not directly affect mail flow or website access.

Memory trick: Remember DNS records are like signs on the internet highway, each with a different purpose.

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