Strange DNS query name every few seconds

Chakpak 1 Reputation point
2021-10-17T15:18:39.297+00:00

I recently looked at DNS query log on my router and see that my Windows machine is issuing a DNS query to npifea0ab.lan (basically some "random" looking characters followed by .lan) all the time. Mostly every 5 seconds but sometimes a second apart or 6 seconds apart.

The router doesn't resolve with an IP address but seems to return NXDOMAIN. I assume that such a flurry of DNS requests can't be good and wondering where are they coming from? I restarted the laptop and didn't open any browser so there are no tabs in there to ask for DNS. What is Windows doing? How to make progress debugging root cause?

Windows DHCP
Windows DHCP
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). A communications protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-10-17T15:31:22.093+00:00

    Sounds like your router provides the private domain space named LAN. Might need to read up on the router or follow-up in forums for the router hardware. Something here may also help.
    https://homenetworkguy.com/how-to/use-custom-domain-name-in-internal-network/

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

  2. Chakpak 1 Reputation point
    2021-10-21T18:31:21.457+00:00

    I wrote router but truly it isn't router. It is a Pi-Hole that is monitoring the web traffic and that reported this access from my laptop.

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  3. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-10-21T18:34:06.6+00:00

    Sounds good, I'd try getting in touch with the "Pi-Hole" support team to debug.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--