The Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) is an implementation of the network protocol NetBIOS over TCP / IP via Microsoft in local networks.

Just like DNS, WINS serves as the central resolution of names. When a device connects to the network, it automatically registers its name and IP-address on the WINS-server. If the IP-address or name of the device are altered, there is no manual intervention necessary.

There is a commonly used abbreviation also used outside the Windows-world. It is called NBNS, which stands for NetBIOs Name Service.