How to Change DNS on Windows 10: A Quick Guide to Better Browsing

Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) on Windows 10 might sound a bit technical, but it is actually quite straightforward. You will typically start by heading into your computer’s network settings, specifically the “Network and Sharing Center” or “Network & Internet” section. From there, you will locate your active internet connection, right click on it, and then dive into its properties. Within those properties, you will find the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) settings, where you can easily input the new primary and secondary DNS server addresses you wish to use. It is a quick process that gives you more control over your internet experience, often leading to faster browsing or enhanced privacy.

Tutorial – How to Change DNS on Windows 10

Ready to take control of your internet connection? This step-by-step guide will walk you through updating your DNS servers on Windows 10, which can help speed up your browsing, enhance security, or even allow you to access content more freely. Don’t worry, it is simpler than you might think, and we will go through each part together.

Step 1: Open your Windows Settings.

You can get to your settings by clicking the Start button, which looks like a little window icon, and then selecting the gear icon from the menu that pops up. This is your gateway to most system adjustments.

This initial step is super easy, just like opening an app on your phone. The Settings menu is where all the magic happens for changing things around on your computer, so it is a good place to get familiar with. Think of it as your computer’s control panel for daily adjustments.

Step 2: Navigate to “Network & Internet.”

Once you are in the Settings window, look for the option “Network & Internet” and click it. This section is dedicated to all things related to your computer’s connection to the web.

This is where your computer manages how it talks to the wider world. Whether you are on Wi-Fi or using an Ethernet cable, this is the hub for all connection details, so it is the right place to change DNS.

Step 3: Access “Change adapter options.”

In the “Network & Internet” section, find and click on “Change adapter options.” This link is usually under the “Advanced network settings” subheading, so keep an eye out for it.

Clicking this opens a new window showing all your network connections, whether active or not. This is where you will see your Wi-Fi card, your Ethernet port, and maybe even some virtual adapters if you use special software.

Step 4: Identify and select your active internet connection.

Look for the connection you are currently using to get online, typically “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet,” and then right-click on it. You will see a small green bar if it is active, and it will probably be labeled with your network name.

It is important to pick the right one, because if you change the settings for a connection you are not even using, nothing will happen. Make sure you are right-clicking on the one that is actively getting you to your favorite websites.

Step 5: Open the “Properties” window for your connection.

From the right-click menu, choose “Properties.” This will open a new dialog box listing networking features and protocols.

This “Properties” window is like the detailed information card for your specific internet connection. It lists all the different ways your computer communicates over that connection, and that is exactly where we need to go to adjust the DNS.

Step 6: Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties” again.

Scroll down the list in the “Properties” window, find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” click to highlight it, and then click the “Properties” button located below the list. This step is crucial, as IPv4 is the common protocol for DNS.

We are specifically looking for IPv4 because it is the most widely used protocol for assigning IP addresses and handling DNS requests on most home networks. While IPv6 exists, most DNS changes happen within IPv4 settings.

Step 7: Enter your preferred DNS server addresses.

In the new window, select the radio button that says “Use the following DNS server addresses” and then type your preferred primary DNS address into the “Preferred DNS server” box and your secondary DNS address into the “Alternate DNS server” box. You might use public DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

These numbers are like phone numbers for websites. When you type a website name, your computer calls one of these DNS servers to find out its actual Internet address. Entering new ones here tells your computer to use different “phone books.”

Step 8: Confirm your changes.

Click “OK” on the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties” window, and then click “OK” again on your connection’s “Properties” window to save all your new settings. You have successfully updated your DNS.

After clicking “OK” a couple of times, your computer will register the new DNS settings. It is like telling your computer, “Hey, from now on, use these new servers for looking up websites,” and it instantly starts to follow those instructions.

Once you have completed these steps, your computer will immediately begin using the new DNS servers you entered. This means that every time you type a website address into your browser, your computer will now send that request to your chosen DNS servers to resolve the website’s IP address. You might notice faster website loading speeds, improved privacy, or even access to content previously restricted by your internet service provider’s default DNS. Sometimes you might need to restart your browser or even your computer for the changes to take effect, but often they take effect instantly.

Windows 10 DNS Change Tips

• Choose a reliable DNS provider: Not all DNS servers are created equal. Research providers like Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, or OpenDNS for options that offer good speed, security features, and privacy policies.
• Flush your DNS cache: After changing your DNS settings, it is a good idea to clear your computer’s DNS cache. You can do this by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing ipconfig /flushdns, then pressing Enter. This ensures your computer forgets old DNS entries and uses the new ones right away.
• Test your DNS speed: There are many free online tools, like DNSPerf or GRC’s DNS Benchmark, that can help you compare the speed of various DNS servers from your location. This helps you pick the fastest option for your specific internet connection.
• Consider privacy-focused DNS: If privacy is a major concern, look into DNS services that advertise strong privacy policies, such as Quad9 or some Cloudflare options, which promise not to log your queries.
• Know how to revert to automatic: If you experience issues or simply want to go back to your internet service provider’s default DNS, just revisit Step 7 and select “Obtain DNS server address automatically.” This is a quick way to undo any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing DNS

Why would I want to change my DNS server?

People change their DNS servers for several reasons. You might do it to get faster internet speeds, as some DNS servers resolve website addresses quicker than others. It can also enhance your online security by blocking malicious websites or improve privacy by using servers that do not track your browsing history. Sometimes, changing DNS can even help bypass regional content restrictions.

Is it safe to change my DNS server?

Yes, it is generally very safe to change your DNS server. You are simply telling your computer to use a different “phone book” for finding websites. As long as you use reputable public DNS servers from well-known providers, you should not encounter any security risks. If you use a malicious DNS server, it could redirect you to fake websites, but sticking to trusted names helps avoid this.

What are some good DNS servers to use?

Some of the most popular and reliable public DNS servers include Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). Each offers different benefits in terms of speed, security, and content filtering, so it is worth trying a few to see which works best for you.

Will changing my DNS break my internet connection?

It is unlikely to completely break your internet connection if you enter valid DNS addresses. If you enter incorrect or non-existent DNS server addresses, your computer might struggle to resolve website names, resulting in “page not found” errors or slow loading times. However, your internet connection itself, meaning your ability to connect to your router, will still be active. You can always revert to “Obtain DNS server address automatically” if you run into problems.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing DNS?

While a full computer restart is not always necessary, it is often a good idea to at least restart your web browser or flush your DNS cache. Flushing the DNS cache, as mentioned in the tips, helps clear out cached DNS records, forcing your computer to use the new settings immediately. If you are still experiencing issues, a full computer restart can ensure all network services recognize the change.

Quick DNS Change Summary

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Access Change adapter options.
4. Select your active internet connection.
5. Open its Properties.
6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) properties.
7. Enter preferred DNS server addresses.
8. Confirm your changes.

Taking Control: Your Digital Navigator

Stepping into the world of DNS changes might seem like a small technical tweak, but it is truly about taking a bit more control over your digital life. Think of DNS servers as the phone books of the internet. When you type “google.com” into your browser, a DNS server translates that easy-to-remember name into a complex numerical address, like 172.217.160.142, that computers understand. Your internet service provider (ISP) automatically assigns you a default DNS server, but just like you can choose your own phone book, you can choose your own DNS.

Why stick with the default when there is a whole world of options out there? By learning how to change DNS Windows 10, you empower yourself to potentially unlock a faster, more secure, and even more private browsing experience. Imagine websites loading just a tiny bit quicker because your chosen DNS server is more efficient at finding those numerical addresses. Picture a safer online journey, with some DNS providers actively blocking known malicious websites, serving as a digital bodyguard for your browsing sessions. What about privacy? Many alternative DNS providers make it a point to not log your internet activity, offering a welcomed shield against tracking.

The beauty of this process is its simplicity. It is not some arcane wizardry reserved for IT professionals, but a straightforward series of clicks that anyone comfortable navigating their computer can manage. And the best part? It is entirely reversible. If you ever feel like your new DNS isn’t quite hitting the mark, or if you encounter an unexpected hiccup, you can always revert to your ISP’s automatic settings with just a few clicks. There is no permanent damage, no irreversible choices, just an opportunity to experiment and optimize.

So, why not give it a try? Explore the options, pick a reputable DNS provider that aligns with your priorities, whether that is speed, security, or privacy, and follow the steps we have outlined. You might just find that this small adjustment makes a noticeable difference in your daily online interactions. It is a fantastic way to personalize your computing experience, making the internet work better for you, on your terms. Dive in, experiment, and see the difference a little DNS knowledge can make.