How to Change DNS on Windows 10: A Simple Guide

Alright, let’s talk about taking control of your internet connection, specifically by tweaking your DNS settings on Windows 10. It might sound a bit techy, but trust me, it’s a straightforward process that anyone can do. You’re basically telling your computer to use a different address book when it looks up websites, which can sometimes make your internet feel snappier or even more secure. We’ll dive into the network settings, find where those DNS numbers are set, and then swap them out for new ones. It’s like updating a contact in your phone, but for your entire computer’s web browsing. Ready to give it a shot?

Changing your DNS on Windows 10 is actually pretty simple once you know where to look. You’ll navigate through your network settings, specifically the “Network and Sharing Center” or “Network & Internet” settings. From there, you’ll locate your active internet connection, right click on it, and then dig into its properties. Inside those properties, you’ll find the Internet Protocol Version 4 settings, which is where you can manually enter new DNS server addresses. It’s a quick change that can have a noticeable impact.

Tutorial – How to Change DNS on Windows 10

These steps will guide you through updating your computer’s DNS servers, which can improve your internet speed, privacy, or security by directing your web requests through a different service.

step 1, Open the Settings app by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon.

This is your gateway to most system-level changes in Windows 10, so it’s a good place to start for any adjustments you need. Think of it as the main control panel for your computer.

Step 2: In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”

This section covers everything related to your internet connection, whether you’re on Wi-Fi or using a wired Ethernet cable. It’s where Windows manages how you get online.

Step 3: On the left side, select either “Status,” “Wi-Fi,” or “Ethernet,” depending on how you’re currently connected to the internet.

If you’re using Wi-Fi, you’ll choose “Wi-Fi.” If you’re directly connected to your router or modem, you’ll pick “Ethernet.” The “Status” page often gives you a quick overview and links to the relevant connection type.

Step 4: Click on “Change adapter options” under “Advanced network settings.”

This will open a classic Windows Control Panel window showing all your network adapters, like an old-school map of your internet connections. You might see connections you aren’t even using, but don’t worry about those for now.

Step 5: Right-click your active internet connection, usually labeled “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet,” and select “Properties.”

You’ll know it’s active because it won’t have a red X over it, and you’re currently using it to browse the web. This action opens a new box where you can adjust the specific settings for that particular connection.

Step 6: In the Properties window, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then click the “Properties” button below it.

Make sure you just select it with a single click, then hit “Properties.” Don’t uncheck the box, as that would disable the protocol entirely. This is the heart of where you’ll make your DNS changes.

Step 7: Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server numbers.

This is where you’ll type in the actual numbers for the new DNS servers you want to use. You’ll need both a “Preferred DNS server” and an “Alternate DNS server,” in case the first one isn’t available. Popular choices include Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

Step 8: Click “OK” on all open windows to save your changes.

Don’t forget this crucial step. If you just close the windows, your changes won’t be saved. Clicking “OK” on each window confirms your choices and applies them to your network adapter.

After you complete these steps, your computer will immediately start using the new DNS servers you’ve specified. This means that every time your browser or an app tries to reach a website, it will now consult your chosen DNS service to translate that website’s name into an IP address. You might notice a slight improvement in page load times, or perhaps a change in content filtering if you’ve chosen a DNS service that offers those features.

Tips for How to Change DNS on Windows 10

• Always write down your original DNS settings before making any changes, just in case you need to revert to them later. This acts as a safety net.
• Consider using public DNS providers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) for potentially better speed or enhanced security features.
• If you encounter internet connectivity issues after changing DNS, try flushing your DNS cache by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing ipconfig /flushdns then pressing Enter.
• You can also change DNS settings directly on your router, which would apply the new DNS servers to all devices connected to that router, not just your Windows 10 PC.
• Experiment with different DNS providers to see which one offers the best performance and reliability for your specific location and internet service provider.
• Some internet service providers (ISPs) prefer you use their DNS servers, so if you experience problems, changing back to “Obtain DNS server address automatically” is a good troubleshooting step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is DNS and why would I change it?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is essentially the internet’s phonebook. When you type a website name like google.com, DNS translates that into an IP address, which is a numerical address computers use to find each other. You might change it to improve browsing speed, enhance privacy, bypass certain content restrictions, or block malicious websites.

Is it safe to change my DNS settings?

Yes, it is generally very safe to change your DNS settings. You’re just telling your computer to use a different phonebook. As long as you use reputable public DNS servers like Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS, you’re unlikely to encounter any security issues. If you do run into problems, you can always revert to your original settings.

Will changing my DNS make my internet faster?

It might. While DNS doesn’t directly affect your internet connection’s raw speed, a faster DNS server can resolve domain names quicker, which can make websites feel like they load faster. The difference might be subtle for some, but noticeable for others, especially if your default ISP DNS is slow.

What if I want to go back to my original DNS settings?

If you ever want to revert, simply go back to the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties” window (Step 6), and this time, select “Obtain DNS server address automatically.” This will tell your computer to get its DNS information directly from your internet service provider again.

Can changing DNS help with gaming or streaming?

For gaming, a faster DNS can sometimes reduce the time it takes to connect to game servers, though it won’t directly lower your in-game ping, which is more about the distance and quality of your connection to the game server. For streaming, a reliable DNS can help ensure consistent access to streaming services without delays in resolving their content delivery networks.

Summary

1. Open Settings, then Network & Internet.
2. Select your connection type, Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
3. Click “Change adapter options.”
4. Right-click active connection, choose Properties.
5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” click Properties.
6. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
7. Enter new primary and secondary DNS.
8. Click “OK” on all windows to save.

Conclusion

Mastering how to change DNS on Windows 10 is a neat trick to have up your sleeve, offering more control over your internet experience than you might think. It’s not just about speed, though that’s a common and welcome side effect for many users. Think of your default DNS as the public library’s only phonebook, potentially old and slow. By changing your DNS, you’re essentially getting access to a brand new, super-fast, specialized phonebook that can look up website addresses much more efficiently. This seemingly small adjustment can significantly impact your online journey, from how quickly pages pop up to the very security of your browsing.

Beyond just speed, switching DNS servers can open doors to enhanced privacy. Some DNS providers, unlike those from your internet service provider, promise not to log your browsing activity, giving you a bit more anonymity online. Others offer built-in security features that actively block access to known malicious websites, protecting you from phishing attempts and malware before they even reach your device. For parents, certain DNS services can even help filter content, making the internet a safer space for younger users. It’s a versatile tool, capable of tailoring your internet connection to your specific needs and priorities. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Try out a few different reputable public DNS providers, like Cloudflare or Google, and see which one feels best for you. The beauty of this process is its reversibility; if you don’t like the results, you can always switch back to your ISP’s default settings with just a few clicks. So go ahead, give it a whirl. Take charge of your digital experience and see the difference a simple DNS change can make. It’s a fundamental step towards optimizing your Windows 10 machine for a better, safer, and potentially faster internet.