How to Change DNS on Windows 10: A Detailed Guide
Managing your DNS settings on Windows 10 can be crucial for improving your internet browsing experience, enhancing security, or bypassing geo-restrictions. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of changing your DNS settings on Windows 10, step by step.
Understanding DNS
DNS, or Domain Name System, is like the internet’s phonebook. It translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) that computers use to communicate with each other. By changing your DNS settings, you can direct your internet traffic through different DNS servers, which can affect your browsing speed, security, and privacy.
Step 1: Open Network & Internet Settings
1. Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”
3. On the left-hand side, click on “Change adapter options.”
4. Right-click on the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter you want to change the DNS settings for and select “Properties.”
Step 2: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
1. In the Properties window, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
2. Click on the “Properties” button.
Step 3: Change DNS Server Addresses
1. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
2. Replace the “Preferred DNS server” and “Alternate DNS server” with the new DNS server addresses you want to use. Here are some popular DNS servers:
| Provider | Preferred DNS Server | Alternate DNS Server |
|---|---|---|
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
After entering the new DNS server addresses, click “OK” to save the changes.
Step 4: Confirm the Changes
1. Close the Properties window and the Network & Internet settings window.
2. Restart your computer to apply the new DNS settings.
Step 5: Verify the DNS Settings
1. Open a command prompt by pressing “Windows key + X” and selecting “Command Prompt.”
2. Type “ipconfig /all” and press Enter.
3. Look for the “DNS Servers” section to confirm that your new DNS settings are in place.
Additional Tips
1. If you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection after changing DNS settings, try reverting to the default DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS) and see if the problem persists.
2. Some internet service providers (ISPs) may block certain DNS servers. If you’re unable to connect to the internet after changing DNS settings, try using a different DNS server or contact your ISP for assistance.
3. Keep in mind that changing DNS settings may not always result in a noticeable improvement in your internet experience. It’s essential to choose a reliable DNS server that suits your needs.
By following these steps, you should now have a clear understanding of how to change DNS settings on Windows 10. Happy browsing!
