Changing DNS settings in Windows 10 can improve your internet speed, increase your online privacy, and enhance your overall browsing experience. Whether you’re experiencing slow page loads or you want to utilize an alternative DNS service for better security, understanding how to change DNS settings is essential for troubleshooting network issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of adjusting your DNS settings, while also providing insights into what DNS is and why it matters.
Understanding DNS: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into the specifics of changing your DNS settings, let’s understand what DNS (Domain Name System) is and its crucial role in the functioning of the internet.
What Is DNS?
DNS is often metaphorically referred to as the “phonebook of the internet.” It translates the human-friendly domain names we use, like www.example.com, into numerical IP addresses that computers can understand. When you type a URL into your browser, a DNS server translates that URL into an IP address, allowing your browser to connect to the server hosting the site.
Why Change Your DNS Settings?
There are several reasons you might want to change your DNS settings:
- Improved Speed: Sometimes, your ISP’s default DNS server may be slow. Using a faster public DNS can enhance load times.
- Better Security: Some public DNS servers, like Google DNS or OpenDNS, offer security features that can protect you from phishing attacks and malicious websites.
How To Change DNS Settings In Windows 10
Now that we understand what DNS is and why it’s important, let’s explore how to change your DNS settings in Windows 10. The process is straightforward and can be accomplished in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Open Network Connections
- Click on the Start button.
- Type Network Status in the search bar and select Network Status from the results.
- In the Network Status window, scroll down and click on Change adapter options.
Step 2: Access The Properties Of Your Network Connection
- In the Network Connections window, you’ll see a list of your network connections (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.).
- Right-click on the connection you want to change (for example, Wi-Fi) and select Properties.
Step 3: Open Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties
- In the Properties window, scroll down until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Click on it to highlight it, then click on the Properties button.
Step 4: Change DNS Settings
In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, you will see two options:
- Obtain an IP address automatically
- Obtain DNS server address automatically
Select the option that reads Use the following DNS server addresses.
Now, enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Here are some popular public DNS servers you might consider:
| DNS Server | Primary (Preferred) DNS | Secondary (Alternate) DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
Enter the DNS addresses into the respective fields.
Click OK to close the properties window, and then click Close to exit out of the network connection properties.
Step 5: Verify DNS Configuration
After updating your DNS settings, it’s essential to verify that your settings have been correctly applied.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
ipconfig /all
- Look through the output for your network connection. Under your connection details, find the line that shows DNS Servers. The addresses should match what you entered earlier.
Changing DNS Settings For IPv6
If you’re using an IPv6 connection, you’ll need to adjust the DNS settings for the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). The steps are similar:
Step 1: Access The IPv6 Properties
- Return to the Properties of your network connection as you did before.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click on the Properties button.
Step 2: Enter DNS Server Addresses For IPv6
Similar to IPv4, select Use the following DNS server addresses and input the DNS server details. Popular IPv6 DNS services include:
| DNS Server | Primary (Preferred) DNS | Secondary (Alternate) DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Google DNS | 2001:4860:4860::8888 | 2001:4860:4860::8844 |
| Cloudflare DNS | 2606:4700:4700::1111 | 2606:4700:4700::1001 |
Step 3: Save Changes
Click OK to save your changes and then close the properties windows.
Troubleshooting DNS Issues
If you’ve changed your DNS settings but still experience issues, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
Flush The DNS Cache
Sometimes the DNS cache can store outdated DNS records. Flushing it can resolve connectivity issues.
- Open Command Prompt (CMD) as an administrator.
- Type the following command and hit Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
You should see a confirmation message indicating that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
Check Network Configuration
If problems persist, double-check your network settings. Ensure:
- The DNS server addresses are correctly entered.
- Your IP settings are appropriately configured (automatically or manually).
- You are connected to the correct network.
Conclusion
Changing DNS settings in Windows 10 is a relatively simple process that can yield significant benefits, including improved browsing speed and enhanced security. By familiarizing yourself with these steps and considerations, you empower yourself to enhance your internet experience actively.
Whether you’re experiencing connectivity issues or simply want to switch to a more efficient DNS provider, following this guide will help you navigate the settings with ease. Remember, the internet is an ever-evolving space, and adapting your settings can lead to a more secure and enjoyable experience. Embrace the power of DNS and surf the web with confidence!
What Is DNS And Why Is It Important?
DNS, or Domain Name System, serves as the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-friendly domain names, like www.example.com, into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate and communicate with each other over the internet. This foundational service is vital for accessing websites, as it simplifies the process of navigating the expansive online landscape.
Moreover, using a reliable DNS can enhance your browsing experience by potentially speeding up connection times and providing additional security features. Different DNS providers have varying performance levels, security measures, and policies concerning content filtering, which can drastically influence your online experience.
How Do I Access DNS Settings In Windows 10?
To access the DNS settings on a Windows 10 machine, you first need to open the Network & Internet settings. Right-click on the network icon in the system tray, then select ‘Open Network & Internet settings.’ From there, navigate to ‘Status,’ and click on ‘Change adapter options’ to see your network connections.
Once you’re in the Network Connections window, identify your active network connection, right-click on it, and select ‘Properties.’ Find ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ in the list, highlight it, and then click the ‘Properties’ button. This will allow you to modify the DNS settings for your selected network connection.
How Do I Change DNS Settings?
After accessing the properties for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), you can change the DNS settings by selecting the option to ‘Use the following DNS server addresses.’ Here, you must input your preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. For example, popular choices are Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
Once you’ve entered your desired DNS addresses, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes. It’s essential to ensure that the addresses are entered correctly to avoid connectivity issues. Additionally, you may want to restart your network connection or your computer for the changes to take effect.
Can Changing DNS Settings Improve Internet Speed?
Yes, changing your DNS settings can potentially improve your internet speed. The time it takes to resolve a domain name can vary significantly between different DNS servers. By switching to a faster and more efficient DNS service, such as those offered by Google or Cloudflare, you may experience reduced latency in website loading times.
However, it’s important to note that while DNS changes can enhance performance, they are not a cure-all for slow internet speeds caused by other factors like bandwidth limitations or network congestion. It’s worthwhile to test different DNS providers to find the one that offers the best performance for your specific location and internet service provider.
Are There Any Risks Involved In Changing DNS Settings?
Changing DNS settings is generally safe, but there are some risks involved, particularly if you choose an unreliable DNS provider. Using a DNS service that is not trustworthy could expose you to security vulnerabilities or result in misleading content, as some malicious DNS servers can redirect you to fake websites or inject ads into your browsing experience.
Moreover, if you input the DNS addresses incorrectly, it may lead to issues connecting to the internet. Therefore, it’s important to do some research before switching DNS providers and to ensure you enter the server addresses accurately.
How Can I Revert Back To The Default DNS Settings?
If you need to revert back to your default DNS settings, you can do so by following a similar process as when you changed them. After accessing your network connection properties through the ‘Change adapter options’ in the Network & Internet settings, select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and click ‘Properties.’
In the properties window, you’ll see an option that says ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically.’ Select that option, click ‘OK,’ and then close the other settings windows. This will restore your DNS settings to the defaults provided by your internet service provider, effectively reverting any customizations you’ve made.