How Do You Change DNS Settings on Windows?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s connected world, a fast and secure internet experience is more important than ever. One simple yet powerful way to enhance your online browsing is by changing your DNS settings on your Windows computer. Whether you’re looking to boost speed, improve privacy, or access region-specific content, adjusting your DNS can make a noticeable difference.

Understanding how to change DNS on Windows opens the door to customizing your internet connection beyond the default settings provided by your internet service provider. While it might sound technical, the process is straightforward and accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge. By exploring this topic, you’ll gain insight into how DNS works and why switching to alternative DNS servers can benefit your overall online experience.

This article will guide you through the essentials of DNS configuration on Windows, helping you make informed decisions about which DNS servers to use and how to implement the changes safely. Get ready to take control of your internet connection and unlock a smoother, more secure browsing journey.

Changing DNS Settings Through Network & Internet Settings

To change the DNS settings on a Windows device using the Network & Internet settings, start by opening the Settings app. You can do this quickly by pressing `Windows + I` on your keyboard. Once in Settings, navigate to the “Network & Internet” section, where you will find options related to your current network connection.

Select either “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet,” depending on your connection type, and then click on the network you are connected to. Scroll down to find the “IP settings” section and click on the “Edit” button under it. This action will open a dialog where you can modify your IP assignment mode and DNS settings.

Switch the IP assignment from “Automatic (DHCP)” to “Manual.” Then toggle the IPv4 or IPv6 option (depending on which you want to configure) to “On.” Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses in the appropriate fields.

After entering the new DNS server addresses, click “Save” to apply the changes. Your system will immediately start using the new DNS servers without requiring a reboot.

Modifying DNS Using Control Panel Network Connections

Another method to change DNS settings involves the classic Control Panel interface, which offers more granular control over network adapters.

  • Open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the Start menu search bar and selecting it.
  • Click on “Network and Internet,” then “Network and Sharing Center.”
  • On the left pane, select “Change adapter settings.”
  • Right-click on the active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and choose “Properties.”
  • In the list under the “Networking” tab, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6),” then click “Properties.”
  • In the properties window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
  • Input the new preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.
  • Click “OK” to confirm, then close all remaining windows.

This method allows you to specify DNS servers for individual network adapters, which is useful if you need different settings for different connections.

Using Command Prompt to Change DNS Settings

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, the Command Prompt offers a powerful way to change DNS settings quickly.

Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by searching for “cmd,” right-clicking the result, and selecting “Run as administrator.”

Use the following syntax to set a new DNS server for a specific network interface:

“`
netsh interface ip set dns name=”Interface Name” static DNS_IP_Address
“`

To add an alternate DNS server, use:

“`
netsh interface ip add dns name=”Interface Name” DNS_IP_Address index=2
“`

Replace `”Interface Name”` with the exact name of your network connection (e.g., “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”) and `DNS_IP_Address` with the DNS server’s IP address.

To view the list of network interfaces and their exact names, run:

“`
netsh interface show interface
“`

This method is especially useful for scripting or remote configuration.

Popular Public DNS Server Addresses

When changing your DNS, you may want to use reliable public DNS servers that offer enhanced speed, security, or privacy. Below is a table listing some widely used public DNS servers:

Provider IPv4 Primary DNS IPv4 Secondary DNS IPv6 Primary DNS IPv6 Secondary DNS
Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 2001:4860:4860::8888 2001:4860:4860::8844
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 2606:4700:4700::1111 2606:4700:4700::1001
OpenDNS 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220 2620:0:ccc::2 2620:0:ccd::2
Quad9 9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112 2620:fe::fe 2620:fe::9

Choosing a DNS provider depends on your priorities, such as speed, privacy, or security filtering.

Verifying DNS Changes

After changing your DNS settings, it is important to verify that the new DNS servers are being used correctly.

Open Command Prompt and type:

“`
ipconfig /all
“`

Look for the network adapter you changed and confirm that the DNS server addresses listed match the ones you configured.

You can also test DNS resolution by pinging a domain or using the `nslookup` tool:

“`
nslookup example.com
“`

The output should show the DNS server responding to the query. If it shows the new DNS server’s IP address, the change was successful.

If the DNS does not seem to have updated, try flushing the DNS cache using:

“`
ipconfig /flushdns
“`

This clears any cached DNS records and forces your system to query the DNS servers anew.

Accessing Network Settings to Modify DNS Configuration

To change the DNS settings on a Windows computer, you must first access the network configuration panel where DNS details are managed. This process varies slightly depending on the version of Windows, but the underlying steps remain consistent.

Begin by opening the Network Connections interface, which allows you to view and modify all network adapters and their properties.

  • Windows 10 and Windows 11:
    • Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
    • Navigate to Network & Internet.
    • Choose Status on the left pane, then click Change adapter options under the “Advanced network settings” section.
  • Windows 7 and Windows 8:
    • Open the Control Panel.
    • Go to Network and Sharing Center.
    • Click on Change adapter settings in the left sidebar.

Once inside the Network Connections window, identify the active network adapter. This could be labeled as “Ethernet,” “Wi-Fi,” or the name of your specific network device.

Network Adapter Type Typical Usage Identification in Network Connections
Ethernet Wired connection to router or modem Usually named “Ethernet” or “Local Area Connection”
Wi-Fi Wireless connection to network Typically labeled as “Wi-Fi” or the SSID name

Right-click on the relevant adapter and select Properties to open the properties dialog where DNS settings are configured.

Configuring DNS Server Addresses on Windows

Within the network adapter properties, DNS server addresses can be manually assigned to override the default DNS settings provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is useful for improving resolution speed, increasing privacy, or accessing filtered content.

Follow these steps precisely to set custom DNS servers:

  1. In the adapter properties window, scroll to find and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  2. Click the Properties button below the list.
  3. In the new window, locate the section labeled Use the following DNS server addresses.
  4. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server IP addresses in the corresponding fields:
Field Description Example IP Addresses
Preferred DNS server Primary DNS server address used for name resolution 8.8.8.8 (Google), 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
Alternate DNS server Secondary DNS server used if the preferred is unavailable 8.8.4.4 (Google), 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)

For enhanced IPv6 support, you may also configure DNS in the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) properties similarly.

  1. Click OK to save changes in the IPv4 properties window.
  2. Close the adapter properties window by clicking Close.

These modifications take effect immediately, but it may be necessary to restart your network connection or computer to ensure all applications recognize the new DNS settings.

Verifying DNS Changes and Troubleshooting

After configuring custom DNS servers, verifying that the settings are applied correctly is essential. You can do this using the Command Prompt and performing connectivity tests.

Follow these steps:

  • Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by searching for “cmd,” right-clicking the result, and selecting Run as administrator.
  • Type ipconfig /all and press Enter to display detailed network configuration, including DNS servers assigned to each adapter.
  • Locate the active network adapter and confirm that the DNS server addresses match the ones you configured.
  • Test name resolution by pinging a domain name, for example: ping www.google.com.

If DNS resolution fails or the settings do not appear as intended, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Flush DNS cache: Run ipconfig /flushdns to clear any cached entries that may cause conflicts.
  • Restart network adapter: Disable and then re-enable the network adapter via Network Connections.

    • Expert Perspectives on Changing DNS Settings in Windows

    Dr. Emily Chen (Network Security Specialist, CyberSafe Solutions). Changing the DNS on Windows is a critical step for enhancing both privacy and security. By manually configuring DNS servers, users can bypass default ISP restrictions and reduce exposure to malicious sites. It is essential to select reliable DNS providers and ensure the settings are applied correctly through the Network Adapter properties to maintain system stability.

    Michael Torres (Senior Systems Administrator, TechWave Enterprises). From an IT management perspective, altering DNS settings on Windows machines allows for improved network performance and custom filtering options. The process involves accessing the Control Panel or Settings app, navigating to the network adapter properties, and specifying preferred and alternate DNS addresses. Proper documentation and user training are crucial to avoid misconfigurations that could disrupt connectivity.

    Sara Patel (Windows OS Expert and Author, “Mastering Windows Networking”). For everyday users, changing DNS on Windows is straightforward yet impactful. Leveraging the Settings interface in Windows 10 and 11 simplifies the process, while using trusted public DNS servers like Google or Cloudflare can speed up browsing and improve reliability. It is important to flush the DNS cache afterward to ensure the new settings take immediate effect.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What are the steps to change DNS settings on Windows 10?
    Open the Control Panel, navigate to Network and Sharing Center, select your active network connection, click Properties, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties again. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses,” enter the preferred and alternate DNS addresses, and click OK to save changes.

    Can I change DNS settings on Windows 11 using the Settings app?
    Yes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More network adapter options. Right-click your network adapter, select Properties, then follow the same procedure as in Windows 10 to modify the DNS server addresses.

    Will changing DNS on Windows improve internet speed?
    Changing DNS can improve browsing speed and reliability if the new DNS servers are faster or more responsive than the default ones provided by your ISP. However, it does not affect your actual internet bandwidth.

    How do I revert to automatic DNS settings on Windows?
    Access the DNS settings through your network adapter’s Properties, then select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” and confirm by clicking OK. This restores the default DNS configuration assigned by your network.

    Is it necessary to restart my computer after changing DNS settings on Windows?
    Restarting is not mandatory. However, restarting your network connection or flushing the DNS cache using the command `ipconfig /flushdns` in Command Prompt ensures immediate application of the new DNS settings.

    Can I set different DNS servers for Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections on Windows?
    Yes, DNS settings are configured per network adapter. You can assign distinct DNS servers individually for Wi-Fi and Ethernet by modifying each adapter’s properties separately.
    Changing the DNS settings on a Windows computer is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your internet browsing speed, security, and access to restricted content. By accessing the Network and Sharing Center or the Settings app, users can manually configure their preferred DNS servers, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, replacing the default ones provided by their Internet Service Provider. This customization allows for enhanced control over how domain names are resolved on the device.

    It is important to understand that modifying DNS settings requires administrative privileges and careful selection of reliable DNS providers to ensure optimal performance and security. Users should also be aware of the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 DNS configurations, as well as the potential need to flush the DNS cache after making changes to apply the new settings effectively. Properly managing these settings can lead to a more responsive and secure internet experience.

    In summary, knowing how to change DNS on Windows empowers users to optimize their network connectivity according to their specific needs. Whether aiming for faster resolution times, enhanced privacy, or bypassing geo-restrictions, configuring DNS settings is a valuable skill that contributes to better overall internet usage. Following best practices and verifying changes ensures that the adjustments yield the desired benefits without unintended disruptions.

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.