When you change the DNS settings on your Windows 10 computer, it can make a significant change and improve your Internet speed, security, and privacy. Domain Name System (DNS) is crucial to translate the names of domain into IP addresses, thus, allowing websites to load. Whether you’re looking to switch to Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8) for faster browsing or to improve privacy, we’ve got you covered! At Nimble Nerds, our friendly team is just a call away—connect with a receptionist, and we’ll appoint an expert to reach out within 30 minutes. This is certainly a no-obligation call! You can gain insights on time, costs and how we can easily assist you.

What is DNS, and Why Should You Change It?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the phonebook of the Internet. This system translates user domain names, for instance, www.example.com, into IP addresses that computers can use to communicate on the network. Imagine it as dialling a friend’s number when you type in a web address. Your computer reaches out to a DNS server to locate the IP address needed for the site to load smoothly and seamlessly. Without DNS, surfing the web would be like attempting to call a friend without their contact number in hand. Oh no!

But, why would you consider making changes to it? Well, DNS servers are not all the same when it comes to their performance and security levels. Usually, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will give you a default DNS although this may not be the quickest or the most secure option available. By switching to a different DNS provider, like Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, you can experience a range of benefits. For one, changing your DNS can improve browsing speed because third-party DNS servers often respond faster than your ISP’s. Improved privacy is also an additional advantage, as many of the public DNS services do not keep a record of your browsing history as some ISPs do.

Some individuals may choose to change their DNS servers to have more control over their Internet activities and browsing experience. In addition, they may do so to access websites restricted by their ISP, improve Internet speed and connectivity, or simply gain a more secure and private online experience.Changing your DNS is a good starting point if you are looking for these results.

How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 10

First things first: to change your DNS settings on Windows 10, you’ll need to access the Control Panel. Although this might seem a bit old-school, it is still the easiest way to adjust your network settings. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Access the Control Panel: Click on the Start Menu and type “Control Panel” into the search bar. If you’re a bit lost in the newer Windows interface, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
2. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center: Once you’re in the Control Panel, set the View by option (top-right) to Large icons for easier navigation. Then, click on Network and Sharing Center. This is where you can view and manage all your network connections.
3. Change Adapter Settings: In the left-hand pane of the Network and Sharing Center, you’ll see a link labeled Change adapter settings. Click it to reveal all your network connections—whether it’s Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or even a VPN connection.
4. Select Your Network Connection: Find your active network connection. If you’re on Wi-Fi, it’ll be labeled as “Wi-Fi,” and if you’re using a wired connection, it’ll say “Ethernet.” Right-click on your connection and select Properties.

From here, you’re halfway done! These steps might feel a little techy, but with a bit of patience, you’ll have those DNS settings changed in no time.

Step-by-Step Guide: Changing DNS Server Addresses

Now that you’ve opened the Properties of your network connection, it’s time to change the DNS server addresses. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Properties Window: In the list of items within the Properties window, scroll until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select it, and then click the Properties button. This will open a new panel where you can manually configure the IP and DNS settings.
2. Select DNS Settings: In the IP configuration panel, look for the option that says Use the following DNS server addresses. When you select this, two text fields will become active: one for the Preferred DNS server and another for the Alternate DNS server.
3. Enter Preferred DNS Server: This is where you input the new DNS addresses. For Google’s Public DNS, type in 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server field. If you’re using another provider, such as Cloudflare, enter 1.1.1.1 instead.
4. Input Alternate DNS Server: This is essentially a backup if the preferred server fails. For Google’s alternate DNS, enter 8.8.4.4. For Cloudflare, you would use 1.0.0.1. These secondary addresses ensure uninterrupted browsing if there’s an issue with the primary server.
5. Save Your Settings: Once you’ve entered the new DNS addresses, click OK to save the changes. Close the Properties window, and you’re all set!

At first, this process may be a bit complex and hard to understand but don’t worry, it only takes a few minutes for you to understand this. If you’d like to verify that your new DNS settings are working, let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll go through the steps for checking your DNS settings!

How to Verify Your DNS Settings on Windows 10

Once you’ve changed your DNS settings, it’s a good idea to verify they’ve been applied correctly. For this, we’ll use the Command Prompt to quickly check your network’s DNS configuration.

1. Open Command Prompt: Start by pressing the Windows Key and typing “cmd”. After, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. This way, you will have the necessary permission to view all network settings.
2. Enter the Verification Command: To verify your connection details, on the Command Prompt, type ipconfig/ all and press Enter. This will show you more detailed information about your network connections and DNS settings.
3. Locate Your DNS Servers: Go through the list until you see the part that matches your network connection (this is usually marked as “Ethernet Adapter” or “Wireless LAN Adapter”). After, look for the section DNS Servers. Here, you should see the addresses you input earlier, like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1.
4. Check Network Connection: Make sure your website is properly working by confirming your DNS server addresses. Then, test your Internet connection by browsing a few websites with your web browser. If the pages load smoothly and without delay, then your new DNS is ready and good to go!

And that’s it! By checking and verifying your DNS settings, you’re now ready to enjoy your browsing experience with peace of mind!

How to Manually Change DNS on Windows 10

For those who want to dig deeper into their network settings, you can also change DNS manually through the Advanced Network Settings. This method gives you a bit more flexibility and control, especially if you’re dealing with multiple network profiles. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key and select Settings (the gear icon). From here, go to Network & Internet.
2. Access Advanced Network Settings: In the left-hand menu, select Status. Scroll down to find and click Network and Sharing Center. This will take you back to the more detailed network settings panel.
3. Change Adapter Options: In the Network and Sharing Center, select Change adapter settings from the left sidebar. This shows all available network connections (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.).
4. Choose Your Connection: Right-click on your current active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties. From the list of items, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
5. Manually Set DNS Server Assignment: In the Properties window, select Use the following DNS server addresses. Here, you can manually input both the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server. For example, input 8.8.8.8 for Google’s DNS or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare as the preferred DNS, and 8.8.4.4 or 1.0.0.1 as the alternate.
6. Save and Close: Click OK to apply the changes, and then close all the network settings windows. Restarting your computer is optional but can help the new settings take full effect.

By manually adjusting your DNS in this way, you ensure that your device is using the most suitable DNS server for your needs, whether it’s for speed, privacy, or bypassing network restrictions.

Alternate DNS Servers: Best Choices for Speed and Security

When choosing a new DNS server, you’re not limited to just Google or Cloudflare. There are several other reputable DNS providers that offer a blend of speed, security, and privacy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best options out there:

1. Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)

Google’s DNS is popular among users because of its dependable performance and fast speed capabilities. It also has an enhanced security measure and added layer of protection against phishing attacks and malware threats. However, it is important to keep in mind that choosing Google DNS could mean that you share your data with Google. So we recommend properly assessing any privacy implications before you decide.

2. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)

If you prioritize privacy when choosing a DNS service provider, Cloudflare is your best option. It’s touted as one of the fastest DNS servers, and Cloudflare promises not to store any personal data. However, their 1.1.1.1 service provides encryption features to safeguard your Internet browsing experience.

3. OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220)

Cisco currently owns OpenDNS, which provides Internet access along with being able to customize web filtering options. This is great for families and small businesses looking to regulate website access control. In addition, they also offer security measures to help protect you from phishing attacks.

4. Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112)

Quad9 is another solid choice, focusing heavily on security. It automatically blocks access to known malicious websites, protecting your devices from various online threats. Plus, they don’t store any personal data, which is a bonus for privacy-conscious users.

When picking a DNS server, consider what matters most to you: speed, security, privacy, or content filtering. Testing a few of these options can help you find the one that works best for your network needs.

Changing DNS on Windows 10- Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, changing your DNS settings doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. If you run into problems, don’t worry—there are a few common fixes you can try before calling in the pros.

1. Internet Not Working After Changing DNS

If your internet connection stops working after you’ve changed the DNS settings, the first thing to do is double-check the addresses you entered. A typo in the DNS server numbers (like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) can cause connection issues. If everything looks correct, try restarting your computer or router. This refreshes the network settings and might resolve the issue.

2. Resetting DNS Settings to Default

If troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problem, it might be best to revert to the default DNS settings assigned by your ISP. To do this, go back to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties, and select Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click OK to save the changes, and restart your computer to apply the default settings.

3. Slow Connections or DNS Queries

If you notice slower browsing speeds after switching DNS servers, it might be due to the new server’s performance in your location. Not all DNS servers work equally well everywhere. You can try using a DNS benchmarking tool, like DNS Benchmark or Namebench, to test different servers and find the fastest one for your specific network.

4. Flushing the DNS Cache

Sometimes, Windows caches old DNS entries, which can lead to errors. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns. Press Enter, and you should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed. This forces your system to fetch fresh DNS data.

FAQs About Changing DNS on Windows 10

1. How do I change my DNS server to 8.8.8.8?

To change your DNS to Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8), follow these steps:

• Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
• Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
• Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties.
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses, and type 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server field, and 8.8.4.4 in the Alternate DNS server field. Click OK to save.

2. What does changing DNS to 8.8.8.8 do?

When you change your DNS to 8.8.8.8, it switches your DNS provider to a Google Public DNS. With this, there are faster browsing speeds, improved security, and better reliability. However, remember that while Google’s DNS is known for its speed and performance, some users may have privacy concerns about Google’s data handling policies.

3. Is 1.1.1.1 still the fastest DNS?

Yes, 1.1.1.1, provided by Cloudflare, is one of the fastest DNS servers available. It also supports user privacy by not storing personal data and supporting encrypted DNS queries.

4. How do I manually change DNS settings?

To manually change your DNS settings:

• Open Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
• Right-click your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
• Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses, then input your preferred DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
• Save the changes by clicking OK.

Changing your DNS can optimize your internet experience, whether for speed, security, or bypassing restrictions. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us at Nimble Nerds. We’re here to make tech simple and stress-free!