Learn How to Change Your DNS Settings on Windows 10

What DNS Settings Are and Why You Might Change Them

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it works like a phonebook for the internet. When you type a web address like "www.google.com" into your browser, your computer needs to know where that website actually lives on the internet. DNS servers translate those web addresses into numerical addresses called IP addresses that computers understand. For example, when you visit a website, your computer contacts a DNS server and says, "Where is google.com?" and the DNS server responds with the correct numerical location.

By default, Windows 10 uses DNS servers provided by your internet service provider, or ISP. These are companies like Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T that give you internet access. However, you might want to change your DNS settings for several reasons. Some people change to alternative DNS providers because they believe these services offer faster speeds, better reliability, or additional security features. Others switch to DNS servers that filter certain types of content. Some people change their DNS settings when they experience problems accessing websites or when their current DNS servers aren't working properly.

Popular alternative DNS providers include Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS. Each of these offers different features and claims different benefits. For instance, Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is widely used and operated by Google. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) is operated by Cloudflare and is marketed as a privacy-focused option. OpenDNS provides content filtering options that some families find useful.

Before changing your DNS settings, you should understand that this change only affects how your computer translates website addresses into numerical locations. It does not change your internet service provider or your connection speed in any technical way. Your ISP still provides your actual internet connection. Understanding this distinction helps you make informed decisions about whether changing DNS settings will actually address your specific concern.

Practical Takeaway: DNS servers translate website addresses into numerical locations your computer can understand. You might change your DNS settings to try different services, but this change does not affect your actual internet speed or connection quality—only how addresses are translated.

How to Change DNS Settings Through Windows Network Settings

The most straightforward way to change your DNS settings in Windows 10 is through the Network Settings application. This method works well for users who prefer using the graphical interface rather than command-line tools. To begin, open the Settings application by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then clicking the Settings app that appears. Once Settings is open, click on "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar. This section contains all your network-related settings in one place.

Next, click on "Change adapter options" under the "Advanced network settings" section. This may require you to scroll down to find it. A window will open showing all of your network connections. On most Windows 10 computers, you'll see at least one connection listed, typically labeled as "Ethernet" if you're using a wired connection or "Wi-Fi" if you're wireless. Right-click on the connection you want to change and select "Properties" from the menu that appears. Be sure you're modifying the correct connection—if you use both wired and wireless connections, you'll need to repeat these steps for each one if you want to change DNS for both.

In the Properties window, scroll down until you find "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" in the list. This is the protocol your computer uses to communicate over the internet. Click on it once to select it, then click the "Properties" button below the list. A new window opens with your current DNS settings. You'll see two options: one that says "Obtain DNS server address automatically" and another that says "Use the following DNS server addresses." The first option is selected by default, meaning your ISP's DNS servers are being used. To change your DNS, click the radio button next to "Use the following DNS server addresses."

Once you've selected that option, two text fields become active where you can enter DNS server addresses. The first field is for your "Preferred DNS server" and the second is for your "Alternate DNS server." The alternate DNS server acts as a backup if the preferred one is unavailable. For example, if you want to use Google Public DNS, you would enter "8.8.8.8" in the first field and "8.8.4.4" in the second field. After entering your chosen DNS addresses, click "OK" to save your changes. Windows may take a few moments to apply these settings.

Practical Takeaway: Changing DNS through Settings involves navigating to Network & Internet, accessing adapter options, finding your connection, and entering new DNS server addresses in the TCP/IPv4 Properties window. This method is accessible to most users through the graphical interface.

Changing DNS Settings Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

For users comfortable working with command-line tools, Windows 10 provides ways to change DNS settings using Command Prompt or PowerShell. These methods can be faster than using the graphical interface and are particularly useful if you need to change DNS settings on multiple computers or want to keep a record of the commands you've used. Command Prompt and PowerShell are built into Windows 10, so you don't need to install anything additional.

To use Command Prompt, right-click the Start menu and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)." If you see "Windows Terminal" as an option instead, you can use that as well. You'll need administrator permissions to make these changes, so if a security prompt appears asking for confirmation, click "Yes." Once the window is open, you can enter commands to change your DNS settings.

One useful command allows you to view your current network adapters and their settings. In Command Prompt, you can type "ipconfig /all" to see detailed information about all your network connections. This shows you the name of each adapter and its current DNS settings. Knowing your adapter's name helps you target the correct connection when making changes. For example, you might see adapters named "Ethernet," "Wi-Fi," or "Local Area Connection."

In PowerShell, you can use the command "Set-DnsClientServerAddress" to change DNS settings. The syntax would look something like: Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4"). In this example, "Ethernet" is the name of your network adapter, and "8.8.8.8" and "8.8.4.4" are Google's DNS servers. If your adapter has a different name, substitute that name in the command. You would replace the IP addresses with whichever DNS servers you want to use.

To reset your DNS settings back to automatic in PowerShell, you can use: Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ResetServerAddresses. This command removes your custom DNS settings and returns to using your ISP's servers. These command-line methods require more technical knowledge than the graphical interface, but they offer more control and can be documented for future reference.

Practical Takeaway: Command Prompt and PowerShell allow you to change DNS settings using text commands. This method requires more technical knowledge but works well for users who prefer command-line interfaces or need to make changes on multiple computers.

Understanding Different DNS Providers and Their Features

Several public DNS providers exist, and each offers different characteristics. Understanding these differences helps you choose a DNS service that matches your needs and preferences. Google Public DNS is one of the oldest and most widely used public DNS services. It operates under the IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Google states that this service is designed for speed and reliability. Many people choose Google DNS because of Google's reputation for maintaining robust infrastructure. However, some users have privacy concerns about using a service operated by Google, since Google is primarily an advertising company that collects user data.

Cloudflare DNS is another popular option, operating at 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Cloudflare markets this service as a privacy-focused DNS option. The company states it does not log your browsing activity or sell your data to advertisers. Cloudflare also claims its DNS service is very fast because of its global network of servers. Some tech-focused users prefer Cloudflare DNS because of its emphasis on privacy and the