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How to Change DNS in Windows 11 and Windows 10 for Faster Internet

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Change DNS in Windows 11 and Windows 10 for Faster Internet

Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings on Windows 10 or Windows 11 can improve your internet speed, enhance security, and bypass certain restrictions. If you’re experiencing slow browsing, frequent connection issues, or want to use a more secure or private DNS provider, adjusting these settings is a practical step. Before you begin, ensure you have the DNS addresses you want to switch to, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). This guide will walk you through the process in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, providing clear, easy-to-follow steps.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC
  • Administrator access to your computer
  • The DNS server addresses you wish to use (e.g., Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Network Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon (gear icon). Alternatively, press Windows + I on your keyboard.
  2. Access Network & Internet Settings: In the Settings window, click on ‘Network & Internet’.
  3. Open Network Adapter Properties: Scroll down and click on ‘Advanced network settings’ (Windows 11) or ‘Change adapter options’ (Windows 10). This opens the list of network connections.
  4. Choose Your Network: Find your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), right-click on it, and select ‘Properties’.
  5. Open IPv4 Settings: In the connection properties window, scroll down to select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’, then click ‘Properties’.
  6. Set Custom DNS Addresses: In the new window, select ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’. Enter your preferred DNS servers, such as:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
  7. Save and Close: Click ‘OK’ to save your changes, then close all remaining windows.
  8. Repeat for IPv6 (Optional): If you want to change IPv6 DNS, repeat the steps but select ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)’ and enter the DNS addresses (e.g., 2001:4860:4860::8888 for Google).
  9. Restart Your Connection: Disconnect and reconnect to your network or restart your computer to apply the new DNS settings.

Common Mistakes

  • Entering incorrect DNS addresses, which can prevent internet access.
  • Changing DNS settings on the wrong network adapter, especially if you have multiple adapters.
  • Not saving the settings properly before closing the windows.
  • Forgetting to restart or reconnect your network after making changes.
  • Trying to change DNS on a VPN connection without understanding the impact, which can cause conflicts.

Tips

  • Use reputable DNS providers like Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220).
  • Test your new DNS settings by visiting websites or using online DNS checkers to confirm the change.
  • For consistent performance, set DNS on your router if possible, so all connected devices benefit from the change.
  • Keep a note of your original DNS settings in case you want to revert later.
  • Consider enabling DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS for enhanced security if your network supports it.

Troubleshooting

If your internet stops working after changing DNS settings, follow these steps:

  • Revert to automatic DNS settings: go back into your network adapter properties and select ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’.
  • Check for typos: ensure the DNS addresses are entered correctly without extra spaces or characters.
  • Restart your network adapter: disable and enable your network connection or restart your computer.
  • Flush DNS cache: open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command ipconfig /flushdns.
  • Reset network settings: if issues persist, consider resetting network settings via Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change DNS on my router instead of Windows?

Yes, changing DNS on your router applies to all devices connected to your network, providing a centralized way to manage DNS settings.

2. Will changing DNS improve my internet speed?

Sometimes. Using faster or less congested DNS servers can reduce DNS lookup times, potentially speeding up website loading.

3. Is changing DNS safe?

Yes, using reputable DNS providers is safe. Avoid unknown or suspicious DNS servers to prevent security risks.

4. Can I revert my DNS settings easily?

Absolutely. Just select ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ in your network settings, or re-enter your original DNS addresses.

5. Does changing DNS affect my VPN?

It can. Some VPNs override DNS settings for privacy reasons. Check your VPN documentation for configuration options.

6. What should I do if my connection is unstable after changing DNS?

Revert to default settings, restart your device, and verify your DNS entries are correct. Consider switching to a different DNS provider.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can confidently change your DNS settings on Windows 10 and Windows 11, optimizing your internet experience and troubleshooting common issues effectively.

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How to Change DNS in Windows 11 and Windows 10 for Faster Internet
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