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How to Change DNS Settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Change DNS Settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11 can help improve your internet speed, enhance privacy, bypass restrictions, or troubleshoot connectivity issues. DNS acts as the phonebook of the internet, translating website names into IP addresses. If you’re experiencing slow browsing, access issues, or want to use a specific DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare, adjusting these settings is a practical step. Before you begin, ensure you have the DNS addresses you want to use, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). You do not need any special software—just your network connection and administrator access to your PC.

What You’ll Need

  • Computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Administrator access to your computer
  • The DNS server addresses you want to set (e.g., Google DNS, Cloudflare)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Network Settings: Click on the Start menu, then select the Settings icon (gear). In Windows 10, go to Network & Internet. In Windows 11, click on Network & internet from the Settings sidebar.
  2. Access Network Adapter Settings: Scroll down and click on Change adapter options (Windows 10) or Advanced network settings > More network adapter options (Windows 11). This opens the Network Connections window.
  3. Choose Your Network: Right-click on your active network connection—either Wi-Fi or Ethernet—and select Properties.
  4. Open IPv4 Settings: In the connection properties window, scroll to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select it, then click Properties.
  5. Set DNS Server Addresses: In the new window, choose Use the following DNS server addresses. Enter your preferred DNS server (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google) in the Preferred DNS server box. Enter the secondary DNS (e.g., 8.8.4.4) in the Alternate DNS server box.
  6. Save Changes: Click OK to close the IPv4 properties window, then again click OK or Close on the network connection properties window. Restart your browser or network connection if needed.
  7. Repeat for IPv6 (Optional): If you want to change IPv6 DNS settings, repeat steps 4-6 but select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Enter IPv6 DNS addresses like 2001:4860:4860::8888 for Google DNS.

Common Mistakes

  • Entering incorrect DNS addresses—double-check the numbers before saving.
  • Changing the wrong network adapter—ensure you’re modifying the active connection.
  • Not clicking OK after entering new DNS addresses—settings won’t apply otherwise.
  • Forgetting to restart your browser or network connection—changes may not take effect immediately.
  • Modifying settings without administrator rights—ensure you’re logged in as an admin.

Tips

  • Use reputable DNS providers like Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222).
  • Note your original DNS settings before changing, so you can revert if needed.
  • Consider setting DNS servers at the router level for network-wide changes.
  • Flush your DNS cache after changing settings by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig /flushdns.
  • Test your new DNS by visiting a website or using online DNS check tools.

Troubleshooting

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

  1. Revert to your original DNS settings by following the above steps and entering previous addresses.
  2. Restart your computer and router to refresh network configurations.
  3. Check your network connection and ensure you selected the correct network adapter.
  4. Disable and then enable your network adapter via the Network Connections window.
  5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter: go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click on Network troubleshooter.
  6. If issues persist, reset your network settings: open Command Prompt as administrator and run netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change DNS settings on my mobile Windows device?

Yes, you can modify DNS settings on Windows tablets and laptops similarly via network adapter settings, just like on desktop PCs.

2. Will changing DNS improve my internet speed?

It can, especially if your default DNS server is slow or unreliable. Using a faster DNS provider may reduce lookup times.

3. Is changing DNS safe?

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

4. Can I revert to automatic DNS settings later?

Yes, simply select Obtain DNS server address automatically in the IPv4/IPv6 properties window and save changes.

5. What is the best DNS server for gaming or streaming?

Many users prefer Cloudflare, Google DNS, or OpenDNS for fast and reliable performance, but results vary based on location.

6. How do I verify my DNS change was successful?

Use online tools like DNSChecker.org or run nslookup in Command Prompt to confirm your DNS is resolving correctly.

By following these steps, tips, and troubleshooting advice, you can easily customize your DNS settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to improve your browsing experience or troubleshoot connectivity issues efficiently.

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How to Change DNS Settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11
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