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How to Change or Modify the DNS Server Settings in Windows 10

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your DNS server can improve internet speed, security, and access to restricted content
  • Windows 10 provides multiple ways to modify DNS settings, including the Settings app, Control Panel, and Command Prompt
  • Choosing a reputable third-party DNS server like Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, or Quad9 can enhance your online experience

As an experienced technical writer with over 5 years of expertise in creating user guides and tutorials, I understand the importance of clear and concise instructions when it comes to modifying system settings. In this comprehensive article, I will guide you through the process of changing or modifying the DNS server settings in Windows 10, using various methods and tools.

What is a DNS Server?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s briefly understand what a DNS (Domain Name System) server is and why you might want to change it. A DNS server is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. By default, your internet service provider (ISP) assigns a DNS server for your network, but these servers can sometimes be slow, insecure, or even censor certain websites.

Changing your DNS server can offer several benefits, including:

  • Faster internet speeds: Some third-party DNS servers are optimized for speed, resulting in quicker website loading times.
  • Improved security: Reputable DNS providers often implement additional security measures to protect against malware and phishing attempts.
  • Access to restricted content: Certain DNS servers can bypass censorship and geographical restrictions, allowing you to access content that may be blocked by your ISP or government.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The Settings app in Windows 10 provides a user-friendly way to modify your DNS server settings. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon (gear-shaped).
  2. In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”
  3. On the left pane, select “Change adapter options.”
  4. Right-click on your active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and choose “Properties.”
  5. In the Properties window, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then click “Properties.”
  6. Click the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
  7. Enter the Preferred DNS server address and, optionally, an Alternate DNS server address.
  8. Click “OK” to save the changes and close all windows.

Some popular third-party DNS server addresses you can use:

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (Preferred), 1.0.0.1 (Alternate)
  • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Preferred), 8.8.4.4 (Alternate)
  • Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (Preferred), 149.112.112.112 (Alternate)

Method 2: Using the Control Panel

If you prefer the classic Control Panel interface, you can modify your DNS settings from there as well:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Control Panel.”
  2. In the Control Panel window, navigate to “Network and Internet” > “Network and Sharing Center.”
  3. Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left pane.
  4. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
  5. In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then click “Properties.”
  6. Follow steps 6-8 from the previous method to configure your preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.

Method 3: Using the Command Prompt

For advanced users or those who prefer the command-line interface, Windows 10 also allows you to modify DNS settings using the Command Prompt. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Command Prompt.”
  2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /all

This will display your current network configuration, including the DNS server addresses.

  1. To change the DNS server addresses, type the following command and replace x.x.x.x with your preferred DNS server address, and y.y.y.y with your alternate DNS server address (if desired):
netsh interface ipv4 set dnsservers="Ethernet" static x.x.x.x primary y.y.y.y

Replace “Ethernet” with the name of your active network connection (e.g., “Wi-Fi” or “Local Area Connection”).

  1. Press Enter to apply the changes.

Flushing the DNS Cache

After changing your DNS server settings, it’s recommended to flush the DNS cache to ensure that your computer starts using the new settings immediately. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Command Prompt.”
  2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns

This will clear the DNS cache, forcing your computer to use the new DNS server settings for future requests.

Reverting to Default DNS Settings

If you ever want to revert to using your ISP’s default DNS server settings, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Control Panel.”
  2. In the Control Panel window, navigate to “Network and Internet” > “Network and Sharing Center.”
  3. Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left pane.
  4. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
  5. In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then click “Properties.”
  6. Select the “Obtain DNS server address automatically” option.
  7. Click “OK” to save the changes and close all windows.

By following these methods, you can easily change or modify the DNS server settings in Windows 10 to suit your needs and preferences. Remember, choosing a reputable third-party DNS server can enhance your online experience by providing faster speeds, improved security, and access to restricted content.

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