Changing the DNS on Windows 10 is a pretty straightforward thing, but it can feel a bit confusing at first. Sometimes, websites load sluggishly, or maybe there’s a need for better security when browsing. Tweaking your DNS can help speed things up a tad or make your internet a bit safer, especially if you use public DNS services like Google (8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1).The real win is, once set, it can give your connection a slight boost and possibly keep you safer from some DNS-based attacks or snooping. Just remember: changing DNS isn’t a miracle fix, but it’s worth a shot when your internet feels sluggish or less private than you’d like. Plus, it’s not too complicated once you get the hang of it, and you’ll know you’ve customized your setup for better performance.
How to Change DNS on Windows 10
Open Network Settings, or what actually works
Start by clicking on Start or hitting the search bar, then type “Settings, ” and go into Network & Internet. When you open this, you’ll see options for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, depending on how your computer connects. Finding the right one is key because DNS settings are different for each. Just click on your connection type, whether it’s “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi, ” and then select your network name (like your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection).On some setups, you might need to actually go into the adapter settings, which can be found under Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings — from there, right-click your network and pick “Properties.”
Dig into your network properties
Once you’re in the connection properties, scroll down and look for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or IPv6 — depending on which you want to change, but most of the time, IPv4 is enough. Click on that, then hit Properties. Now, this is where Windows sometimes makes things overly complicated, but you want to select “Use the following DNS server addresses.” That switches your DNS from automatic to manual mode. Here’s where the magic is—typing in your preferred DNS servers.
Set your preferred DNS servers and save
The next step is to enter the IP addresses for your chosen DNS providers. Like I mentioned, Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) give pretty reliable performance. Just type those in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are other options like OpenDNS or Quad9, but these two are a good starting point. After entering the addresses, click OK and then close all remaining windows. You might want to reboot or at least disable and re-enable your network connection — sometimes Windows doesn’t apply the new settings immediately. It’s also a good idea to flush your DNS cache afterward, which you can do by opening Command Prompt as admin and typing ipconfig /flushdns. That way, your system clears out old DNS info.
Tips for Changing DNS on Windows 10
- Jot down your current DNS before you change anything, just in case you want to revert.
- Stick with well-known providers like Google or Cloudflare unless you’re testing custom DNS services.
- After the change, try restarting your PC or disabling/enabling your network adapters to make sure the new DNS settings kick in.
- If websites still feel slow or you’re having issues, double-check that you entered the right IP addresses. It’s easy to mistype.
- Keep an eye on your connection after switching — sometimes, certain DNS servers might block some sites or introduce delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother changing DNS at all?
If your internet is slow or you’re worried about privacy, switching to a faster, more secure DNS can help out. Sometimes, your ISP’s default DNS is kinda junk or just slow, so rolling your own can make browsing feel snappier and safer.
What if I put in the wrong DNS address?
Well, then your internet might stop loading websites correctly. You’ll get errors or timeout issues, so double-check those addresses. If it gets bad, just revert to automatic or your old DNS settings.
Can I improve my gaming ping by changing DNS?
Good chance. Sometimes, a faster DNS reduces latency, which is great for multiplayer gaming. Of course, other factors matter too, but it’s worth trying.
Is messing with DNS dangerous?
As long as you use trusted DNS providers like Google or Cloudflare, you’re usually safe. Just avoid sketchy free DNS servers that might log or hijack your traffic.
Should I restart my PC after changing DNS?
Rebooting isn’t always necessary, but it’s a good idea to make sure Windows picks up the new settings. If things act weird afterward, just a quick reboot ensures everything’s refreshed. Or at least disable and re-enable your network connection.
Summary
- Open your network settings (via Settings or Control Panel).
- Select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
- Go into connection properties and choose to set DNS manually.
- Input your preferred DNS addresses — Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1).
- Save and restart your connection if needed.
Wrap-up
Changing DNS on Windows 10 isn’t a huge deal, but it can make your browsing smoother, safer, and maybe even a tad faster. It’s kinda funny how just tweaking an IP address can sometimes improve the whole experience—like clearing a traffic jam on your digital highway. Just remember, don’t expect miracles, but it’s a handy trick in the toolbox. On some setups, it works right away; on others, you might need to restart or flush DNS caches.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours of frustration for someone, or at least makes your internet a little more reliable. Fingers crossed it helps!