How to Change DNS Settings in Windows 10 For Faster Browsing

DNS turns names like example.com into IP addresses your PC understands. Switching DNS can speed up lookups, improve reliability, and block threats or adult content. Follow these simple methods and pick the one that fits your workflow.

How to change your DNDS in Windows 10

• Decide which DNS provider you want to use and note the addresses.
• Check whether you need IPv4, IPv6, or both.
• Write down your current DNS settings so you can revert quickly.
• Close apps that use the network heavily to avoid interruptions.
• Sign in with an administrator account.

Method 1: Change DNS in Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then click your connected network.
4. Scroll to IP settings and click Edit.
5. Set Edit IP settings to Manual.
6. Turn IPv4 on.
7. Enter Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS.
8. Click Save.
9. If you also need IPv6, turn IPv6 on and enter the IPv6 DNS addresses.
10. Disconnect and reconnect to apply the change.

For a broader walkthrough, see this step-by-step guide to changing DNS that covers multiple devices and scenarios.

Method 2: Change DNS in Control Panel

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active adapter, then select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
5. Enter Preferred and Alternate DNS, then click OK.
6. For IPv6, repeat the steps for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
7. Click Close, then reconnect to your network.

Method 3: Change DNS with Command Prompt

1. Press Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Find your adapter name:
   netsh interface show interface
3. Set IPv4 DNS (replace Ethernet with your adapter name):
   netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet" static 1.1.1.1 netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet" 1.0.0.1 index=2
4. Set IPv6 DNS if needed:
   netsh interface ipv6 set dnsservers "Ethernet" static 2606:4700:4700::1111 netsh interface ipv6 add dnsservers "Ethernet" 2606:4700:4700::1001 index=2

Bonus: Verify and Flush the DNS Cache

1. Flush cached lookups:
   ipconfig /flushdns
2. Confirm the active DNS servers:
   nslookup -type=a example.com Check the Server line to confirm your DNS provider.

Recommended DNS Providers

Provider	Focus	IPv4 Preferred	IPv4 Alternate	IPv6 Preferred	IPv6 Alternate	Extras
Cloudflare	Speed and privacy	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	2606:4700:4700::1111	2606:4700:4700::1001	Malware filtering variants
Google	Global reliability	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	2001:4860:4860::8888	2001:4860:4860::8844	Strong anycast network
OpenDNS	Security options	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220	2620:119:35::35	2620:119:53::53	Family filtering presets
Quad9	Threat blocking	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	2620:fe::fe	2620:fe::9	Security-focused resolvers

Keep the exact addresses handy and enter them carefully. A single typo can break resolution.

Tips

• Create a restore point before major network changes.
• Change DNS per adapter if you use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
• Combine provider features with your needs, like family filters or malware protection.
• If you’re into online gaming, consider changing DNS for gaming to reduce latency and improve routing stability.
• Test a provider for a few days and monitor page load consistency.
• Avoid mixing many providers on one adapter to reduce failover confusion.

Benefits Across Operating Systems

Changing DNS not only works in Windows 10 but also brings similar advantages on other platforms. Faster resolution, stronger security, and privacy protection apply everywhere. No matter which operating system you use, switching DNS gives you better performance, security, and reliability.

Why Changing DNS Matters Across All Operating Systems

• Windows 11: Uses nearly identical steps as Windows 10 but with a cleaner interface and built-in encrypted DNS options for stronger privacy.
• macOS: Lets you adjust DNS directly from Network Preferences, applying the change system-wide so every app benefits from faster resolution and safer browsing.
• Linux: Provides flexible setup through /etc/resolv.conf or NetworkManager, making it perfect for advanced users who want granular control and custom routing.

Whether you use Windows, macOS, or Linux, updating your DNS settings ensures quicker browsing, stronger reliability, and better overall protection online.

Conclusion

You can change DNS in Windows 10 in minutes with Settings, Control Panel, or simple commands. Pick a provider that matches your goals, confirm the change with quick tests, and keep your original settings in case you want to roll back.

FAQs