How To Change The DNS In Windows 10

The electronic devices that are connected to a network are each assigned with an IP address by the network administrators. An Internet Protocol or IP Address is a unique identifying label that is used for location addressing and network interface identification. An IP address has mainly four types: public, private, static, and dynamic. Through an IP address, a user can connect his/her device to other devices that are accessible on their network and all over the world. When your device is connected to the internet you can send or receive data or information with the help of an IP Address.

An IP address is like any other one that helps browsers find their way out. An address can be a string of numbers, decimal points, and characters. For example, 216.58.217.36 is an IP address. Now imagine you as a user typing these numbers instead of "google.com". It would be much more difficult or maybe impossible for you to guess your destined location. Now here comes the role of a Domain Name System (DNS) server. A DNS server acts as a converter and converts "google.com" that you have typed in the browser into its corresponding IP Address.

When you opt for an internet plan for your home or business, your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) presents all the major network settings required to access online services. The ISP also provides Domain Name System (DNS) servers so that the user can browse or download files from their home. The DNS server provided by the ISP has its limitations too. The server is slow, undependable on a few occasions, and not protected. However, the users always have the option to get resolving measurements from third-party companies to improve their browsing experience on Windows 10.

What is a Domain Name System?

A Domain Name System or DNS is a dispersed service that is associated with a computer or other electronic devices that are connected to the internet and to communicate with other devices every device that is connected to a network must possess an IP address. Often regarded as the internet's phone book, a DNS server allows the user to enter a domain name on the web browser. An IP address acts as a bridge between the user and the computer. The DNS resolver translates human-friendly domain names like 'flipkart.com' to IP addresses like 163.53.78.87 that are understandable to the computer. Because of the DNS server, the users don't need to memorize composite numeric (IPV4) or alphanumeric (IPV6) IP addresses to open a web page.

When we first enter the domain name to reach our destined website, the web browser in the background asks the DNS server resolver to translate the name into its corresponding IP address. On finding the right address, the DNS server returns the address to the web browser and then we connect to our destined website. This whole process happens in milliseconds.
The working of every DNS server is not identical. Most servers are very fast but there might be a possibility that the DNS server resolver that you have is not reliable and may be problematic. However, these services can be changed to any services of your choice in Windows 10.

How does the DNS Server Settings work?

The internet service provider usually provides DNS server settings. The user needs to fill in the IP addresses of one or more DNS servers to connect their router to the internet. The computer will need an IP address from the router on the local network area. The router then supplies the DNS information that it had gathered from the ISP. Secondly, the router returns an IP address that it possesses, indicating it is now ready to act as a DNS server. And lastly, the router returns a combination of both the above-mentioned IP addresses.

A router returns positive results when it acts as the DNS server. It increases the overall speed and it can memorize DNS information. Whenever a user requests a DNS, the router memorizes the response. So, whenever a request on the DNS information is made, the router replies with the answer that it already knows. In this way the router saves time.

Note: Don't override the IP addresses. Contact your ISP in case you lost your IP addresses.

How can you know your DNS server?

A computer possesses several different DNS servers. The choice of the DNS server depends on the active connections and computer settings. By default, the computer uses the DNS resolver that is provided by the internet service provider. When the user sets up his/her internet connection, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) gets automatically active on the computer. This allows system configuration and makes way to use the IP addresses of the ISP's DNS. However, the user can change the default DNS settings anytime and put a DNS IP address of their choice.

How to Check DNS server in Windows 10?

Most people feel curious and want to know about the DNS server for their network connection. If you're using the modern versions of Windows, like Windows 10, then you've got the scope to check the DNS server from the Command Prompt. Use the following steps to check your DNS server in Windows 10:

Step 1: Open the Windows Start button

Step 2: Now search for "Command Prompt" on the search bar

Step 3: On appearing, right-click on the command prompt and click on Run as administrator

Step 4: Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /all

Step 5: Now to know about your DNS server, find the listing of DNS servers on the left side of the screen

How to install a DNS server in Windows 10?

Till now we've discussed the Domain Name System server, what it is, what it does, and how it does. But before wrapping it up, it is also necessary to know how to install a DNS server in Windows 10. Follow the below steps:

Step 1: Open the Windows Start button

Step 2: Go to Control Panel and then click on Add or Remove Programs

Step 3: To open the Windows Components Wizard, click on Add or Remove Windows Component

Step 4: In the Windows Components section, choose the Networking Services check box and click Details.

Step 5: Choose the Domain Name System (DNS) check box from the Subcomponents of Networking Services. Now click Ok and then again click on Next

Step 6: Enter the full path of the distribution files in Copy files from and then click Ok

The DNS server will start installing when this whole procedure finishes.

Why should you change your DNS settings?

We all know that if we use a VPN for our IP address we will be able to get access to the contents that are unavailable or restricted in our geographical location. Similarly, changing the DNS server will also hide our location. The actual difference between a VPN and a DNS is that a VPN redirects us to a different region whereas a DNS informs the server that we are in a different physical location. DNS settings are mainly switched to get access to resolved internet URLs and IP addresses. There are a number of reasons for which you would like to switch your DNS settings. Here are some of them:

• Changing the default DNS settings will allow access to websites restricted in your country.
• To increase your browsing speed
• To get enhanced online privacy
• The newly added security features will help you to protect data and information through any third-party DNS servers.
• For enhanced parental control features
• To get advanced web filtering business features
• A change in the DNS server will allow you to hide inappropriate content from your children.

How to change DNS server settings in Windows 10?

The DNS server of electronic devices including desktops, laptops, or smartphones that runs an operating system, like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS can be changed manually in a few simple steps. In this article, we will mainly focus on Windows operating systems. Windows 10 offers three different methods to change the DNS server settings. Here, we will show you each of the three methods one by one:

Method 1: Using Control Panel to change Windows 10 DNS server settings

Use these following steps to change the DNS settings using Control Panel:

Step 1: Open the Windows Start button

Step 2: Go to Control Panel and click on Network and Internet

Step 3: Open Network and Sharing Center

Step 4: Click on Change adapter settings on the top left corner of the screen

Step 5: Right-click on the Network Interface option and then choose Properties

[Here you'll also find which adapter is connected to your internet connection]

Step 6: Choose and tick the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.

Step 7: Now, click on Properties

Step 8: Click on Use the following DNS server addresses option

[When you click on this option, your device will start receiving TCP/IP addresses from the DHCP server]

Step 9: Fill the boxes by entering your "preferred" and "alternate" DNS addresses.

If you don't have any IP settings you can use any of the following addresses:

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123

Step 10: Click on the Advanced button to select extra features (Not Mandatory)

Step 11: Click on the DNS tab

Step 12: Then click on the Add button and stipulate the alternate DNS server address

Step 13: Again click on the Add button to add more DNS addresses

[Here, you can customize DNS resolvers, and you can also list down your priority for the addresses]

Step 14: Click on the Ok button.

Step 15: Finally. Click on the Close button.

The DNS settings will be updated on your device as soon as you finish the whole procedure.

Method 2: Using Settings App to change Windows 10 DNS server settings

Use these following steps to change the DNS addresses using the Settings App:

Step 1: Open the Windows Start button

Step 2: Go to Settings and click on Network and Internet

Step 3: Click on Ethernet/Wi-Fi

Step 4: Choose the connection that connects your Windows operating system to the internet

Step 5: Click on the Edit button in the "IP Settings" section

Step 6: Drop down the Edit menu and click on "Edit IP Settings"

Step 7: Choose the Manual button

Step 8: Enable the IPv4 toggle option

Step 9: Enter your "preferred" and "alternate" DNS addresses

[If you don't have any IP settings you can use any of the following addresses:

Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

OpenDNS: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123]

Step 10: Click on the Save button

The new DNS server settings will be reflected on your device as soon as you finish the steps.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt to change Windows 10 DNS server settings

Use the following steps to change the DNS settings using Command Prompt:

Step 1: Open the Windows Start button

Step 2: Now search for "Command Prompt" on the search bar

Step 3: On appearing, right-click on the command prompt and click on Run as administrator

Step 4: Write the following command to open the tool settings to change the internet and networking settings and then press Enter:

netsh

Step 5: Write the following command to categorize the names for different network adapters and then press Enter:

interface show interface

Step 6: Write the following command to put the primary DNS IP address and then press Enter:

 interface IP set DNS name="ADAPTER-NAME" source="static" address="X.X.X.X

[Here, don't forget to change the "ADAPTER-NAME" with the name that you've chosen in Step 5 and fill the address part with your preferred IP address]

If you don't have any IP settings, you can use any of the following addresses:

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123

Step 7: Write the following command to add a secondary DNS IP address and then press Enter:

interface IP add DNS name="ADAPTER-NAME" addr="X.X.X.X" index=2

[Here don't forget to change the "ADAPTER-NAME" with the name that you've chosen in Step 5 and fill the address with your preferred IP address]

When you finish the procedure, the DNS server settings will start reflecting on your Windows 10.

Note: Make sure you note down your current DNS addresses and settings somewhere before changing it. Backing up these numbers is very important as this will come in handy whenever you want to get back to them. It is also recommended that you save these numbers to your Google account.

Why choose a Third-Party DNS Server?

A third-party DNS server has a lot of benefits. They provide super speed and less ping latency. A third-party server will also hide the browsing history from your internet service provider. It helps to eliminate all sorts of censorship and allows viewing content that is blocked in your country. Some DNS servers including OpenDNS and Cloudflare provide parental features and the option to customize filters. Lastly, a third-party DNS server will protect against harmful websites and cybercrimes.

What are the best DNS servers?

As mentioned earlier, the internet service provider provides a default DNS to the user. DNS servers can be problematic and maybe slow down the speed of your computer. Assigning the best DNS IP addresses should be the priority of every ISP. The DNS must provide the user security, privacy, and internet security. A good DNS server must have a secured DNS connection and should protect the computer against Distributed Denial of Service attacks. The DNS servers come with both primary and secondary servers and the user can use either of them. Here are the examples of some of the best DNS servers:

DNS Server Name	Primary IP Address	Secondary IP Address
Google Public DNS (IPv4)	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
Google Public DNS (IPv6)	2001:4860:4860::8888	2001:4860:4860::8844
Cloudflare DNS	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1
Open DNS	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220

Several other DNS servers are available in the market. Moreover, they are free, public, and also provide security. But when it comes to longevity, no DNS server comes close to the above-mentioned ones.

Conclusion

We hope you've learned about the benefits of DNS settings and how to change the default DNS settings. To get enhanced privacy and speed up your Windows 10 device change your default settings. But before switching, don't forget to note down your old DNS settings. Have a better experience!