How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 11/10/8.1/7

This guide walks you through the steps to change DNS settings on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and Win 7 empowering you to manually customize your internet with IPs and DNS configuration to fix internet issues. You can also use VPN apps to optimize your internet faster.

In computer and laptop’s internet connectivity, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a crucial role in translating human-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. While Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11 automatically configures DNS settings for most users, there are situations where manual adjustments can enhance internet speed, security, and reliability.

Why Change DNS Settings?

Before delving into the process, it’s essential to understand why someone might want to change their DNS settings. Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Faster Internet: Opting for faster DNS servers can significantly improve page loading times and overall internet speed.
2. Enhanced Security: Some DNS providers offer built-in security features, helping protect against phishing attacks and malicious websites.
3. Bypassing Restrictions: Changing DNS settings can sometimes help bypass geographical restrictions imposed by certain websites or services.

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Steps to Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Here are steps on how to change your current DNS settings through the networking settings using Control Panel:

1. Open Network Settings: Click on the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Start menu. Now, select “Settings” (gear icon) from the list.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”
3. Access Network Settings: Under the Network & Internet menu, choose “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” based on your connection type.
4. Select Your Connection: Click on the active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
5. Manage Network: Scroll down and click on “Change adapter options.”
6. Access Properties: Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
7. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the Properties window, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” then, click on the “Properties” button.
8. Manually Configure DNS: In the TCP/IPv4 Properties window, choose the option to “Use the following DNS server addresses.” now, enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses you want to use. Common choices include Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
9. Apply Changes: Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the windows.
10. Verify Settings: Open the Command Prompt and type the command ipconfig /all to verify that the new DNS addresses are listed.
11. Flush DNS Cache: To ensure the changes take effect, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to flush the DNS cache.

Changing DNS settings on Windows 11 offers a level of customization that can positively impact your internet experience. Whether you’re seeking faster browsing, enhanced security, or circumventing restrictions, the ability to manually configure DNS provides users with a powerful tool to tailor their internet connection according to their preferences.

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Steps to Change DNS Settings on Windows 10

Here are how-to steps to walk you through the process of changing DNS settings on Windows 10, allowing you to customize your internet connection:

1. Access Network Settings: Click on the Start menu icon in the taskbar. Now, select “Settings” (gear icon) from the menu.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet.”
3. Access Network Settings: Under the Network & Internet menu, choose either “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” based on your connection type.
4. Manage Network Connections: Click on “Change adapter options” to manage network connections.
5. Select Your Connection: Identify the active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Now, right-click on the active connection and select “Properties.”
6. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the Properties window, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” then, click on the “Properties” button.
7. Manually Configure DNS: Choose the option to “Use the following DNS server addresses.” Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Popular choices include Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
8. Apply Changes: Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the windows.
9. Verify Settings: Open the Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to verify that the new DNS addresses are listed under your active network connection.
10. Flush DNS Cache: To ensure the changes take effect, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to flush the DNS cache.

Changing DNS settings on Windows 10 empowers users to personalize their internet experience, offering potential improvements in speed, security, and accessibility.

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Steps to Change DNS Settings on Windows 7 and 8.1

Here are steps on how to customize DNS settings on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to optimize your internet experience via the Control Panel:

1. Access Control Panel: Click on the Start menu in the bottom left corner. Then, select “Control Panel” from the menu.
2. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center: In Control Panel, find and click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. Manage Network Connections: Locate and click on “Change adapter settings” in the left sidebar.
4. Select Your Connection: Identify the active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Right-click on the active connection and select “Properties.”
5. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the Properties window, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Now, click on the “Properties” button.
6. Manually Configure DNS: Select the option to “Use the following DNS server addresses.” Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Common choices include Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
7. Apply Changes: Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the windows.
8. Verify Settings: Open the Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to confirm that the new DNS addresses are listed under your active network connection.
9. Flush DNS Cache: To ensure the changes take effect, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to flush the DNS cache.

Changing DNS settings via the Control Panel on Windows 7 and 8.1 provides users with a straightforward method to customize their internet experience.

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Disclaimer: Remember, while changing DNS settings can be beneficial, it's essential to choose reliable DNS providers and be cautious when altering network configurations.

FAQ’s

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