Changing your Windows PC’s Domain Name System (DNS) settings can help improve your internet speed, security, and privacy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change the DNS settings 

  1. Open your computer’s settings page.  
  2. Click on the “Network & Internet” and select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection. 
  3. Then, click on the hardware properties, navigate to the DNS server assignment, and click “Edit.” 
  4. After that, toggle the switch from “Automatic” to “Manual,” turn on IPv4, and enter the new DNS server addresses. 

Besides this, you can also change your DNS setting using cPanel. In this article, we will look closely at how to change the DNS settings using Windows’ settings app, cPanel, and command prompt. We will also look at third-party DNS providers you can use. 

What is a Domain Name System (DNS)? 

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a service that makes it easy to visit websites without remembering complex IP addresses like 104.18.189.55. When you type a simple web address like “bigrock.in” into your browser, DNS servers work behind the scenes to convert that friendly domain name into the IP address that computers need to connect. 

This process is quick and happens automatically, so you usually don’t notice it. However, if your DNS servers are slow or unreliable, it can slow down your internet. If you want faster and more private DNS servers, Windows 10 lets you change your DNS settings using the Control Panel, Command Prompt, or the Settings app. We will look at how to change the DNS settings in the next part of the article. 

How to Change DNS Settings Using Control Panel 

Follow these steps to change the DNS settings through the Control Panel: 

  1. Open Control Panel. 
  2. Click on the “Network and Internet” option. Then, move on to the “Network and Sharing Center.”  
  3. Select “Change adapter settings” from the left side of the panel.  
  4. Then, right-click on the active network connection and select “Properties.” 
  5. There, choose the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option and again click on Properties. 
  6. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your preferred DNS server address. Additionally, enter a secondary DNS server address. You can click on the “Advanced” option to add more DNS addresses. 
  7. Lastly, click “OK” and then “Close.” Your computer will now use the new DNS settings. 

How to Change DNS Settings Using Computer Settings 

Here is how to change DNS settings using computer settings:  

  1. Open the settings app on your computer. Navigate to the “Network & Internet” option.  
  2. There, you will be asked to choose between Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on your connection. 
  3. Next, select “IP settings” and click “Edit” to change the DNS settings. Select “Manual” from the dropdown to make the changes manually.  
  4. The next step is to enable the IPv4 and enter your preferred DNS server address. You can also add a secondary DNS server address.  
  5. After adding the server address, click “Save” and restart your computer to apply the new settings. 

How to Change DNS Settings Using Command Prompt on Windows 10 

If you prefer using Command Prompt over other methods, follow these steps to change DNS settings: 

  1. Click on the “Start” menu located on your computer’s home screen, and search for “Command Prompt.” Right-click on it and select the “Run as administrator” option.  
  2. Type “netsh” and press “Enter”. Then, type “interface show interface” and press “Enter” to view your network adapters. 
  3. Set your primary DNS by typing: ‘interface ip set dns name=”ADAPTER-NAME” source=”static” address=”X.X.X.X”.’ Remember to replace ADAPTER-NAME with your network adapter’s name, and X.X.X.X with your preferred DNS address. 
  4. You can also add a secondary DNS by typing:`interface ip add dns name=”ADAPTER-NAME” addr=”X.X.X.X” index=2.’ Replace X.X.X.X with your secondary DNS address. 
  5. Repeat the steps to add more DNS addresses if necessary. After completing these steps, Windows 10 will use the new DNS servers. 

Reasons to Change Your DNS Settings  

Changing your DNS settings can offer several benefits. Here are some benefits of changing your DNS settings: 

  • Improved Speed 

By updating your DNS settings and switching to third-party DNS providers, you can experience faster response times, translating into quicker website loading speeds.  

  • Enhanced Security 

Updating DNS settings can shield your connection from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, ensuring a more stable and secure browsing experience. It can also block access to harmful websites automatically, protecting you from phishing attempts and malware threats.  

  • Better Reliability 

Making updates to your DNS settings enhances reliability by addressing network and infrastructure issues before they escalate. This helps maintain uninterrupted website access and minimizes downtime.  

  • Privacy and Anonymity 

Updated DNS settings or using certain providers, such as Cloudflare, can boost privacy by preventing the logging of your browsing activity. This ensures a more secure and anonymous online experience.  

  • Faster DNS Updates 

Regularly updating your DNS settings allows you to benefit from faster propagation of domain name changes, as many providers frequently refresh their DNS records, minimizing delays. 

Popular Third-Party DNS Providers  

  • Google Public DNS 

Google Public DNS is one of the most widely used DNS providers, known for its speed and reliability. It is designed to resolve domain names and IP addresses faster than many other services, making it a popular choice for those seeking enhanced performance and security.  

The DNS addresses for Google Public DNS are as follows:  

  1. IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4  
  2. IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844 
  • Cloudflare DNS 

Cloudflare DNS is another popular option, known for its speed and privacy-focused approach. The service is engineered to deliver faster resolution times than many competitors while maintaining a strong commitment to user anonymity. Unlike some ISPs, which often log user activity, Cloudflare DNS guarantees that it does not record your IP address. This makes it an excellent choice for users concerned about privacy and data security. Cloudflare also operates on an exceptionally reliable global infrastructure, ensuring consistent performance.  

The DNS addresses for Cloudflare DNS are:  

  1. IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1  
  2. IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001 
  • OpenDNS 

OpenDNS is a versatile DNS provider offering both basic and family-oriented services. For general users, the OpenDNS Home package provides reliable and fast DNS resolution. For organizations, the OpenDNS Family Shield plan includes filtering to block adult content, ensuring a safer internet experience for children. OpenDNS is widely recognized for its stability and user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for individual and organizational use.  

The DNS addresses for OpenDNS are as follows:  

  • OpenDNS Home:  
  • IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220  
  • IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53 
  • OpenDNS Family Shield:  
  • IPv4: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123 
  • Comodo Secure DNS 

Comodo Secure DNS is a service offered by the well-established cybersecurity company Comodo. It is particularly focused on security, providing users with protection against phishing attacks, malware, and malicious websites. One of its standout features is a real-time blacklist of harmful websites. If you attempt to access a site deemed unsafe, Comodo Secure DNS will display a warning, helping to keep your browsing experience secure. This provider is ideal for users who prioritize online safety and wish to minimize exposure to potential cyber threats.  

The DNS addresses for Comodo Secure DNS are:  

  • IPv4: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20 

Conclusion

In conclusion, DNS is a critical component of how the internet works, translating domain names into IP addresses to connect you to websites. While most people stick to their default DNS settings provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP), updating your DNS settings can unlock many benefits, from improved speed and security to enhanced privacy and reliability. This article has outlined everything you need to know about how to change your DNS settings using different methods. With these insights, you are now equipped to make informed changes to your DNS settings.

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