How to Change DNS Settings on Your Windows PC

What DNS does and why you might change it

DNS (Domain Name System) is the service that translates web addresses like google.com into the numerical addresses your computer actually needs to reach them. When you type a web address into your browser, your PC asks a DNS server "where do I find this website?" and gets back an IP address in return.

By default, your PC uses the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP). You might change this to a different DNS provider if your ISP's server is slow, if you want to use a service that blocks malicious websites, or if you are troubleshooting a connection problem. Common alternative DNS providers include Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112).

Key Takeaways

You can change DNS through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi or Ethernet, then selecting your connection and clicking DNS server settings.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 have slightly different menu layouts, but both reach the same DNS settings through the Network & Internet section.
You need two DNS addresses (primary and secondary) when you change manually; your ISP's default server will no longer be used once you enter new ones.
If you change DNS and websites stop loading, you can revert to automatic DNS in the same settings menu within seconds.
Changing DNS at the router level affects all devices on your network, while changing it on your PC affects only that computer.

Changing DNS in Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button and type "Settings". Once Settings opens, select Network & Internet from the left sidebar.

If you use WiFi, click WiFi, then find your network name in the list and click it. If you use a wired connection, click Ethernet instead. Either way, you will see a button labeled DNS server settings — click it.

You will see a toggle for Automatic (DHCP) currently turned on. Click that toggle to turn it off. Once you do, two text fields appear where you can enter a primary DNS server and a secondary DNS server. Type the addresses you want to use (for example, 8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary if you choose Google's service), then click Save.

Changing DNS in Windows 10

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Click Network & Internet, then on the left sidebar select either WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you connect.

If you use WiFi, click your network name, then scroll down and click Edit DNS settings. If you use Ethernet, click your connection name, scroll down, and click Edit IP settings. A window opens showing your current DNS configuration.

Find the dropdown that says Automatic (DHCP) and change it to Manual. Toggle on the IPv4 switch if it is not already on. Two fields appear for your primary and secondary DNS servers — enter the addresses you want, then click Save.

Using the Network and Sharing Center (older method)

If you prefer the older interface or are troubleshooting, you can also change DNS through the Network and Sharing Center. Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the network connections folder.

Right-click the connection you use (either your WiFi network or your Ethernet adapter) and select Properties. In the list, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click it, and click Properties again. A dialog box opens. Click the radio button for Use the following DNS server addresses, then enter your primary and secondary DNS addresses in the fields below.

Click OK to save. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few seconds for websites to load as your PC begins using the new DNS server.

What to do if websites stop loading after changing DNS

If you change DNS and find that websites no longer load, the DNS addresses you entered are either incorrect or not reachable. The fastest fix is to revert to automatic DNS. Go back to the same settings menu where you changed it, toggle Automatic (DHCP) back on (in Windows 11) or select Automatic (DHCP) from the dropdown (in Windows 10), and click Save. Your PC will return to using your ISP's DNS within seconds.

Before trying a new DNS provider, double-check that you typed the addresses correctly. A single digit wrong will prevent the service from working. If you want to test a DNS service before committing, you can also change it at your router instead, which affects all devices on your network at once and is easier to undo if needed.

Changing DNS at your router instead of your PC

If you want all devices on your home network to use the same DNS server, you can change it at the router level instead of on individual computers. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, though the exact address varies by router model). Look for a section labeled DNS, DNS Settings, or WAN Settings, and enter your preferred DNS addresses there.

The advantage is that every device that connects to your WiFi or ethernet will use those DNS servers without needing to be configured individually. The disadvantage is that if something goes wrong, you have to log back into the router to fix it, whereas changing DNS on your PC takes seconds. Check your router's manual or manufacturer website for the exact steps, as the menu layout differs significantly between brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It might, depending on your ISP's DNS server and which provider you switch to. Some DNS services are optimized for speed, while others prioritize security or blocking ads. The only way to know is to try one for a day or two and see if you notice a difference. If not, you can switch back to automatic DNS in seconds.

Is it safe to change DNS?

Yes. Changing DNS does not affect your security or privacy beyond what the DNS provider itself can see. When you use a DNS service, that provider can see which websites you visit (though reputable services like Cloudflare and Quad9 publish privacy policies stating they do not log this data). Your ISP can still see your traffic regardless of which DNS you use.

Do I need to restart my PC after changing DNS?

No. The change takes effect when ready. However, your browser may have cached the old DNS result, so you might need to close and reopen your browser or clear its cache before you see the change take effect on a specific website.

What is the difference between primary and secondary DNS?

Your PC tries the primary DNS server first. If that server is unreachable or does not respond, your PC automatically tries the secondary server instead. Both should be from the same provider for consistency, though you can mix providers if you want.

Can I use any DNS address, or does it have to match my ISP?

You can use any public DNS address. Your ISP's DNS is not required — it is straightforward the default. Once you enter a different address, your PC stops using your ISP's server entirely and uses only the addresses you specified.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.