How to Change Your DNS Settings in Windows 10

Where to find DNS settings in Windows 10

DNS settings in Windows 10 live in your network adapter configuration, not in a single "DNS" menu. You reach them through Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options, or by editing your network connection directly. The path depends on whether you want to change DNS for one network or all networks, and whether you're using a wired or wireless connection.

Windows 10 stores DNS information in two places: your router assigns one set of DNS servers automatically (called DHCP), and you can override those with manual entries on your computer. Most people change DNS at the router level so all devices use the same servers, but changing it on your Windows machine alone is faster if you want to test a different DNS provider or fix a problem on just that computer.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection, then scroll down to DNS settings and choose "Edit" to enter new DNS server addresses.
You need two DNS server addresses (primary and secondary), which your DNS provider will give you — common options include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
After you save new DNS settings, Windows uses them when ready for new web requests, though your browser may cache old results for a few minutes.
If websites stop loading after you change DNS, revert to automatic (DHCP) settings or use your router's DNS instead of your computer's.

Changing DNS through Windows Settings (fastest method)

Open the Settings app and navigate to Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, click Status, then scroll down and click "Change adapter options." You'll see a list of your network connections — right-click the one you use (usually "Ethernet" for wired or your Wi-Fi network name for wireless) and select Properties.

In the Properties window, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the list, highlight it, and click Properties again. A small dialog will open. At the bottom, you'll see two radio buttons: one says "Obtain DNS server address automatically" and the other says "Use the following DNS server addresses." Click the second radio button to unlock the text fields, then enter your primary DNS server in the first field and your secondary DNS server in the second field. Click OK, then OK again to save.

Finding the right DNS server addresses

Before you change your DNS, you need to know which addresses to enter. Your internet service provider assigns you default DNS servers, but you can use public DNS services instead. Cloudflare operates 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary). Google operates 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary). OpenDNS operates 208.67.222.222 (primary) and 208.67.220.220 (secondary).

Each of these services handles DNS lookups slightly differently — some prioritize speed, others add security filtering or block malware domains. If you're changing DNS to test a specific service, that service's website will list its exact addresses. Write down both the primary and secondary addresses before you open your network settings, so you don't have to switch windows.

Changing DNS through the Control Panel (older method)

If you prefer the older Control Panel interface, open Control Panel, go to Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. Click "Change adapter settings" on the left. Right-click your active connection and select Properties. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to open its settings dialog.

Select "Use the following DNS server addresses," enter your primary and secondary DNS addresses in the fields provided, and click OK. This method reaches the same settings as the Settings app but takes more clicks. Most people find the Settings app route faster, but both work identically.

What happens after you change DNS

Windows begins using your new DNS servers when ready for any new web request. However, your browser may have cached (stored in memory) the old DNS results for websites you visited recently, so those sites may still load from the old address for a few minutes. If you want to clear the cache right away, close your browser completely and reopen it, or open a private/incognito window.

You can verify that your new DNS is working by opening a command prompt (press Windows key + R, type cmd, press Enter) and typing nslookup google.com. The result will show which DNS server answered the request. If it shows your new DNS server's address, the change worked.

Reverting to automatic DNS if something breaks

If websites stop loading or load very slowly after you change DNS, the new DNS server may be down or unreachable from your location. Go back to the same network adapter Properties window, highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click Properties, and select "Obtain DNS server address automatically." Click OK to save. Windows will revert to your router's DNS settings within a few seconds.

If you want to test a different DNS provider without losing internet access, change only the primary address first and leave the secondary set to automatic. That way, if the primary fails, Windows falls back to your router's DNS. Once you confirm the new primary works, you can add a secondary address.

Changing DNS for IPv6 connections

If your network uses IPv6 (a newer internet protocol), you'll see a second option in the network adapter Properties called Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). The process is identical: click Properties, select "Use the following DNS server addresses," and enter your IPv6 DNS addresses. Most public DNS providers offer both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses — check their website for the IPv6 versions.

Most home networks still use IPv4 primarily, so you may not need to change IPv6 DNS. However, if you're on a newer network or your router supports IPv6, changing both ensures all your traffic uses your chosen DNS provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?

It may improve or worsen speed depending on which DNS server you choose and your location. Some public DNS services are optimized for speed and may be faster than your ISP's default servers. If you notice your internet feels slower after changing DNS, revert to automatic and try a different provider, or contact your ISP to confirm their DNS servers are working normally.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing DNS?

No. Windows uses new DNS settings when ready for new web requests. You don't need to restart, log out, or close any programs. If websites still show old content after a few minutes, clear your browser cache or open a private window to see the updated result.

What's the difference between changing DNS on my computer versus my router?

Changing DNS on your router affects all devices connected to that router. Changing it on your Windows computer affects only that computer. If you want all your devices (phone, tablet, other computers) to use the same DNS, change it at the router. If you want to test a DNS provider on just one computer, change it on Windows.

Can I use different DNS servers for different websites?

No. Your computer sends all DNS requests to the primary server you set, then the secondary if the primary doesn't respond. You cannot route specific websites to different DNS servers from Windows settings alone. Some third-party software can do this, but it requires additional configuration outside Windows.

What if I forget my ISP's original DNS addresses?

You don't need them. Setting DNS back to "Obtain DNS server address automatically" restores your ISP's default servers without you having to know what they are. Windows retrieves them from your router automatically.

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.