How to Change Your DNS Settings in Windows 10

Change DNS Through Network Settings

The fastest way to change DNS in Windows 10 is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi (or Ethernet if you use a wired connection). Select the network you're connected to, then scroll down and click Edit DNS settings. Toggle Automatic (DHCP) to Off, and you'll see fields for a preferred DNS server and an alternate DNS server. Type in the DNS addresses you want to use—for example, Google's public DNS is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Click Save when you're done.

This method works whether you're on WiFi or a wired Ethernet connection. The change takes effect when ready, though some websites may take a few seconds to load while your computer caches the new DNS information. If you make a mistake, you can always toggle Automatic (DHCP) back on to return to your internet provider's default DNS.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection, and click Edit DNS settings to change your DNS servers manually.
You need two pieces of information: a preferred DNS server address and an alternate DNS server address, which your DNS provider will give you.
Common public 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).
Changes take effect when ready, but you may need to restart your browser or clear its cache to see the difference on websites you've visited before.
If something goes wrong, you can switch back to automatic DNS by toggling DHCP back on in the same menu.

Change DNS Through Advanced Network Settings

If you prefer more control, you can change DNS through the older Network and Sharing Center. Right-click the network icon in your system tray and select Open Network & Internet settings. Click Change adapter options on the left side. Find your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet), right-click it, and select Properties. In the list, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click it, then click Properties again.

A new window opens. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter your preferred and alternate DNS servers in the fields provided. Click OK, then OK again to close the Properties window. This method is more detailed than the Settings app route, but it gives you the same result. Some people prefer it because it's easier to see all your network settings in one place.

Understanding What DNS Does and Why You Might Change It

DNS (Domain Name System) is the service that translates website names like "google.com" into the numerical addresses your computer actually uses to connect. By default, Windows 10 uses DNS servers provided by your internet service provider. Changing DNS means telling your computer to ask a different service to do that translation.

People change DNS for several reasons: some want faster website loading, others prefer a DNS service that blocks malicious websites, and some want to use a service that respects their privacy more than their ISP's DNS does. Public DNS services like Google, Cloudflare, and Quad9 are free and widely used. Before you change, decide which DNS service you want to use and write down both server addresses—you'll need both the primary and secondary address.

Verify Your DNS Change Worked

After you change your DNS settings, you can check that the change took effect. Open a command prompt by pressing Windows key + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter. Scroll down to find your network connection and look for "DNS Servers"—the addresses listed there should match what you just entered in Settings.

You can also visit a DNS checker website like whatismydns.net to see which DNS servers your computer is using. This is useful if you're not sure whether your change worked or if you're troubleshooting a connection problem. The checker will show you your DNS servers and confirm they match what you intended to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing DNS

The most common mistake is entering the DNS addresses in the wrong order or typing them incorrectly. DNS server addresses are strings of numbers separated by periods—one wrong digit and your computer won't be able to reach that DNS service. Double-check each number before you click Save. If you're copying and pasting from a website, make sure you don't accidentally include extra spaces or characters.

Another mistake is changing DNS and then when ready assuming something is broken if a website doesn't load right away. DNS changes can take a few seconds to a few minutes to take full effect, and your browser may still have old information cached. Try opening a new browser window or restarting your browser entirely. If a website still won't load after five minutes, you can always switch back to automatic DNS and contact your internet provider to rule out other connection problems.

Switch Back to Your ISP's Default DNS

If you want to return to your internet provider's DNS servers, the process is straightforward. Go back to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi (or Ethernet) > Edit DNS settings and toggle Automatic (DHCP) back on. Windows will when ready stop using the custom DNS addresses you entered and will ask your ISP's DNS servers for website translations again.

If you used the Network and Sharing Center method instead, go back to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties and select Obtain DNS server address automatically. Either way, the change takes effect right away. You don't need to restart your computer or do anything else—Windows handles the switch automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It may, depending on which DNS service you choose and your location. Some public DNS services are optimized for speed, while others prioritize security or privacy. The difference is usually small—a few milliseconds—but some people notice faster page loads. The only way to know is to try a service for a few days and see if you notice a difference.

Is it safe to use public DNS like Google or Cloudflare?

Yes, public DNS services are widely used and maintained by reputable companies. They don't require you to install anything or create an account. The main trade-off is that these services can see which websites you visit (because you're asking them to translate the domain names), whereas your ISP's DNS already has that information anyway.

Do I need to change DNS on every device in my house?

No. You can change DNS on individual devices through Windows Settings, or you can change it once on your router so that all devices connected to that router use the new DNS. Changing it on your router is more convenient if you want the same DNS service on all your devices. Check your router's manual for instructions on how to change DNS there.

What happens if I enter a DNS address that doesn't exist?

Your computer will try to reach that address, fail, and then try the alternate DNS server you provided. If both addresses are wrong or unreachable, websites won't load. You'll see an error message saying the website can't be found. Switch back to automatic DNS and try again with the correct addresses.

Can I use different DNS servers for different websites?

Not through Windows Settings. The DNS servers you set explore to all websites you visit. If you need more advanced DNS routing, you would need to use third-party software or configure DNS at the router level, which is beyond what Windows 10's built-in settings allow.

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.