Change DNS on Windows Through Network Settings
The fastest way to change DNS on Windows is through the Network Settings app. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Network & Internet on the left side. Click WiFi if you use wireless, or Ethernet if you use a wired connection. Select the network you're currently connected to, then scroll down and click Edit next to DNS server assignment.
A window will open showing your current DNS settings. Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Toggle on the IPv4 switch if it isn't already on. You'll now see two blank fields: one for the preferred DNS server and one for the alternate DNS server. Type your new DNS addresses into these fields — for example, if you're switching to Google's DNS, you would enter 8.8.8.8 in the first field and 8.8.4.4 in the second. Click Save when you're done.
Your computer will use the new DNS servers when ready. You don't need to restart your computer, though restarting your browser will may support it picks up the change right away.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type, find your network name, and click Edit to access DNS settings.
- Switch the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual, then enter your new DNS server addresses in the IPv4 fields.
- Common public DNS services 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 without requiring a computer restart, though closing and reopening your browser ensures it recognizes the new servers.
Change DNS Through Control Panel (Older Method)
If you're using an older version of Windows or prefer the Control Panel, you can change DNS there as well. Open Control Panel by typing it into the Windows search box, then click Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. On the left side, click Change adapter settings.
Right-click the network connection you want to modify — either Ethernet or WiFi — and select Properties. In the list of items, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click it once to select it, then click Properties. A new window opens. Select the radio button next to Use the following DNS server addresses, then enter your preferred and alternate DNS servers in the two fields below. Click OK to save.
This method works identically to the Settings app approach — the change is when ready and requires no restart. The Settings app method is simpler if your Windows version supports it, but the Control Panel method works on all Windows versions.
Understanding What DNS Does and Why You Might Change It
DNS stands for Domain Name System. When you type a website address like "example.com" into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server asking "what is the IP address for example.com?" The DNS server responds with a number (the IP address), and your browser then connects to that address. By default, Windows uses the DNS server provided by your internet service provider.
You might change your DNS server to use a public DNS service like Google, Cloudflare, or Quad9. Some people do this because public DNS services are often faster, some because they offer extra security features like blocking known malicious websites, and some because they want a DNS provider with a different privacy policy. Changing DNS does not change your internet speed directly — it only changes how quickly your computer translates website names into IP addresses, which is usually a tiny fraction of your total connection time.
Your ISP's DNS server works fine for most people. Changing DNS is optional and makes a noticeable difference only if you visit many different websites in a short time, or if your ISP's DNS server is unusually slow or unreliable in your area.
Common DNS Services and Their Addresses
| DNS Service | Preferred Server | Alternate Server | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Speed and reliability |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Privacy and speed |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Security and blocking malware sites |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Parental controls and filtering |
Troubleshooting DNS Changes That Don't Seem to Work
If you've changed your DNS settings but websites still load slowly or you're still seeing the same results, the issue is usually that your browser has cached the old DNS information. Close your browser completely — not just the window, but the entire process — then reopen it. If you're still having trouble, open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the Windows search box, then type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. This clears your computer's DNS cache and forces it to use your new DNS servers on the next request.
Another common issue is entering the DNS addresses incorrectly. Double-check that you've typed the numbers exactly as they appear, with periods in the right places. A single wrong digit will cause the DNS server to be unreachable. If you're unsure whether your change worked, you can visit a website like whatismydns.net and type in any website address — it will show you which DNS server answered the request.
If you've made a mistake and want to go back to your ISP's DNS, straightforward return to the same settings screen and change the dropdown back to Automatic (DHCP). Your computer will revert to the default DNS servers within a few seconds.
Changing DNS for a Specific WiFi Network Only
The steps above change DNS for whichever network you're currently connected to. If you connect to multiple WiFi networks — at home, at work, at a coffee shop — and you want different DNS settings for each one, you'll need to repeat the process for each network separately. Connect to the first network, change its DNS settings, then connect to the second network and change those settings independently.
Windows remembers the DNS settings for each network you've connected to, so once you've set them up, you won't need to change them again unless you want to. If you connect to a network you've never used before, it will use your ISP's default DNS until you manually change it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing DNS make my internet faster?
Changing DNS might make website names load slightly faster, but it won't change your overall internet speed. DNS lookup is usually less than 100 milliseconds — a tiny fraction of the time it takes to load a full webpage. You'll notice a difference only if your ISP's DNS server is unusually slow or if you visit hundreds of different websites daily.
Is it safe to change DNS?
Yes, changing to a reputable public DNS service is safe. Google, Cloudflare, and Quad9 are all established companies that handle DNS for millions of people. The worst that can happen is the DNS service is slow or unreliable, in which case you straightforward change back to your ISP's DNS.
Do I need to change DNS on every device?
No. Each device on your network has its own DNS settings. If you change DNS on your Windows computer, it affects only that computer. Your phone, tablet, and other computers will continue using your ISP's DNS unless you change their settings separately.
What if I don't know my ISP's DNS server addresses?
You don't need to know them. straightforward return to the DNS settings screen and change the dropdown back to Automatic (DHCP). Windows will automatically use your ISP's DNS servers again.
Can I use different DNS servers for IPv6?
Yes. In the same settings screen where you enter IPv4 DNS addresses, you'll see an IPv6 toggle. Turn it on and enter IPv6 DNS addresses if your ISP supports IPv6. Most home internet users only need to set IPv4 DNS, but the option is there if you need it.