Change DNS Server Through Network Settings
The fastest way to change your DNS server on Windows 10 is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select Ethernet or Wi-Fi depending on your connection type. Click on your active connection, scroll down to DNS server assignment, and select Edit. Choose Custom, enter your new DNS server addresses (you need at least one primary address), and save.
Windows 10 will explore the change when ready. Your computer will start using the new DNS server the next time it looks up a web address. You do not need to restart your computer, though restarting can help if a website still loads slowly after the change.
Key Takeaways
- DNS server changes through Settings explore only to your current network connection, so you may need to repeat the process for Wi-Fi if you also use Ethernet.
- You need the primary DNS address at minimum, but adding a secondary address provides a backup if the first one is unavailable.
- Common public DNS servers include Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), though your internet provider or network administrator may recommend a different address.
- Changes made through Settings affect only your Windows 10 device, not other devices on your network.
- If websites still load slowly after changing DNS, clear your browser cache or wait a few minutes for the old DNS information to expire from your system.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ethernet Connections
Click the Start button and type "Settings" to open the Settings app. Select Network & Internet from the left menu. On the right side, click Ethernet, then click on your active connection name (it will show as "Connected").
Scroll down to the DNS server assignment section. Click Edit, then select Custom from the dropdown menu. In the Preferred DNS server field, type your primary DNS address. If you want to add a backup, toggle IPv4 to On and enter a secondary DNS address in the Alternate DNS server field. Click Save when finished.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Wi-Fi Connections
Open Settings and select Network & Internet. Click Wi-Fi on the left menu, then click Manage known networks. Find your Wi-Fi network name in the list and click it. Select Edit next to DNS server assignment.
Choose Custom from the dropdown. Enter your primary DNS server address in the Preferred DNS server field. If you want a secondary address, toggle IPv4 to On and enter it in the Alternate DNS server field. Click Save. Windows 10 will disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network to explore the change.
Changing DNS Through Advanced Network Settings
If the Settings app method does not work or you need more control, you can change DNS through the 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.
Right-click your active connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter your primary and secondary DNS addresses in the boxes provided. Click OK, then OK again to save.
Reverting to Your Internet Provider's DNS
If you want to go back to your internet provider's default DNS server, open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Select your connection type, then click on your active connection. Find DNS server assignment and click Edit.
Select Automatic from the dropdown menu instead of Custom. Click Save. Windows 10 will revert to the DNS addresses your internet provider assigns automatically. This usually takes effect within a few seconds.
Common DNS Servers You Can Use
| DNS Provider | Primary Address | Secondary Address |
|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 |
Each of these services is free and works on any internet connection. Google and Cloudflare are the most widely used. If your network administrator or internet provider recommends a specific DNS server, use that address instead of these public options.
Troubleshooting After Changing DNS
If websites do not load after changing your DNS server, first check that you typed the address correctly. Go back to Settings, click your connection, and verify the numbers match what you intended to enter. A single wrong digit will prevent the DNS server from working.
If the address is correct but websites still will not load, try restarting your computer. This clears your system's DNS cache and forces Windows 10 to use the new server from scratch. If that does not work, revert to Automatic DNS and contact your internet provider to confirm your connection is working.
Websites may also load slowly for a few minutes after you change DNS servers because your browser still has old information cached. Clear your browser cache by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select All time, and click Clear browsing data. Then try loading a website again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?
Changing to a different DNS server may make websites load slightly faster or slightly slower depending on the server's location and how busy it is. The difference is usually small — a few milliseconds. If you notice websites loading much slower after the change, revert to your internet provider's DNS and try a different public server.
Do I need to change DNS on every device on my network?
No. Changes you make in Windows 10 Settings affect only that computer. Other devices like phones, tablets, or other computers will continue using their own DNS settings. If you want all devices to use the same DNS server, you can change the setting in your router instead, which affects every device that connects to it.
Can I use different DNS servers for different websites?
Windows 10 does not have a built-in way to route different websites to different DNS servers. You would need third-party software or router-level configuration to do this. For most users, a single DNS server handles all website lookups.
What happens if my new DNS server goes down?
If you entered only a primary DNS server and it stops working, websites will not load. This is why adding a secondary DNS address is useful — Windows 10 will automatically try the secondary server if the primary one does not respond. Always enter at least two DNS addresses if possible.
Is it safe to use public DNS servers like Google or Cloudflare?
Yes. Google Public DNS and Cloudflare are widely used and maintained by large companies. They do not require any account or payment. Your internet provider can still see which websites you visit, but the DNS server itself does not store your browsing history in a way that connects to your identity.