How to Change Your DNS Settings in Windows 10

The fastest way to change DNS in Windows 10

Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), then click on your active connection and scroll to DNS server settings. Choose "Edit" next to DNS servers, toggle off "Automatic" if it is on, and enter your new DNS addresses — one primary and one secondary. Click Save. The change takes effect when ready, though some websites may take a few minutes to load while your computer refreshes its cached addresses.

If you use Wi-Fi, the path is Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > select your network > Properties > scroll to DNS server settings. For Ethernet, it is Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet > Change adapter options > right-click your connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties > enter your DNS servers manually.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 offers two routes: the Settings app (simpler, modern interface) or Control Panel (older method, same result).
You need two DNS addresses — a primary and a secondary — though many people use the same provider for both.
Common public DNS options 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 your browser may need to be closed and reopened to see the difference.
If a website stops loading after you change DNS, you can revert to automatic by toggling "Automatic" back on in the same menu.

Using the Settings app (Windows 10 version 1903 and later)

This is the method most people should use because it is straightforward and does not require navigating older menus. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app when it appears. Go to Network & Internet on the left sidebar.

If you use Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi, then click "Manage known networks" and select the network you are currently connected to. Click Properties. Scroll down to DNS server settings and click Edit. Toggle off the "Automatic (DHCP)" switch if it is on. In the boxes that appear, type your primary DNS address in the first field and your secondary DNS address in the second field. Click Save when you are done.

If you use Ethernet, click Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, then click your active connection name. Scroll to DNS server settings, click Edit, toggle off Automatic, and enter your DNS addresses the same way. The change is live as soon as you click Save — you do not need to restart your computer.

Using Control Panel (older but still reliable method)

If you prefer the traditional approach or your version of Windows 10 does not show DNS settings in the Settings app, use Control Panel. Press the Windows key and type "Control Panel," then open it. Click Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.

On the left side, click "Change adapter settings." Right-click the connection you want to change (either your Ethernet adapter or Wi-Fi adapter) and select Properties. In the list, find "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click it once to highlight it, then click Properties. A new window opens. Click the radio button next to "Use the following DNS server addresses," then type your primary DNS in the first field and your secondary DNS in the second field. Click OK, then OK again to close the window.

Common DNS addresses and what they do

Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is one of the oldest and most widely used. It is fast, reliable, and works well for most people. Google logs some data about your queries, though it does not tie them to your Google account unless you are signed in.

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) is designed for speed and privacy. Cloudflare states it does not log your DNS queries, making it a choice for people concerned about privacy. It is also very fast because Cloudflare has servers in many locations worldwide.

Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112) blocks access to sites known to host malware or phishing attacks. It is useful if you want extra security, though it may occasionally block legitimate sites by mistake. Quad9 also does not log your queries.

Your internet service provider (ISP) runs its own DNS servers, and Windows 10 uses them by default. Changing to a public DNS server can sometimes speed up web browsing or unblock content your ISP restricts, but it can also slow things down if the public server is farther from you than your ISP's server. If a change makes things slower, switch back to automatic.

What to do if websites stop loading after you change DNS

If you change DNS and suddenly cannot reach certain websites, the new DNS server may be blocking them, or there may be a typo in the address you entered. First, double-check that you typed the DNS addresses correctly — even one wrong digit will cause problems. Go back to the same menu where you entered them and verify each number.

If the addresses are correct, try switching to a different public DNS provider. Google and Cloudflare are both reliable starting points. If that does not help, revert to automatic DNS by going back to Settings (or Control Panel) and toggling "Automatic" back on. Your computer will return to using your ISP's DNS servers within a minute or two, and websites should load again.

If a specific website is blocked and you want to use it, contact the DNS provider's support to report the false positive. Most providers have a process to review and unblock sites that were flagged incorrectly.

Why you might want to change DNS

The main reasons people change DNS are speed, privacy, and security. A public DNS server closer to you geographically may resolve addresses faster than your ISP's server, though this is not always the case. Some people change DNS to avoid ISP-level tracking or to use a service that blocks malware and phishing sites.

Changing DNS does not hide your browsing from your ISP — they can still see which websites you visit because they control your internet connection. DNS change only affects how your computer looks up the IP address of a website, not the traffic itself. If privacy from your ISP is your goal, a VPN is more effective than changing DNS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer after changing DNS?

No. The change takes effect when ready after you click Save or OK. However, your web browser may have cached the old DNS information, so closing and reopening your browser is a good idea if websites do not load right away.

Can I use different DNS servers for different websites?

No. Windows 10 applies the DNS servers you set to all websites and all applications on your computer. If you need different DNS for different purposes, you would need to change the setting each time, which is not practical.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 DNS?

IPv4 is the older standard and uses addresses like 8.8.8.8. IPv6 is the newer standard and uses longer addresses like 2001:4860:4860::8888. Most people only need to set IPv4 DNS. If you see an option for IPv6, you can leave it on automatic unless you have a specific reason to change it.

Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?

It might, but usually not noticeably. A DNS server closer to you may resolve addresses slightly faster, but the difference is often too small to feel. If you change DNS and notice your internet feels slower, switch back to automatic — your ISP's server is probably faster for your location.

Is it safe to change DNS?

Yes, as long as you use a reputable public DNS provider like Google, Cloudflare, or Quad9. These are large companies with good track records. Avoid unknown or suspicious DNS addresses. If you make a mistake, you can always revert to automatic DNS in the same menu.

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.