How to change DNS settings on your PC running Windows 10

Domain Name System (DNS)

A Domain Name System (DNS) is the interpreter between an internet user and the browser. It helps change the domain names to a numeric or an alphanumeric format, which is easy for the internet connection to load. The numeric/alphanumeric format is known as the IP address.

This helps the browser load content on a website. The IP address is unique to every network connection. Only when the DNS converts the domain name into the IP address, will the browser load the content in the webpage, as provided by the internet.

It is recommended that a computer user change his/her DNS for various reasons, including security against threats you can’t see and internet speed. There is third-party software that can change the DNS addresses of your network. But it is being extra-precautionary, not having to rely on another software, and knowing how to do it yourself.  

Why Change your DNS servers?

Altering the default DNS of your network to a different one can protect your system from DNS-based threats.

DNS servers could become victims of hackers, trying to change your DNS server to one of their choice. This may result in your browser directing you to websites that can breach your virtual privacy. Your antivirus software may not be of use, when these attacks happen. Changing your DNS addresses can protect your IP address.

Adjusting your DNS settings to Public DNS servers could also boost your internet speed five times faster than your usual internet bandwidth. 

Modifying the DNS could also prevent your child from entering inappropriate websites. It helps in managing parental controls. 

Changing your DNS on your Windows 10 PC and Mac 

Since the Windows 10 and the iOS operating systems differ from each other in many ways, the ways to change the DNS settings are also different to change through these User Interfaces. There are three ways to modify the DNS settings on computers that run on Windows 10.

You can use the Control Panel, Settings, and the Command Prompt application to change the DNS settings. While there is only one way to change the DNS on a Mac. Here’s how you change DNS in your computer, be it a Windows or an iOS based device. 

DNS address editing in Windows 10

Change DNS settings using Control Panel

One can also use the tools in the Control Panel, in the Windows OS, to edit the DNS address of their network. Follow these steps to modify the DNS using the Control Panel:  

1. Open your Control Panel.  

2. In the Network and Internet category, select the Network and Sharing Center. Here ‘Adapter’ refers to the network adapter, which brings the internet to you.

3. On the left, you’ll notice a few menus. Click Change Adapter Settings menu.  

4. Select the network that provides internet service to the user’s computer and select Properties.

5.  Click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) check box.

6. In the same window, click Properties menu. 

7.  Under the General tab in the Internet Protocol version 4(TCP/IPv4) Properties window, you’ll notice that you can change the IP address and the DNS servers. Check Use the following DNS server address and type in the DNS servers you want to use. 

8. Enter your preferred DNS server and click ok. Select close when you are done.  

Editing the Windows 10 DNS settings using Settings

The user can also edit the network settings through the Windows Settings in the Windows 10 OS. This is the simplest way to edit your network DNS in a Windows 10 operating system.

• When you open the Start button, you’ll be able to see Settings on the left. Click on it. 
• Select the Network & Internet menu and in it, Click on Ethernet or Wi-fi, depending on which gives your system access to the internet. Select the connected network. 
• In the IP settings category, click the Edit button. 

• In the Edit IP settings drop menu, select Manual. 
• The IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) switch has to be turned on. Click on the switch.
• Enter the Primary and Secondary DNS server addresses. 
• Click Save to save the changes, once you type in the new address.

Editing Windows 10 DNS address with Command Prompt

A single line of command in the right place can also change your network’s DNS settings. This is made possible with Command Prompt in Windows. This is how you change your DNS in the most complex way possible in Windows 10:

• In the blank space next to the netsh, type interface show interface. Hit the enter key.

• Type interface ip set dns name=”Your Adapter” source= “static” address=”1.1.1.1” This command sets the Primary domain name server settings to 1.1.1.1

• To change the alternate DNS IP address, enter this command:

interface ip add dns name=”Your Adapter” addr=”1.0.0.1″ index=2

Once you tap enter, your operating system will function with the new DNS server address you entered. Make sure the commands you entered are spelt right. 

You can use the following command: ipconfig/flushdns to clear the DNS Resolver Cache before altering the DNS address.

Editing the DNS server settings on a Mac

The User Interface (UI) and the working of an Apple Macintosh or a Macbook is different from that of a Windows-based computer. Similar enough, an Apple PC  has a route, different from that of Windows, to change the internet settings.

This is how to change your DNS server, if you are using a Mac:

1. You’ll see an Apple logo on the upper-left corner of your display. Click on it to see a menu drop down.
2. Click on System Preferences.
3. Select the Network menu.
4. Click on the connected network. The active network has a green dot near it. The disconnected ones have a red dot by them.
5. In the bottom-right corner, the Advanced button is present. Click on it.
6. You’ll see a few tabs on the top part of the window. Among them, tap on the DNS tab.
7. Tap the + sign under the DNS servers column.
8. Type in the DNS address you prefer and click ok.
9. When you’re done changing the DNS address, tap Apply to save changes.

Finding your Alternate DNS

The most popular DNS servers are Cloudflare, Google Public, and Open DNS. Of these, the Google and Cloudflare DNS are renowned for their data speed and security. Google’s DNS is believed to provide the fastest network connections. These DNS servers are trustworthy and are safe to use for personal use. 

You can use the following DNS, without having to worry about invasion or compromise of privacy

1. Google DNS – 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
2. Cloudflare DNS – 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
3. Open DNS – 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

There are other DNS servers, which specify offering services. For example, 1.1.1.1 with Warp is a server that offers its services exclusively for mobile phones and tablets. Comodo Secure (8.26.56.26) emphasizes offering protection from threats, phishing, and malware. There are even third-party apps that change DNS settings for you.

Conclusion

With such large numbers of DNS server addresses to keep you protected, you can stop worrying about losing your privacy to hackers, malware, and other threats that can harm your computer, through the internet.

A simple change in your DNS servers can safeguard terabytes’ worth of data from those who want to violate your computer. This also helps you be a responsible person and use the internet without fear. This is how you protect your virtual identity and privacy. 

This is one of the ways to be secure while using the internet. You can also look at using a VPN service which will also provide some additional security while connected to the internet.

If you have any issues with your Audio rendering then you can check out our article on How to Fix an Audio Renderer Error in Windows 10. For screen tearing problems in Windows 10, you can use this article. Do check out our fix “we can’t activate windows on this device” error.

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