Is your internet connection slow or unreliable? Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings in Windows 10 can significantly boost browsing speed, security, and stability. In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to change DNS in Windows 10 using multiple methods — from the Control Panel to Command Prompt — and explain why it matters.
🌐 What Is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System — it’s like the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website like www.google.com, DNS translates that name into an IP address so your browser can locate the website.
By default, your internet provider (ISP) controls which DNS servers your PC uses. However, ISP DNS servers are often:
- Slower to respond
- Less private (they can track your activity)
- Prone to outages
Switching to faster, more secure DNS providers like Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, or OpenDNS can improve both speed and privacy.
🚀 Benefits of Changing DNS in Windows 10
Here’s why you might want to switch:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Faster Browsing | DNS requests resolve more quickly with optimized public DNS servers. |
| Improved Security | Some DNS services block phishing and malware sites. |
| More Privacy | Third-party DNS providers often don’t log your browsing data. |
| Bypass Restrictions | You can sometimes access websites blocked by your ISP. |
| Better Reliability | Public DNS servers are often more stable and less likely to go down. |
🔍 Popular Public DNS Providers
Here are some of the most trusted and widely used DNS providers you can use on Windows 10:
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Fast and reliable |
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Best for privacy |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Includes content filtering |
| Quad9 DNS | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Focused on security |
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 | Blocks ads and trackers |
🧭 How to Check Current DNS Settings in Windows 10
Before changing anything, it’s good to know which DNS you’re currently using.
✅ Method 1: Using Command Prompt
- Press Windows + R, type
cmd, and press Enter. - Run this command:
ipconfig /all - Look under your active network adapter for DNS Servers — these are your current settings.
✅ Method 2: Using Control Panel
- Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your active connection → select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → click Properties.
- If “Obtain DNS server address automatically” is selected, your ISP controls DNS.
⚙️ How to Change DNS in Windows 10 (Method 1: Control Panel)
This is the easiest and most common method.
🪟 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Press Windows + R, type
ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
→ This opens the Network Connections window. - Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → choose Properties.
- Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter your preferred DNS:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
- Click OK, then Close.
- Restart your browser or computer.
💡 Tip: You can repeat this for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) if you use IPv6.
💻 Method 2: Change DNS via Windows Settings (Modern Interface)
If you prefer the new Windows 10 Settings app:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
- Click Change adapter options.
- Right-click your active connection → Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → click Properties.
- Set your DNS as shown earlier (Google, Cloudflare, etc.).
- Save and close.
🧰 Method 3: Change DNS Using Command Prompt
Advanced users can change DNS directly from the Command Prompt.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Find your network interface name:
netsh interface show interface - Run this command (replace
Wi-Fiwith your interface name):netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8 netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2 - You’ve now set Google DNS manually.
✅ To confirm:
nslookup google.com
It should display the DNS server you configured.
🔧 Method 4: Change DNS via PowerShell
If you prefer PowerShell, it’s quick and efficient.
- Open Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type this command to view your adapters:
Get-NetAdapter - Replace “Wi-Fi” with your adapter name and enter:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses 1.1.1.1,1.0.0.1 - You’ve successfully switched to Cloudflare DNS.
🧹 Optional: Flush DNS Cache After Changing
After switching DNS servers, it’s a good idea to clear your DNS cache so old records don’t interfere.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns - You’ll see a message:
“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
Now your system is using the new DNS servers immediately.
🛡️ How to Change DNS on Your Router (Recommended)
If you want all devices on your network (PCs, phones, TVs) to use the same DNS:
- Open your router’s web interface (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Log in with your admin credentials.
- Find the Network or DNS Settings section.
- Enter your preferred DNS servers.
- Save and reboot the router.
💡 This method ensures every connected device benefits from faster, safer DNS.
🧠 How to Verify DNS Is Working
After changing DNS, verify it’s active.
✅ Method 1: Using Command Prompt
nslookup google.com
You’ll see your new DNS server listed.
✅ Method 2: Use Online Tools
Visit:
These sites confirm which DNS you’re using.
🧩 Troubleshooting DNS Problems
If your internet stops working after changing DNS:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No Internet Connection | Set DNS back to “Obtain automatically.” |
| Sites not loading | Flush DNS cache and restart PC. |
| Incorrect DNS | Check for typos or missing dots (e.g., 8.8.8 instead of 8.8.8.8). |
| VPN Conflict | Some VPNs override DNS settings — disable or reconfigure them. |
🔒 Advanced Tip: Use Encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT)
Windows 10 (since version 21H1) supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) for encrypted lookups.
How to Enable:
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options.
- Right-click your network → Properties.
- Click Edit DNS settings → choose Manual.
- Turn on IPv4 → add preferred DNS servers (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1).
- Select Encryption: Encrypted (DNS over HTTPS) → Save.
This hides DNS queries from ISPs and hackers, improving privacy.
🧾 Quick Summary: Steps to Change DNS in Windows 10
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Network Settings | Access adapter configuration |
| 2 | Choose IPv4 | Select Internet Protocol |
| 3 | Enter DNS Addresses | Input preferred and alternate DNS |
| 4 | Save Changes | Apply new settings |
| 5 | Flush DNS Cache | Clear old records |
| 6 | Verify DNS | Confirm using Command Prompt or online test |
🧭 Conclusion
Changing your DNS in Windows 10 is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to:
- Speed up your browsing
- Improve privacy
- Increase connection stability
- Block malicious websites
Whether you choose Google DNS, Cloudflare, or another provider, the process only takes a few minutes — and the benefits are immediate.
So, follow the steps above and enjoy a faster, safer, and more reliable internet experience on your Windows 10 PC.
❓ FAQs About Changing DNS in Windows 10
1. Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?
Yes — in a good way. Using faster DNS servers can reduce page loading times.
2. Can I use different DNS on different networks?
Absolutely. Windows saves DNS settings per adapter.
3. Is Cloudflare DNS safe?
Yes, it’s one of the most privacy-focused and secure DNS providers.
4. Does DNS affect gaming ping?
DNS doesn’t directly affect ping but can improve connection reliability.
5. Should I change DNS on my router or PC?
Changing it on your router applies to all devices; on your PC affects only that device.
✅ Final Tip: Try 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) first — it’s fast, private, and easy to set up.
Once configured, you’ll instantly notice smoother web performance on Windows 10.