Changing DNS settings on Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful way to customize your internet experience. As someone who loves tinkering with technology, I have found that updating DNS settings can enhance both the speed and security of my internet connection. In this article, I will guide you through the process of changing DNS on Windows 10, sharing my personal insights along the way.
What is DNS?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s briefly discuss what DNS is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as a directory for the internet. When you type in a website URL, the DNS translates that into the corresponding IP address, allowing your computer to connect to the correct server. By changing your DNS settings, you can choose which DNS server your computer uses to perform these translations.
Step 1: Open Network Settings
The first step is to open the Network Settings on your Windows 10 computer. To do this, right-click on the network icon in the system tray and select “Open Network & Internet settings.” Alternatively, you can open the Settings app and navigate to the Network & Internet section.
Step 2: Access Adapter Settings
Next, click on the “Change adapter options” link. This will open the Network Connections window, where you will see a list of all the network adapters on your computer.
Step 3: Choose Network Adapter
Identify the network adapter that you are currently using to connect to the internet. It could be a Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Network Connection”) or an Ethernet adapter (e.g., “Ethernet” or “Local Area Connection”). Right-click on the adapter and select “Properties.”
Step 4: Configure DNS Settings
In the Properties window, scroll down and locate the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” entry, depending on the type of internet protocol your network uses. Select the entry and click on the “Properties” button below.
In the next window, you will see the DNS server settings. By default, the option to obtain DNS server addresses automatically is selected. To change the DNS settings, select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
Step 5: Enter Preferred and Alternate DNS Servers
Now comes the part where you can customize your DNS settings. Enter the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers in the “Preferred DNS server” and “Alternate DNS server” fields. You can use public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), or you can choose a DNS server recommended by your internet service provider.
For example, I have personally opted for using Cloudflare’s DNS servers due to their focus on privacy and security. These servers have helped me improve both the speed and privacy of my internet connection.
Once you have entered the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses, click on the “OK” button to save the changes.
Step 6: Verify DNS Changes
After changing the DNS settings, it’s a good idea to verify if the changes have taken effect. You can do this by visiting a website and checking if it loads correctly. You can also use online tools like “DNS Leak Test” to ensure that your computer is using the new DNS servers.
Conclusion
Changing DNS settings on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your internet experience. By customizing the DNS servers you use, you can enhance the speed, security, and privacy of your internet connection. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different DNS servers and find the ones that work best for you. Happy browsing!