How To Change Dns Settings In Windows 10

So, there I was, sitting in my favorite coffee shop, laptop open, trying to stream my favorite show. But no, it wasn't happening. The internet said it couldn't find the server. I mean, really? I'd just been watching it yesterday! That's when it hit me - I'd changed my Wi-Fi network, and I hadn't updated my DNS settings. Oh, the horror!

Don't be like me, folks. Today, we're going to dive into the world of Windows 10 and learn how to change those pesky DNS settings. It's not as scary as it sounds, I promise.

Why Change DNS Settings?

Alright, let's start with the basics. DNS, or Domain Name System, is like the internet's phonebook. It translates those fancy website names (like www.example.com) into numbers that computers can understand (like 192.0.2.1). Sometimes, your internet service provider (ISP) might not have the best DNS servers, or you might want to use a public DNS service like Google's for faster browsing. That's where changing your DNS settings comes in.

How to Change DNS Settings in Windows 10

Method 1: Using the Command Prompt

Now, let's get our hands dirty. First, open up your Command Prompt. You can do this by right-clicking on your Start button and selecting "Command Prompt" (or "Command Prompt (Admin)" if you're feeling fancy).

Next, type in ipconfig /all and hit enter. This will show you all the details of your network connection. Look for your adapter name (it might be something like "Ethernet adapter Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi").

Now, type in netsh interface ip set dns name="Adapter Name" static IP Address and hit enter. Replace "Adapter Name" with the name of your adapter and "IP Address" with the IP address of the DNS server you want to use. For example, if you're using Google's DNS, you'd use 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

How to change DNS settings on your PC running Windows 10 | Windows Central

To add a secondary DNS server, just add secondary before the IP address. Like this: netsh interface ip set dns name="Adapter Name" static IP Address secondary IP Address.

Method 2: Using the Network and Sharing Center

Alright, if the Command Prompt isn't your thing, there's a graphical way to do this too. Right-click on your Start button and select "Network Connections".

Find your network connection (it might be something like "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi"), right-click on it, and select "Change adapter options".

Right-click on your network connection again and select "Properties". Scroll down and select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties".

How to Change DNS Server on Windows 10, 11, macOS, Android, and Other OS

In the new window, select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the IP address of the DNS server you want to use. If you want to add a secondary DNS server, just enter it in the "Alternate DNS server" field. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Test Your New DNS Settings

Alright, you're all set! But how do you know if it worked? Easy, just open up your web browser and try to access a website. If it works, great! If not, double-check your settings and make sure you entered the IP address correctly.

And there you have it, folks! Changing your DNS settings in Windows 10 isn't so bad after all. Now, go forth and enjoy your faster, smoother internet experience. Just remember, if you ever change your mind, you can always change your DNS settings back to their default values.

Until next time, happy browsing!