To change the DNS server on Windows 10, open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, choose Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click Properties. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses, enter the DNS servers you want (for example, 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8), and click OK.
A different DNS server can sometimes speed up browsing, fix sites that won’t load, or add family-friendly filtering. Below you’ll find the Settings app method, popular DNS options, and how to undo the change.
Popular public DNS servers
| Provider | Preferred | Alternate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Fast, privacy-focused |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Reliable and widely used |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Blocks known malicious domains |
| Cloudflare for Families | 1.1.1.3 | 1.0.0.3 | Blocks malware and adult content |
Method 1: Control Panel
- Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
- Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and choose Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter the Preferred and Alternate DNS servers and click OK, then Close.
For IPv6, repeat the steps with Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) using the provider’s IPv6 addresses.
Method 2: Settings app
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
- Click Properties under your connection (or click Wi-Fi > your network).
- Under DNS server assignment, click Edit, choose Manual, and turn on IPv4.
- Enter the preferred and alternate DNS servers and click Save.
Apply the change right away
Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns to clear old DNS records. Restart your browser.
How to switch back to automatic DNS
Repeat the steps and choose Obtain DNS server address automatically (or Automatic (DHCP) in Settings). Your PC will use your router’s or internet provider’s DNS again.
See also how to disable IPv6 in Windows 11.
Related: blocking websites with the hosts file.
Troubleshooting
- No internet after changing DNS: Check for typos in the addresses, or switch back to automatic.
- Change doesn’t stick: A VPN or security app may override DNS. Check its settings.
- Want every device to use it: Change DNS in your router’s settings instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to change DNS servers?
Yes, when you use a reputable provider. DNS providers can see the websites you look up, so choose one with a privacy policy you trust.
Will changing DNS make my internet faster?
It can make websites start loading a little faster, but it won’t increase your download speed.
How do I check which DNS server I’m using?
Run ipconfig /all in Command Prompt and look at DNS Servers under your adapter.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.