How to change DNS settings on Windows 10 with 4 easy methods
In today’s fast-paced online world, speed and privacy are no longer optional luxuries. They are basic requirements for anyone who spends time browsing, streaming, or working online. Yet, one of the simplest ways to improve both of these factors often goes overlooked: changing your DNS settings.
If you use Windows 10 (or Windows 11, since the process is almost identical), you are probably relying on your Internet Service Provider’s default DNS. While functional, these defaults are rarely optimized for speed, security, or privacy. By making a quick adjustment, you can take back control of your connection.
Why DNS matters
DNS, short for Domain Name System, is essentially the internet’s phonebook. When you type “google.com,” your computer does not know what that means directly. It asks the DNS server for the numerical IP address. The faster and smarter your DNS server is, the faster you get connected.
ISP-provided DNS servers are usually slow, outdated, or heavily monitored. This can lead to slower page loading times, blocked content, and privacy issues.
Benefits of changing DNS
✔ Faster browsing speeds: A high-performance DNS shaves milliseconds off every request. Over dozens of requests per page, this makes a real difference.
✔ Enhanced security: DNS providers like Cloudflare and Quad9 block access to malicious domains before you even reach them.
✔ Improved privacy: With a privacy-focused DNS, your ISP can no longer log every website you visit.
✔ Parental controls: OpenDNS offers free filtering, making it a great option for households with children.
Choosing a DNS provider
You do not need to pay for a premium tool to benefit. Free options are excellent:
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1): Focuses on speed and no-logs privacy.
Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4): Reliable, stable, and widely supported.
OpenDNS FamilyShield (208.67.222.123 / 208.67.220.123): Adds built-in parental controls.
Pick based on your needs. Cloudflare is best for speed, Google for reliability, and OpenDNS for family filtering.
Four methods to change DNS on Windows 10
Windows offers four different ways to configure DNS. All work equally well, but each is suited for a different user type.
Settings App – The simplest and most modern method. Open Settings → Network & Internet → your connection → Edit IP settings → Manual → enter DNS.
Control Panel – The classic approach for users familiar with older Windows versions. Go to Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Properties → IPv4 → set DNS manually.
Command Prompt (CMD) – For advanced users who prefer typing commands. Use netsh commands to configure DNS quickly.
PowerShell – The professional tool for IT admins. A single command can set both preferred and alternate DNS servers.
Verifying your changes
After updating DNS, you should confirm it is active:
Run ipconfig /all in Command Prompt and check the DNS Servers line.
Use an online service like DNSLeakTest.com to verify traffic is routed through your chosen provider.
Flushing the DNS cache
One step many people forget is flushing the DNS cache. Without this, your PC may still rely on old DNS data.
To clear it, run Command Prompt as admin and type:
ipconfig /flushdns
This ensures your PC starts fresh with your new DNS servers.
Troubleshooting
Lost connection? Check for typos in the DNS address. Switching back to automatic settings can restore your internet immediately.
Sites still blocked? Flush the DNS cache and restart your browser.
Final thoughts
Changing DNS is one of the most effective and overlooked tweaks for Windows users. It requires no special tools, no payment, and no advanced knowledge — just a few minutes of your time.
If your internet feels slow or your ISP’s monitoring makes you uneasy, switching to a better DNS provider is a quick and powerful fix.
👉 Get all the steps here:
https://safelyo.com/how-to-change-dns-settings-on-windows-10/
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