If your connection is choppy, some websites won't load, or you want extra privacy, Changing DNS servers in Windows 10 can make a huge difference without needing to touch anything "strange" on the router. It's a simple, yet very powerful setting that anyone can apply in a couple of minutes.
In this article you will see What exactly is DNS, why is it worth changing, and how to do it step by step in Windows 10?In addition, we will take the opportunity to review other systems (Windows 7, 8.1, 11, macOS, mobile devices and routers) and the most recommended DNS providers to gain speed, security and, incidentally, bypass certain DNS blocks applied by operators and governments.
What is DNS and why does it matter so much?
The domain name system, or DNS (Domain Name System) is the "phone book" of the Internet: translates easy-to-remember addresses like "xataka.com" or "google.es" into numerical IP addresses (for example 101.18.169.222) that computers and routers understand.
When you type a URL into your browser, Your computer doesn't directly understand that name.It sends a query to the DNS server configured on your network connection, and this returns the correct IP address of the web server to which it needs to connect.
Normally, The DNS you use by default is that of your Internet Service Provider (ISP)The router that your operator installs comes pre-configured with its own DNS servers and, in addition, automatically distributes them to all devices in your home using DHCP.
However, you are not bound to them: You can use public DNS servers like Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, Quad9, or those of your VPN. to improve speed, privacy, security, or even to bypass DNS blocks that are applied to some domains.
Reasons to change DNS servers
There are many everyday situations in which Modifying your connection's DNS settings in Windows 10 is the practical solution before you go crazy with the router or the operator.
One of the most common is speed: Not all DNS servers respond equally quicklySome, like Google Public DNS or OpenDNS, tend to offer faster resolutions, which means pages start loading sooner.
Privacy also comes into play: Your ISP can log the entire history of domains you query through its DNS.Using alternative privacy-focused services (such as Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or some third-party DNS) reduces operator tracking and, in many cases, does not store identifiable user data.
Security is another key point: Some DNS providers include filters against malicious websites, phishing, and malware.OpenDNS, Quad9, or Comodo SecureDNS, for example, block dangerous domains before your browser even loads the page.
Furthermore, in certain countries and specific cases, Governments force operators to block access to certain websites through DNS censorshipBy changing your DNS server, you can bypass many of these blocks, as the new provider will resolve those domains normally.
And finally, don't forget the occasional connectivity issues: Sometimes the operator's DNS server goes down, gets overloaded, or becomes outdated.This causes some websites to "disappear" on your connection. By switching to a stable public DNS, the website works again instantly, even if your router remains the same.
Difference between IPv4 and IPv6 DNS
In the Windows network settings you will see two very similar entries: “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and “Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”These are the two “generations” of IP addresses that coexist on the Internet today.
IPv4 is the traditional system, with 32-bit addresses (like 8.8.8.8)And it's the one still used by most home connections and services. However, it has run out of available addresses, which is why IPv6 emerged.
IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, which are much longer and with a virtually inexhaustible number of unique IPsThis allows millions of new devices to connect without the need for workarounds like NAT, and also improves certain aspects of routing and security.
If your operator already offers IPv6 connectivity, Configuring IPv6 DNS can also improve performance and compatibility. in modern services. Even so, if your network is still mostly IPv4, you'll notice the change mainly when configuring DNS in IPv4.
To check if you have IPv6 enabled, You can open a website like test-ipv6.com or ipv6-test.comIf it indicates that you are browsing with IPv6, you should configure both the IPv4 and IPv6 DNS settings of your preferred provider.
Recommended public DNS servers
Before going into the step-by-step instructions for Windows 10, it's helpful to know some of the most used public DNS providers, with their main addresses, so you can choose the one that best suits you.
Google Public DNS
Google Public DNS is one of the most popular services: It's free, global, and usually offers very fast resolution.It does not filter content, so it does not arbitrarily block websites.
Your addresses are:
- IPv4: 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary)
- IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 (primary) and 2001:4860:4860::8844 (secondary)
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
Cloudflare DNS presents itself as one of the The world's fastest DNS servers, with a huge focus on privacyIt does not sell data to advertisers and deletes query records very quickly.
It is especially appreciated For online gaming and connections where every millisecond counts:
- IPv4: 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary)
- IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 (primary) and 2606:4700:4700::1001 (secondary)
OpenDNS
OpenDNS (owned by Cisco) It combines good performance with advanced security featuresContent filtering and options designed for families and small businesses.
In addition to its standard version, it offers profiles such as FamilyShield and OpenDNS Home, with automatic blocking of adult content and protection against phishingTypical directions:
- IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Quad9
Quad9 is very safety-oriented: It uses threat intelligence to block domains associated with malware.phishing and other online scams before your browser even connects.
Their service is free, can be used on virtually any device, and user registration is not required, something that many value in terms of privacy.
Comfortable SecureDNS
Comodo SecureDNS, developed by a cybersecurity company, It adds another layer of protection by filtering dangerous websites and botnets.It's another interesting alternative if safety is at the top of your priority list.
How to change DNS in Windows 10 (modern graphical method)
In Windows 10 there are several ways to access the same setting, but the clearest for most users is through the Settings panel and network options.
1. Open network settings
Click the Start button and enter Settings (gear icon) to open Windows 10 optionsYou can also press the Windows + I keys directly.
Within Settings, access the section “Network and Internet” to see everything related to Wi-Fi, Ethernet and connection status.
2. Go to the adapter options
In the left column you will see “Status”, “Wi-Fi”, “Ethernet”, etc. The exact section changes depending on whether you are connected by cable or Wi-Fi.But the goal is the same.
From "Status" or from the type of connection you are using, look for the link “Change adapter options” within the “Advanced network settings” sectionClicking will open the classic "Network Connections" window.
3. Open your connection properties
In “Network Connections” you will see a list of all interfaces: Ethernet (cable), Wi-Fi, VPN virtual adapters, etc.The important thing is to find the one you actually use to access the internet.
Right-click on the active connection (for example, “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”) and select “Properties” to access the configuration of protocols and services associated with that adapter.
4. Enter Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
In the list of items, scroll until you find “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”Make sure not to uncheck the box, just select it with a click.
With IPv4 selected, press the button “Properties” appears just below the list for editing IP and DNS settings associated with this protocol.
5. Set up manual DNS servers
On the "General" tab, you'll see two sections: one for IP and one for DNS. It's usually checked. “Obtain the DNS server address automatically”, which means that you inherit the DNS from the router.
To use different servers, select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”This will enable two fields where you can enter the preferred and alternate DNS.
To use Google Public DNS You can write:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
If you prefer CloudflareYou could use:
- Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
- Alternate DNS Server: 1.0.0.1
Once you have filled in the fields, click on Click “OK” to save the settings and close the IPv4 properties window, and then click “Close” in the connection window.
6. Check if you also need to configure IPv6
If you want to go one step further, You can repeat the process with “Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” in the same adapter properties list.
Again, select IPv6, go into “Properties” and, if your operator provides IPv6 connectivity, check “Use the following DNS server addresses” to add the equivalent IPv6 DNS servers from your provider (for example, Google's or Cloudflare's).
If your ISP doesn't yet support IPv6 or you're unsure, It's fine to leave IPv6 on automatic or even disabled.Most home internet connections still primarily operate over IPv4.
7. Restart the connection or the equipment
In many cases the change is immediate, but If you want to make sure that Windows 10 applies the new DNSYou can disable and re-enable the adapter from the same "Network Connections" window.
Another more direct option is to restart the computer: A simple restart forces Windows to reload the network configuration and start resolving domains using the DNS servers you just entered.
Alternative method: Change DNS from Classic Control Panel
If you're more used to the classic Windows environment, You can access the DNS change directly from the Control Panel, without going through the modern Settings app.
Press Windows + R, type "control" and confirm to open the traditional Control PanelOnce inside, go to "Network and Internet" and then to "Network and Sharing Center".
From there, you will see your active connection in the “Connections” section: Click on the network name, then on “Properties” And from that point on, the process is identical: select TCP/IPv4 > Properties > “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
Change DNS in other versions of Windows
Although the focus is on Windows 10, The basic procedure is very similar in Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 11The menus only change slightly to access the network connection settings.
Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1
In Windows 7 and 8.1 the starting point is the same: “Network and Sharing Center” in the Control Panel.
You can open it from the Start menu > Control Panel > Network and Internet, or by right-clicking on the network icon in the taskbar and choosing “Open the Network and Sharing Center”.
Once inside, enter “Change adapter settings”Right-click on your connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) > Properties, select “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”From there, the procedure for entering the DNS is exactly the same as in Windows 10.
Windows 11
In Windows 11, Microsoft has tweaked the paths but the logic is the same: Open Settings from the Start menu and go to “Network & Internet”.
Then go to “Advanced network settings” and look for your active adapter in the “Network adapters” list.Click on “View additional properties”.
In the properties, locate the section “DNS server assignment” and click on “Edit”Change the mode to "Manual", enable IPv4 (and IPv6 if you want), and fill in the fields with the DNS servers you want to use.
For example, to use Cloudflare, enter 1.1.1.1 as the preferred DNS and 1.0.0.1 as the alternate. Save the changes and restart the connection or the computer. so that you can start using those servers.
Configure DNS on macOS
If you also have a Mac at home, you'll see that Changing the DNS on macOS is just as simpleexcept the menus have different names.
Click on the Apple logo and enter “System Configuration” (or “System Preferences” in earlier versions)Next, select “Network” in the sidebar.
Choose your active network service (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then tap on “Details” or “Advanced” and go to the “DNS” tabThere you will see a list of current servers.
Push the button “+” to add your preferred DNS servers (for example, 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1, or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). When you're finished, click "OK" and then "Apply" to start using them on your Mac.
If you want to make sure the change is applied correctly, You can turn Wi-Fi off and on, or unplug and reconnect the network cable..
Change DNS on Android and iPhone
Not only computers use DNS: Mobile phones and tablets also pass all their domain requests through a DNS serverChanging it can improve navigation and security on these devices as well.
Android
On most Android phones, go to “Settings” and then in the Wi-Fi sectionTap on the network you are connected to.
Access its advanced settings (usually by tapping the information icon [i] or “Modify network”), and look for the option “IP settings” to change from DHCP to static IP.
Doing so will display additional fields, including those for DNS 1 and DNS 2, where you can enter your custom DNS serversSave the changes and the device will use those DNS for that Wi-Fi network.
iPhone (iOS)
On iPhone and iPad, the process is similar, but with different menu names. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the [i] icon of the network you are connected to.
Scroll down to the section “Configure DNS”, which by default will be set to “Automatic”Change it to “Manual”.
Next, you will be able to delete the existing servers and add new ones with the “+” buttonEnter your chosen DNS servers, save the changes, and exit Settings. From that moment on, that Wi-Fi network will use the servers you configured.
Change DNS directly on the router
If you don't want to go changing DNS servers device by device, changing DNS servers on a device-by-device basisYou can do it directly on the router. This way, any device connected to your network will inherit those DNS settings without needing individual configuration.
To access the router, connect to your network and type the following into your browser: Typical gateway IP address, such as 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1Some providers use user-friendly addresses (for example, certain operators allow access via their own management URL).
Enter the router's administrator username and password (in many cases They come on a sticker on the device itself or in the manual.Once inside, look for menus such as “Internet”, “WAN”, “Internet Connection” or “Advanced Settings”.
In that area you will usually find the DNS section, where you will see the current ones (usually those of the operator). Simply replace them with the primary and secondary DNS servers you want. (for example, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and save.
After saving the settings, it is highly recommended Restart the router so that it distributes the new DNS servers to all devices.From then on, anyone connecting via cable or Wi-Fi will use those DNS servers without needing to touch anything in the operating system.
Additional advantages of using custom DNS
In addition to speed, privacy, and security improvements, changing the DNS Open the door to personalizing your internet experience quite powerfully.
For example, services like OpenDNS allow block entire categories of websites (games, gambling, adult content, social networks…)This is very useful if you want to set up some parental control at home.
Some DNS also They block most intrusive advertising and trackersThis reduces the load on heavy pages and improves the feeling of fluidity, especially on older computers.
And, of course, there's still the issue of restricted content: When your internet service provider blocks a domain at the DNS level, a public service that doesn't apply that filter allows you to access it. as long as there are no additional blocks at the IP level or other systems.
Even so, it's advisable to carefully review the policy of each DNS provider: If you have doubts or don't need anything special, you can always stick with your own operator's DNS.which is usually sufficient for daily use.
Mastering how to change DNS servers in Windows 10 and on the rest of your devices gives you a very powerful tool up your sleeve: You can speed up browsing, improve privacy, add security filters, and resolve many connection problems. without always depending on the operator's technical support, simply by knowing which menu to go to and which addresses to enter.