Domain Name Servers, commonly referred to as DNS, play a crucial yet often overlooked role in our daily internet interactions. These servers operate quietly in the background, translating user-friendly domain names, such as itpro.co.uk, into the numeric IP addresses that form the backbone of the internet. Typically, these DNS lookups are handled automatically by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but there is an option to customize your settings and choose alternative servers if desired.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-why-should-i-change-my-dns”>Why should I change my DNS?
One popular alternative is Cloudflare, which offers a free DNS service utilizing the IP addresses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 as its primary and secondary servers. In addition to standard DNS services, Cloudflare provides enhanced features such as automatic malware blocking at 1.1.1.2 / 1.0.0.2 and adult content filtering at 1.1.1.3 / 1.0.0.3.
Another versatile option is OpenDNS, managed by Cisco, which offers free DNS services at 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. OpenDNS allows users to configure optional blocks on phishing sites, adult content, and more. For businesses, DNS-level security is integrated into the Cisco Umbrella security platform, providing an additional layer of protection.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-change-dns-settings-in-windows-10″>How to change DNS settings in Windows 10
Typically, network clients are set up to send DNS queries to the local internet router, which then forwards them to the appropriate server. This means that by simply updating the DNS addresses in your router’s management interface, you can shift your entire network to a different domain name service. However, if you prefer a more granular approach, individual computers can be configured to use specific name servers.
In Windows 10, changing DNS settings can be accomplished easily through either the Command Prompt or the Control Panel. To use the Command Prompt, begin by opening an elevated shell. You can do this by accessing the Start menu, typing cmd, selecting Run as administrator, and confirming the security prompt that appears.
Once the Command Prompt window is open, enter the following command to view a list of network interfaces:
netsh interface show interfaceNote the name of the network whose DNS settings you wish to modify (for example, “WiFi”). You can then configure this network to use your chosen primary and secondary DNS servers by entering the following commands, replacing the placeholders with your network interface name and desired DNS IP addresses:
netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Network Name" static x.x.x.x primary
netsh interface ipv4 add dns name="Network Name" y.y.y.y index=2These changes should take effect immediately. To verify your active DNS settings, you can enter:
netsh interface ipv4 showdnsservers<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-change-dns-settings-using-the-control-panel”>How to change DNS settings using the Control Panel
If you prefer a graphical interface for adjusting your DNS settings, you can easily navigate to the relevant section of the Control Panel. Start by clicking the Start button and searching for View Network Connections. This will display a window showcasing all configured networks, including Bluetooth and virtual network adapters, as well as Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.
Right-click on the network you wish to configure and select Properties to access the various drivers and protocols associated with that connection. Next, double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to open a new window displaying your IPv4 address settings.
In the lower half of this window, select Use the following DNS server addresses, and enter your preferred primary and secondary addresses in the designated fields. Click OK to close the window, and then click OK again on the main connection properties dialogue. Your DNS settings will be updated immediately. Should you wish to revert to router-based DNS, simply return to this page and select Obtain an IP address automatically.
<h3 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-change-dns-settings-in-windows-11″>How to change DNS settings in Windows 11
For those accustomed to the evolving landscape of Windows, it may be reassuring to know that the process for changing DNS settings in Windows 11 mirrors that of Windows 10. Whether you opt for the Command Prompt or the Control Panel, the instructions provided above will guide you through the setup seamlessly, ensuring your Windows 11 system is configured to your liking.
