How To Update DNS Settings on Windows 10 for Improved Connectivity

How to Configure DNS Settings on Windows 10 for Faster and Safer Internet Access

Changing your DNS settings on a Windows 10 machine can really amp up your browsing speed and make things a bit safer online. To get started, dive into your network settings and swap out the default DNS servers for ones that are known to give better performance and privacy. Seriously, a lot of folks see their internet get smoother once they do this!

Accessing Your Network Settings

First off, hit the Start Menu and type “Settings” in the search. Click on Network & Internet. This is the launchpad for all your internet settings. No matter if you’re on Ethernet or Wi-Fi, it’s all here. This is where the magic starts!

Identifying Your Connection Type

Once you’re in, you gotta pick your connection type. Is it “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi”? Click on the right one. Double-check which network you’re actually using since you want your new DNS settings to apply properly. That’s crucial.

Diving into Connection Properties

Scroll down and then click on Properties. You’ll see a bunch of settings that dictate how your computer interacts with the internet. This is where you can change your DNS servers in the next steps.

Switching to Manual DNS Configuration

Now, under IP settings, find the “Edit” button and change it from automatic to “Manual.” Flipping this switch lets you choose custom DNS addresses. It’s all about picking faster servers instead of limping along with whatever your ISP provides.
Note: For serious tweaking, you might have to go through the Control Panel or access Network and Sharing Center by right-clicking your active network, then find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to tweak.

Inputting Your Preferred DNS Servers

Here comes the fun part! Type in the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want. You can’t go wrong with Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). These are like the Ferrari of DNS servers—fast and reliable.
You might also get fancy and look into DNS over HTTPS (DoH) support or custom servers if you know what you’re doing. Don’t forget to hit OK to save! Your internet will start using these new settings almost right away. Sometimes it takes a minute to kick in, though.
Pro tip: Use PowerShell to quickly set DNS:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses 8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4
Make sure to swap Wi-Fi with the actual name of your connection, which you can find using:
Get-NetAdapter | select Name, InterfaceDescription.

Quick Tips for Changing DNS Settings on Windows 10

Before diving in, make a note of your existing DNS settings. Just in case you want to go back, you know? You can look them up in the same properties dialog or via ipconfig /all in Command Prompt.
Also, using trusted DNS providers keeps things smooth. A quick reboot after updating can do wonders for ensuring those new settings stick.
If things get wonky, check to see you’ve got the right DNS addresses entered. If you want to ensure everything’s okay, you might ping a DNS server like: ping 8.8.8.8.

FAQs About Changing DNS

Why mess with DNS configurations?

Custom DNS settings can speed up your internet, cut down on lag, and boost security by connecting you to better servers. Plus, some providers have added perks like content filtering and phishing protection. Who doesn’t want that?

What if I mess up and enter a wrong DNS address?

If you screw up, your computer might have a tough time accessing websites, or worse, just lose internet altogether. It’s a bummer, really. Just double-check what you enter, and if all else fails, go back to automatic settings or throw in some correct ones. Run ipconfig /flushdns to clear out cached junk after changing anything.

Can configuring DNS help with gaming?

You bet! Faster DNS can lower latency and get you connected to game servers quicker, which is always a plus for your fragging experience. A lot of gamers use tools like GRC’s DNS Benchmarks or Namebench to track down the fastest options.

Is tweaking DNS settings safe?

Totally safe, as long as you stick with trustworthy providers like Google or Cloudflare. They’re pretty much the gold standard and can actually help protect you from some nasty DNS hijacking scenarios.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing DNS?

Changes usually kick in right away, but a restart is a good idea to make sure everything’s aligned. To refresh your network adapter, you can run commands like:
netsh interface set interface "<Interface Name>" disable then
netsh interface set interface "<Interface Name>" enable.
Swap out <Interface Name> with what you see in netsh interface show interface.

In short, messing with your DNS settings might seem like no big deal, but it can really make a difference in your online experience. Switching to a snappier and more secure DNS can rev up your web speed and keep your data safer. It’s like giving your internet a fresh pair of running shoes.
A little tweak here and there in your settings helps clear the internet traffic jams, making for a smoother ride. Plus, for those who want more, there are DNS providers out there with cool features like filtering or malware protection that can better tailor your online use.
Just remember to backup your current DNS settings before diving in, because life happens. You never know when you might need to revert back!
Take a moment and adjust your DNS settings; you’ll be amazed how it can up your browsing game. Happy surfing!