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How To Update DNS Settings on Windows 10 Successfully

How to Switch DNS on Windows 10 Without Losing Your Mind

Changing the DNS settings on a Windows 10 machine can be a total game changer. It’s supposed to make your internet feel faster and can even help keep your browsing a bit safer. You just need to tweak some network settings, pick your new DNS addresses, and hope for the best. Here’s the messy but effective way to get it done.

Getting into the Network Settings

First off, fire up the Start menu and type “Settings.” From there, select Network & Internet. You could also go for the quick route with Windows key + I and hit Network & Internet. Scroll down a bit and click on the Change adapter options link. Sounds simple, right? Because naturally, Windows has to complicate things a little.

If you’re feeling impatient, there’s an even faster way. Just press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter. Boom, you’re in the Network Connections window.

Select Your Connection

Now, figure out if you’re on “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi.” Right-click your network and choose Properties. Picking the right connection is crucial. If you mess this up, your new DNS settings won’t do anything, and that’s just a bummer.

Dive into Properties

Scroll down, find Properties, and click it. Here’s where you’ll see all the juicy details about your connection, including the options for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Most folks will pick TCP/IPv4, so click on that and hit Properties.

Switching to Manual DNS

In the Properties box, look for Use the following DNS server addresses. If it’s set to Obtain DNS server address automatically, change it to Use the following DNS server addresses. This is where you get to put in your shiny new DNS values.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add DNS for both IPv4 and IPv6. Consider options like:

Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

Input Your DNS Servers

Now’s the fun part. Enter the new DNS addresses you’ve picked—like Google’s or Cloudflare’s. And if you’re into the IPv6 world, you might use 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001. Click on OK to save, and close everything up. Your computer should now use these new DNS servers.

Don’t forget to flush your DNS cache to ensure the changes kick in. To do that, open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an admin and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

It clears out anything old hanging around. Changes usually kick in after a browser restart, but sometimes a full reboot is in order.

If things go sideways, double-check those DNS addresses. Typos happen, and they can mess you up.

Quick Tips for DNS Change on Windows 10

Before diving in, write down your current DNS settings. If things go south, being able to roll back is a lifesaver. Lots of experienced folks swear by Google or Cloudflare for speed and reliability. After changing the DNS, give your device a quick reboot—it often helps get everything playing nicely. And if connectivity issues arise, take a hard look at your entries for mistakes. Switching DNS can sometimes solve weird network problems, but it can also create new ones if not done right.

FAQ on Changing DNS

Why change DNS settings anyway?

Switching DNS can speed up browsing and increase online safety. Some DNS servers are better optimized, which means less waiting around for pages to load. Extra security options can help keep nasty stuff at bay.

What happens if I mess up the DNS addresses?

If you input wrong addresses, you might find yourself unable to connect to the internet or have slow performance. Slow loading or no access is a sure sign something’s off. Check your entries again.

Will changing DNS help with gaming?

Absolutely. A better DNS can reduce lag and enhance your gaming experience. Gamers often see significant boosts when using high-quality DNS servers.

Is messing with DNS settings safe?

If you stick with trusted providers like Google or Cloudflare, you’re usually in safe waters. They prioritize security, which is a huge plus. Just be careful about where you choose to get your DNS from.

Do I need to restart my PC after changing DNS?

Yes! Restarting helps your computer really apply those new settings. It cuts down on the chances of conflicts and makes sure everything’s updated right away.

Quick Recap

Open your Network & Internet settings.
Choose your active network.
Access the connection Properties menu.
Switch to manual DNS settings and enter your preferred DNS values.
Flush your DNS cache afterwards.

So there you have it—changing DNS settings on Windows 10 isn’t rocket science, but it can seriously improve your internet experience. It’s like a little hack for your connection, making everything snappier and often safer. Take a few minutes to switch things up; it can pay off when those pages load faster. This little tweak could save time in the long run for anyone dealing with sluggish internet. Who knew a few numbers could make such a difference?