How to change DNS settings

DNS servers (also known as name servers or domain name system servers) are hardware or software servers that hold public IP addresses along with their correspondent hostnames. Their goal is to translate common hostnames (for example, freedownloadmanager.org) into IP addresses (for freedownloadmanager.org it's 199.101.132.243). Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) runs DNS servers for you, but you can change them if needed. There are dozens of third-party DNS servers which provide you with special features that your ISP doesn't offer.

Some third-party DNS servers help you improve your speed, get you access to various parental control options, block phishing sites, and so much more.

There are various ways to change DNS server settings. You can alter the DNS server on your router using a command line with the help of Control Panel or by installing and working with third-party applications. This guide will teach you how to change DNS server settings with minimum effort.

Changing DNS server on a router

If you wish to modify the DNS server for your entire network, you will need to do it on your router. Every device, like smartphone, PC, or tablet, that's being connected to your network gets its DNS server from the router. Your router is using the default DNS servers provided by your ISP. Change your DNS server on your router, and every device that connects to your network will be using the indicated DNS server.

Altering DNS server settings on a router isn't difficult at all. However, every manufacturer provides you with a different web-based interface. So, some steps might differ depending on which type of router you're using.

Changing DNS Server On Router

Step 1

Launch your default web browser.

Step 2

Head to the router’s web interface. You can always check the manual of your router if you're having problems while logging in on the router's web interface.

Step 3

Find the DNS option and enter the new address.

Changing DNS server from Control Panel

On Windows PCs, you can alter the DNS server for every network adapter. If you're working on a laptop or desktop PC with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, you will need to alter the DNS server settings for both wireless and wired network connections. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1

Go to Control Panel -> Network And Internet -> Network And Sharing Center.

Step 2

Select the connection type from the list. For example, I select the Ethernet connection as I use a wired network connection on my PC.

Changing Ethernet Connection Settings

Step 3

Click the "Properties" button, select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option from the list, and go again to the "Properties".

Step 4

Enter the new DNS address and press the "OK" button.

Changing DNS Address

Using unofficial third-party DNS servers could result in losing important personal information, such as passwords. OpenDNS or Google Public DNS are the best at providing you with trustworthy services.

Conclusion

Changing your DNS server settings is a very simple task, whether you do it on your router or directly from Control Panel. It's best you avoid working with third-party applications and prevent losing your personal data after altering your default DNS address.

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