{"id":2175,"date":"2024-06-28T11:41:52","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T03:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/?p=2175"},"modified":"2026-01-10T14:21:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T06:21:25","slug":"how-to-change-dns-server-on-windows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/en\/how-to-change-dns-server-on-windows\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Change DNS Server on Windows\u00a010\/11? So Easy!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many Windows users are unaware that their default DNS server can affect browsing speed, privacy, and even security. So, how to change DNS server on Windows<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we’ll show you the steps to change your DNS server on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You’ll also learn why switching to a third-party DNS server can improve your online experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is My DNS Server?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DNS, also known as the Domain Name System<\/strong><\/a>, is like the Internet’s phone book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you want to visit a website, you usually type in a domain name, such as lightningxvpn.com. The DNS translates this domain name into an IP address that your browser can understand and access the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what does a DNS server do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The servers that make Internet requests don’t understand domain names like \u201clightningxvpn.com\u201d; they only appreciate numeric IP addresses like 104.17.101.99 or the longer modern IPv6 addresses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you understand how DNS works, it becomes much easier to see why learning how to change DNS server settings can improve speed, privacy, and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Change DNS Server on Windows 10?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know what a DNS server does, let\u2019s walk through how to change your DNS server on Windows 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Open Network Settings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Open<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Click the “Start” menu and select the “Settings” icon. From there, choose “Network & Internet”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Open Adapter Options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Access<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scroll down to “Change your network settings”, then click “Change adapter options”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t see this option right away, click “Status” in the left-hand menu first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Open Your Connection Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Right-click the active connection (WiFi or Ethernet) you want to change, and then select “Properties”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Edit IPv4 Settings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Configure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the list, scroll down and double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP\/IPv4)”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Enter New DNS Server Addresses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Enter<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Enter your preferred DNS server in the first field, and an optional secondary DNS server in the second field. Once done, click “OK” to save your changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s it! You\u2019ve successfully learned how to change DNS server settings on Windows 10. The new DNS server will start working immediately and may help improve browsing speed, security, or access to certain websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which DNS Server Addresses Can You Use?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are some best DNS server addresses<\/a> you can choose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

1. Google Public DNS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cloudflare DNS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. OpenDNS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Related: Fix DNS Server Not Responding Windows 10\/11, Mac, PS5\/PS4, Xbox<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Change DNS Server on Windows 11?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using Windows 11, changing your DNS server is quick. Below is a simple step-by-step guide that shows how to change DNS server settings on Windows 11 in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Open Advanced Network Settings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Go<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Click the \u201cStart\u201d menu and open \u201cSettings\u201d. Go to \u201cNetwork & Internet\u201d, then select \u201cAdvanced network settings\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: View Network Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n