How To Set Google Or Any DNS On Windows 10

In this tutorial, we will share on the steps on how you can set up Google / public DNS on a Windows 10 computer and it should take less than 5 minutes.

Just before that, let’s read a little bit about DNS.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for domain name system and it is used to translate a domain name (website) into an IP address so computers/servers can understand.

Each website has its own IP address and it would be difficult for humans to remember them. Therefore, DNS comes in handy when you just need to remember the website name and the DNS system will convert it to an IP address so your computer can understand and land you the website you wanted to visit.

Think about having to remember all the phone numbers of your friends. it would be difficult. So you would save their numbers with their name in your phone book. The next time you want to call/text them, you’ll just need to find their name(s) and your phone will understand.

Why Set Google DNS On Windows 10 (or any other)?

Faster Internet Surfing

Some ISP has some sort of filters running on their background which can delay DNS queries over the Internet. Switching to Google DNS often resolves this issue.

Reliable DNS service

If you’re getting a frequent intermittent connection, one of the ways to check is to change your DNS server. If it helps you, your ISP servers are not reliable or may be overloaded.

Better Protection

Some DNS services provide an extra layer of protection and are known to block phishing websites. This can keep you safe online.

Access Blocked Content

Just like a VPN service, using Google DNS allows you to access blocked websites, especially in a country where the Internet connection is restricted. The only difference with a VPN, it comes with security and your connection is encrypted.

How Do I Use Google DNS On Windows 10?

At the search box at the bottom left, type in Control Panel and open it.

In the Control Panel menu, click on Network and Internet.

Now, click on Network and Sharing Center

Next, click on Change adapter settings on the left side of your screen.

Select the connection for which you want to configure Google Public DNS. i.e. WiFi (Wireless) or Ethernet (Wired)

Right-click on your active connection (Wi-Fi/Ethernet) type and choose Properties.

Select the Networking tab. Under This connection uses the following items, double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

In the General tab, click on Use the following DNS server addresses and enter Google DNS server addresses as below and click on OK.

• Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
• Alternative DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Finally, click on OK again to save your settings

That’s it! you’re done. Your DNS queries will now be handled by the Google DNS system.

Which Is The Fastest DNS Server?

It depends on where you’re connecting from, the latency of your connection etc!

One of the best ways to know this is to perform a test. To do so, download a free DNS Benchmark tool and install it.

Next, launch it, click on the Nameservers tab and click on Run Benchmark. Wait for a few minutes and you will the fastest DNS servers based on your connection.

In this example, the fastest DNS server for my connection is Quad9 (9.9.9.9) and I would use that.

Can I use other DNS servers?

Absolutely! If you know a trusted provider, simply follow the same steps above but instead of using Google’s DNS addresses, enter the other provider’s DNS.

Below are other known trusted DNS providers which you can use for free:

Cloudflare

• 1.1.1.1
• 1.0.0.1

Open DNS

• 208.67.222.222
• 208.67.220.220

Comodo Secure DNS

• 8.26.56.26
• 8.20.247.20

Quad9

• 9.9.9.9
• 149.112.112.112

Verisign DNS

• 64.6.64.6
• 64.6.65.6

Smart DNS service for Windows 10

Do you want to access more than 600+ TV channels from anywhere in the world?

If yes, then you can use a Smart DNS service and all you need to do is just use the DNS address on your device.

As low as $4 per month, their subscription is really cheap and it’s a good bargain.

This is also a great service for those who want to cancel their expensive cable TV subscription and look for a cheaper alternative.

Conclusion

If your ISP DNS server performance is not good, i.e. high latency and/or you’re in a restricted connection, changing your DNS would be the best option for you.