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ZDNET Highlights
- Changing your DNS can improve speed, security, and privacy across devices.
- You can switch DNS settings on Windows, MacOS, or directly on your router.
- Popular DNS options include Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and Comodo.
DNS, or Domain Name System, acts as a phone book for the Internet, translating between IP addresses and domain names. By default, your home Windows PC or Mac uses whatever DNS servers are set up by your Internet provider. But you don’t have to be connected to that server.
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Why would you want to change it? Here are some reasons.
- fast performance. Some ISPs are better than others. But in general, a third-party DNS service can provide faster and more reliable performance than your own ISP.
- better security. Some third-party services can automatically block malicious websites and even offer parental controls to help you manage which sites your children can access.
- strict confidentiality. Some ISPs will monitor your DNS activities, although not necessarily for nefarious reasons. Still, you may want to turn to a third-party service that promises not to track your activities.
Such DNS services include Google DNS, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and Comodo SecuritiesDNS. I usually use Google DNS, although I’ve tried these others as well and found them all to be reliable. Here’s how to change your PC’s DNS settings to use an alternative provider.
First, let’s see how to switch DNS server settings. Then we’ll check out some third-party DNS providers. Note: The steps to change the DNS server are different for Windows 10 and Windows 11. I’ll cover Windows 11 first.
How to change your DNS settings in Windows 11
In Windows 11, go to Settings, select “Network & Internet” and then click the option “Advanced network settings.”
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Click the entry for the type of connection you want to modify: Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Then, select the option “View additional properties”.
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Select the setting for “View additional properties” and then click the Edit button for DNS server assignment. In the window for Edit DNS Settings, click the dropdown menu for Automatic (DHCP) and change it to Manual.
Turn on the switch for IPv4. Note that there are fields for preferred and alternate DNS servers. Alternate servers are used when the preferred server is unavailable or not responding quickly enough.
Type the IP addresses for the preferred and alternate DNS servers in the appropriate fields, remembering to add dots in the correct places. Click Save.
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How to change your DNS settings in Windows 10
In Windows 10, go to Settings and select “Network & Internet.” In the “Advanced network settings” section, select the setting for “Change adapter options.”
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In the Network Connections Control Panel window, right-click the icon of the connection you want to change, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and select Properties.
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In the Properties window, click the entry for Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4), and then click the Properties button.
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In the Properties window for Internet Protocol version 4, select the radio button for “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Type the IP addresses provided by the service of your choice for both servers in the appropriate fields and click OK. Then close the Properties window.
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How to change your DNS settings on Mac
On your Mac, click the Apple icon in the top left and select System Settings. Select Network and then click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your current connection.
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Click the Details button for your current network. On the next screen showing different protocols, select DNS.
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Click the plus button below the DNS Servers section. Enter the IP address for the preferred DNS server and then click outside the address field. Click the plus button again and enter the address of the alternate DNS server. When done, click OK. Then close the System Settings window.
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Should you change IPv6 address?
Since the world has already run out of IP version 4 addresses, we are transitioning to IP version 6, which offers a larger range of usable addresses. Does this mean that you should also change DNS servers for IPv6? not necessarily. Most ISPs either do not support IPv6 or are still in the testing phase.
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You can see if your internet provider has joined the version 6 bandwagon. browse for test-ipv6 website Using your current connection. The results will tell you whether your ISP supports the new protocol or not. If so, most third-party services provide IPv6 addresses.
Which DNS providers are worth trying?
Now that you know the process of changing your DNS server settings, let’s take a look at some third-party services worth trying.
1. Google Public DNS
google public dns One of the most popular third-party DNS providers, which handles name and IP address resolution faster than many other services. Google’s DNS servers are designed to protect you from spoofing attacks that try to redirect you to malicious sites. The company’s website for its DNS service shares details about its performance and security features and offers an issue tracker and a user forum.
Google Public DNS Addresses
IPv4: 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4
IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 And 2001:4860:4860::8844
2. Cloudflare DNS
cloudflare dns is another alternative DNS provider that aims to be faster than competing services. Cloudflare also promises that it won’t log your IP address, a process used by many ISPs that allows them to record the sites you visit.
cloudflare dns addresses
IPv4: 1.1.1.1 And 1.0.0.1
IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 And 2606:4700:4700::1001
3. OpenDNS
Owned and operated by Cisco, opendns Offers two free packages for consumers. On the free side, the basic package is OpenDNS HomeWhen OpenDNS Family Shield The plan could block adult content for families with children at home.
OpenDNS home addresses
IPv4: 208.67.222.222 And 208.67.220.220
IPv6: 2620:119:35::35 And 2620:119:53::53
OpenDNS Family Shield addresses
IPv4: 208.67.222.123 And 208.67.220.123
4. Comodo SecureDNS
Coming from a trusted cyber security company, Comodo SecureDNS It’s worth considering if you’re concerned about your online security. The company’s DNS service attempts to protect you from phishing attacks and malware. SecureDNS also keeps a real-time list of malicious websites and warns you if you try to access any of them.
Comodo SecureDNS Addresses
IPv4: 8.26.56.26 And 8.20.247.20
How to change your router’s DNS settings
Finally, you can easily change the DNS settings for all computers and other devices in your home by simply switching them on on your router. To do this, sign into your router’s firmware. Look at the settings for Internet or network setup and find the section for DNS addresses.
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The current option is probably set to obtain addresses from your ISP. Change this to manually specifying the address, and then type in the preferred and alternate addresses from the service of your choice. When done, apply the new settings.
