DNS aka Domain Name System is an essential internet protocol. You can look at it as the address book of the internet. Whenever you visit a website, your system performs a DNS lookup. The DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. A DNS lookup is the process of matching IP addresses to their corresponding domain names. Note that this is a simple description of the entire process; it’s not the entire story.
By default, your Windows system uses the DNS server of your internet service provider (ISP). Your local ISP may not have the fastest speeds, and so you may be looking to improve that. The good news is that you can use other DNS servers. This post will introduce you to Google Public DNS.
Google’s public DNS is a free, global domain name system resolution service available for you to use instead of your current DNS provider. Having given an overview of how DNS servers work, it’s worth noting that this server plays a massive role in your internet speed.
This is where Google Public DNS comes in. If you consistently experience slow internet speeds, it may be time to switch to this fast DNS server.
How to setup Google Public DNS on Windows 10
Setting up Google Public DNS on your computer is straightforward. To change the DNS, follow the guide below to do this quickly:
- First, right-click on the network/connectivity icon on your taskbar
- Choose Open Network & Internet settings from the context menu.
- Select the Change adapter options from the new window.
- Right-click on the network adapter that you wish to configure and select Properties.
- From the list under This connection uses the following items, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- With that option selected, click on Properties.
- Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.
Having done that, now enter the following values into the fields below:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Hit the OK button to save the configuration. Make sure that you edit the adapter that you will connect to.
Here is a list of some good free and Public DNS Servers that may interest you.
If you’re a geek and like complicated stuff, check out our guide for changing your DNS server using command line.
TIPS:
- Take a look at Comodo Secure DNS, OpenDNS, Angel DNS and Cloudflare DNS.
- ChrisPC DNS Switch lets you quickly change DNS Server.
After saving the settings, it’s time to try out your internet. Did the speed improve? Let’s know in the comments section below.