Increase browsing speed by changing DNS settings in Windows 11

Using NameBench, find the fastest and nearest DNS server, and then change Windows 11/10 DNS settings to increase your browsing speed.

DNS or Domain Name System helps resolve the name of any web address. When you type a domain name in your browser’s address bar, say www.TheWindowsClub.com, your computer resolves this name into the IP address of the Internet server, where the site is hosted, using the Internet Protocol.

Increase browsing speed by changing DNS server settings

The Windows operating system is set by default, to automatically use the DNS server of your ISP or Internet Service Provider. A slow DNS server could be one cause for poor web browsing speed. If your ISP’s DNS server is slow or responds slowly, or at times is overloaded, it may cause an additional delay of a few seconds, every time you go on to load a new web page.

While keeping the default option is usually a good idea, if you find that your default DNS provider is slow, you may want to consider finding a fast one. You can use Dig to test the response time for your DNS server. It is important to know that what may be good for one person in one part of the world may not necessarily be good for another person sitting in another part of the world.

This is where you can consider alternative 3rd-party DNS providers like OpenDNS, UltraDNS, Google DNS, etc. Do however note that one must consider using a reputed and reliable DNS server only, as such providers offer a better browsing experience, provide protection from phishing sites, and refresh their DNS records faster when website change their IP addresses or new domains are registered.

Find out the fastest and nearest DNS server

To find out which is the most suitable DNS provider suitable for you, in your location, you can use Namebench, an open-source DNS benchmarking utility. Once you download and then run it, it will first extract its content and then you will quickly get to see its UI.

It will load your current default name servers. Once you have set the options to your liking, you can click on the Start Benchmark button. And the end of the run, it will display a list of 3 fastest DNS servers for your location.

Change DNS server

To change your DNS server address type ncpa.cpl in start search and hit Enter. The image is self-explanatory.

You can also use DNS Jumper to change your DNS settings with one click. This tool will automatically enter the DNS server addresses of the providers you select.

If you find that your DNS server is not responding in Windows, you can check out the Windows Network Diagnostic tool. It will help you resolve your issue.

Read: How to clear or flush Google Chrome DNS Cache

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you decide to change your DNS server and if you notice a change in your browsing speed. Also, if you use a third-party DNS provider like OpenDNS, Google DNS, etc., we’d love to hear your experiences with them.