Tutorial: Changing DNS Server for Faster Internet Access

Understanding DNS

• DNS (Domain Name System): Acts as the internet's phone book, converting domain names like apple.com into IP addresses such as 17.253.144.10.
• A faster DNS server can improve internet speed, even on high-speed networks.

Default Settings and Benefits of Changing DNS

• Default DNS Server: Assigned by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
• Changing DNS Server: Can enhance internet speed and reliability.

Changing DNS on Your Local Network

• Options:
  1. Change on your router (affects entire network).
  2. Change on individual devices.

Changing DNS on a PC

Option 1: Web Browser Settings

• Google Chrome:

  • Navigate to settings > Privacy and Security > Security.
  • Enable Secure DNS and choose a preferred DNS server (e.g., Cloudflare, Google Public DNS).
  • Settings apply to all Chrome profiles.

• Microsoft Edge:

  • Navigate to settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Security.
  • Enable Secure DNS and choose a preferred DNS server.

Option 2: Windows Settings (Windows 11)

• Network and Internet Settings:

  • Open Windows Settings > Network & Internet.
  • For Wi-Fi: Click Wi-Fi, then your connection's properties, and Edit DNS server assignment.
  • For Ethernet: Click Ethernet and Edit DNS server assignment.

• DNS Settings Dialog:

  • Select Manual, turn on IPv4.
  • Input preferred DNS server (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
  • DNS Over HTTPS (DOH):
    • Optionally enable for encrypted DNS queries.
    • Supported by Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, Open DNS.
    • Can enable Fallback to plain text for redundancy.
  • Optionally set an alternate DNS server.
  • Leave IPv6 off.

• Apply Changes:

  • Save the settings.
  • Restart the computer for changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Changing your DNS settings can significantly enhance your browsing speed and security. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up faster DNS configurations on your PC.