It also details how to use a CMD command to change DNS controls.

How to Change Windows DNS Servers

Below are the steps required to change the Windows DNS controls.

However, the procedure differs somewhat depending on the version of Windows.

Network and Internet link in Control Panel

On Windows 8.1, selectNetwork Connectionsfrom thePower User Menu(pressWin+X), then skip to Step 5. data pipe and Internetdoesn’t appear if the Control Panel displays large or small icons.

Instead, chooseNetwork and Sharing Center, then skip to Step 4.

SelectNetwork and Sharing Center.

Network and Sharing Center link in Control Panel

Double-click or double-tap the connection you want to change the DNS servers for.

Wired connections are labeled asEthernetorLocal Area Connection, while wireless ones are labeled asWi-Fi.

In theStatuswindow, selectProperties.

Change adapter settings link in Network and Sharing Center

SelectPropertiesto fire up the Windows DNS prefs.

ChooseUse the following DNS server addresses.

If Windows has custom DNS servers configured, replace the existing DNS server IP addresses with new ones.

Wi-Fi adapter in use

Enter the IP address for thePreferred DNS serverand for theAlternate DNS server.

SelectOKto make the DNS server changes.

Visit several websites in your favorite web surfing app.

Properties button in Wi-Fi Status window

You’ll know the servers are working if web pages show up as quickly as before.

Use this method if you’re comfortable entering commands on the command line.

Open an elevated Command Prompt.

Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) button in Wi-Fi Properties

In our example, we’re looking for the Wi-Fi connection.

Enter the following command, replacingWi-Fiwith the name of your connection and8.8.8.8with the DNS server you want to use.

When the command is completed, thenetsh>prompt displays.

Use the following DNS server addresses

you might now close Command Prompt.

DNS tweaks apply to the closest gadget they’re configured on.

Say you use one set of DNS servers on the router.

The netsh command entered into Command Prompt in Windows 11

Your laptop and phone will use these DNS servers when they connect to Wi-Fi.

The same is true if the phone uses a custom set.

Why Change the Windows DNS Servers?

The Wi-Fi network connection information in Command Prompt

Most computers and devices connect to a local web connection usingDHCPand DNS servers that are automatically configured in Windows.

It works to translate those names to IP addresses as requested.

Enter the DNS provider’s information.

The netsh CMD command to change the DNS server