DNS servers are one of the most important elements when surfing the internet. The “Domain Name System” is responsible for translating domain names or pages to IP addresses of servers to load the web pages you want to visit. In this way, browsers such as Chrome or Firefox know the content they have to show you on the screen.
Basically, it is a tool that allows you to browse the internet like humans, and not like machines that only understand IP addresses, long character lines and very long numbers. All of this is thanks to the DNS servers.
How to set up a new DNS server on a Windows PC
If you’ve never heard of DNS before, don’t worry, it’s the most normal thing in the world. DNS servers are always configured automatically, and unless we want to change them, it is not necessary to do anything to make them work and do their job properly.
When you are connected to the internet, the system always uses the DNS servers of your internet operator. But what if the DNS of your operator is a bit slow? Or if your operator keeps a record of the websites you visit through its DNS servers?
If you are looking for a little more privacy and improved page load times, the best you can do is configure new DNS servers. In this other post, you can see a list with the most used free DNS servers: ” The 10 best public and free DNS servers “.
Configuration Steps
If you want to configure a new DNS on a PC with Windows 10 operating system, follow these steps. Also valid for previous versions starting with Windows XP.
- Open the search engine on the Windows start bar and load the “Control Panel”.
- Inside the control panel, go to “Network and Sharing Center -> Change adapter settings”.
- Right-click on the network you are connected to (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties.”
- Click on “Internet Protocol version 4” or version 6 if you use IPV6. Select “Properties.”
- By default, you will see that the option “Obtain the DNS server address automatically” appears activated. To add a new server, check the “Use the following DNS server addresses” box.
- Enter the IP address of the main server in the “Preferred DNS server” field.
- Next, add the IP of the secondary server in the “Alternate DNS Server” field.
- To finish, click on “OK” to apply the changes.
Now that the new DNS is configured on your computer, open your browser and check how well the pages load and if the browsing experience is satisfactory. If you have any problem, you can always backtrack by going back to the Control Panel and leaving the DNS settings on automatic.
How to change DNS settings in Windows 11
Although Windows 11 still maintains access to the Control Panel, the truth is that it offers an easier way to change DNS settings.
- Right-click on the Windows button on the start bar and select “Settings.”
- In the side menu, click on “Network and Internet”.
- Then select “Ethernet.”
- In the “DNS server assignment” field, you will see that it is marked as automatic (DHCP). Click on “Edit”.
- Now select “Manual”, check the “IPv4” box and indicate the primary and secondary DNS server.
- If you wish, you can also choose the type of encryption for the DNS server. When you have everything ready, click on the “Save” button.
To finish, simply check that the navigation is correct, and if you need to go back, go back to the Windows 11 settings panel and leave the DNS settings in automatic mode.
Currently, there are many public and free DNS with quite a good reputation, such as IBM’s DNS 9.9.9.9 or Google’s DNS 8.8.8.8. If you want to try a new DNS and don’t know where to start, this may be a good option. Also, remember that you can change the DNS on Android: for this, you just have to follow the steps indicated in THIS OTHER TUTORIAL that I published here a while ago.
