{"id":23552,"date":"2025-10-29T15:49:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T15:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=23552"},"modified":"2025-10-29T15:49:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T15:49:25","slug":"how-to-change-dns-server","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-to-change-dns-server\/","title":{"rendered":"Optimizing Your Network by Changing DNS Servers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is your internet connection slower than expected, or do you encounter frequent browsing issues? The problem might not be your Wi-Fi or ISP\u2014it could be your DNS. Understanding how to change DNS server<\/strong> can dramatically improve internet speed, privacy, and security.<\/p>\n

The DNS (Domain Name System) acts as the internet\u2019s phonebook, translating human-readable website names like www.google.com<\/a><\/em> into IP addresses your computer understands. However, default DNS servers provided by ISPs are often slow, unreliable, or insecure.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a cybersecurity expert, IT manager, or CEO managing digital operations, switching to a better DNS can make your systems faster, more secure, and resilient against attacks. This article explains what DNS is, why changing it matters, and how to configure it across devices and networks.<\/p>\n

\n

What Is a DNS Server?<\/h2>\n

A DNS server<\/strong> converts domain names into IP addresses. For example, when you type \u201cwww.itarian.com\u201d<\/a> in your browser, the DNS resolves it to an IP address that connects your computer to the correct web server.<\/p>\n

Without DNS, you\u2019d have to memorize complex strings of numbers like 104.21.3.91<\/em>\u2014which is not practical.<\/p>\n

How DNS Works in Simple Terms:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    You enter a website address in your browser.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    The request goes to a DNS server.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    The server finds the matching IP address.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Your device connects to the website\u2019s server.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When your DNS server is slow, websites take longer to load. If it\u2019s compromised, your privacy could be at risk.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Why Change Your DNS Server?<\/h2>\n

    Changing your DNS server can have a big impact on speed, security, and reliability.<\/p>\n

    1. Improve Internet Speed<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Some DNS servers respond faster than others. Switching to optimized DNS services like Google DNS<\/strong> or Cloudflare DNS<\/strong> can reduce latency and improve load times.<\/p>\n

    2. Increase Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    DNS-based attacks like pharming<\/strong> or DNS spoofing<\/strong> can redirect users to fake websites. Secure DNS providers use DNS over HTTPS (DoH)<\/strong> or DNS over TLS (DoT)<\/strong> to encrypt queries and prevent interception.<\/p>\n

    3. Enhance Privacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    ISPs can log and sell your browsing data. Using a privacy-focused DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)<\/strong> ensures your queries aren\u2019t tracked or stored.<\/p>\n

    4. Access Restricted Content<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Sometimes, ISPs block specific websites. Alternate DNS servers bypass regional restrictions for greater freedom online.<\/p>\n

    5. Fix Connection Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If you can\u2019t access certain sites or experience frequent DNS errors, changing servers often resolves these problems.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Popular DNS Servers to Consider<\/h2>\n

    Here are some of the best public DNS servers you can use in 2025:<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Provider<\/strong><\/th>\nPrimary DNS<\/strong><\/th>\nSecondary DNS<\/strong><\/th>\nKey Features<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Google DNS<\/strong><\/td>\n8.8.8.8<\/td>\n8.8.4.4<\/td>\nFast, reliable, global coverage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cloudflare DNS<\/strong><\/td>\n1.1.1.1<\/td>\n1.0.0.1<\/td>\nPrivacy-first, encrypted DNS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    OpenDNS<\/strong><\/td>\n208.67.222.222<\/td>\n208.67.220.220<\/td>\nPhishing protection, parental control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Quad9 DNS<\/strong><\/td>\n9.9.9.9<\/td>\n149.112.112.112<\/td>\nBlocks malicious domains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Comodo Secure DNS<\/strong><\/td>\n8.26.56.26<\/td>\n8.20.247.20<\/td>\nSecurity-oriented, threat filtering<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Tip:<\/strong> For cybersecurity professionals, Quad9<\/strong> and Comodo Secure DNS<\/strong> are top choices due to their malware and phishing protection features.<\/p>\n

    \n

    How to Change DNS Server on Windows<\/h2>\n

    Changing the DNS server in Windows is simple and can be done through the Network Settings or Control Panel.<\/p>\n

    Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Windows 10 & 11)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. \n

      Press Windows + I<\/strong> to open Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Go to Network & Internet \u2192 Wi-Fi (or Ethernet)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Select your connected network.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      Scroll to DNS server assignment<\/strong> \u2192 click Edit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \n

      Choose Manual<\/strong>, and toggle IPv4<\/strong> on.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    6. \n

      Enter your preferred DNS servers, for example:<\/p>\n