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Set custom DNS servers on Windows (all versions)

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38P8qD8ps1s]

Setting custom DNS servers on your Windows PC can improve performance, increase your privacy and thwart Geo-blocking for some websites and services, and I will show you how to do it in this guide.

Normally your ISP sets your DNS servers via your modem or upstream connection, but you don’t have to use these, and it’s highly recommended you change to free, public DNS servers that don’t necessarily track you.

Before changing DNS servers you’ll need to find a third-party DNS provider, there are plenty of good (and free) services available too. I recommend Google DNS which is what I use and have never had an issue. I will list here the most popular DNS providers:

  • GOOGLE
  • Primary IPv4: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary IPv4: 8.8.4.4
  • Preferred IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888
  • Alternate IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8844
  • OPENDNS
  • Primary: 208.67.222.222
  • Secondary: 208.67.220.220
  • Preferred IPv6: 2620:0:ccc::2
  • Alternate IPv6: 2620:0:ccd::2
  • DNS.WATCH
  • Primary: 84.200.69.80
  • Secondary: 84.200.70.40
  • LEVEL3
  • Primary: 209.244.0.3
  • Secondary: 209.244.0.4
  • NORTON
  • Primary: 199.85.126.10
  • Secondary: 199.85.127.10
  • COMMODO
  • Primary: 8.26.56.26
  • Secondary: 8.20.247.20
  • VERISIGN
  • Primary: 64.6.64.6
  • Secondary: 64.6.65.6
  • MORE SERVERS…
  • See: Free and Public DNS Servers
  • See: Public DNS Server List (extensive)

These instructions apply to Windows XP, VISTA, 7, 8.1 and Windows 10. Watch the video above or follow the text guide below.

How to set custom DNS servers on Windows

  1. Click Start > and search for "Control Panel", then click the "Desktop App" result For Windows XP/Vista/7 go to Start > Control PanelSet Custom DNS - Search for Control Panel
  2. Click Network and InternetSet Custom DNS - Click Network & Internet
  3. Now click Network and Sharing CenterSet Custom DNS - Click Network & Sharing Center
  4. Click on Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection (it might named something else, but click on anyway)Set Custom DNS - Click Local Arear Connection
  5. In the Status window, click on Properties buttonSet Custom DNS - Click Properties button
  6. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click on Properties buttonSet Custom DNS - Click on Internet Protocol Version 4, then click Properties
  7. Select Use the following DNS server addresses option, then enter your custom IPv4 DNS server IP addresses, then click OKSet Custom DNS - Click Use the following DNS servers, then enter DNS IP addresses for both fields
  8. (optional) Click on Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), then click PropertiesSet Custom DNS - Click on Internet Protocol Version 6, then click Properties
  9. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option, then enter your custom IPv6 DNS server IP addresses, then click OKSet Custom DNS - Click Use the following DNS server address, then enter custom DNS server IP addresses for both fields
  10. Click on OK to close the Properties windowSet Custom DNS - Click on OK
  11. Click the Close button to exit the Status windowSet Custom DNS - Click the Close button to finish
  12. Type "CMD" in your desktop search box, then right-click on Command Prompt result and choose to Run as AdministratorCustom DNS - Type cmd in search box, then right-click on Command Prompt and Run as Administrator
  13. Click Yes to allow the app to runCustom DNS - Click Yes to allow the program to run as Administrator
  14. At the command prompt type: ipconfig /flushdns then hit Enter keyCustom DNS - Type ipconfig /flushdns at command prompt
  15. You should see a success message, you can now close the Command Prompt windowCustom DNS - You should now see a success message
  16. Your DNS servers are now set, congrats!

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