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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!

Connect VPN using SoftEther SSL-VPN on Windows (all versions)

[youtube=https://youtu.be/ywwqnffd1d4]

In this guide I will show you how to connect your Windows (all versions) PC/laptop to any VPN service that’s using the SoftEther SSL-VPN protocol. SoftEther SSL-VPN is a very safe and easy VPN protocol to set up and can easily traverse firewalls making it a good choice for those of you who live in oppressive regimens.

Before we start the connection setup process, you will need to find out the following details (best have them written or printed). If you are connecting to a paid VPN service, just login and your details and settings will be there. If you are connecting via a workplace, please contact your Network Administrator and ask them for the following details:

Required Info

  • Your VPN username
  • Your VPN password
  • Server host name or IP address (ie. contoso.com or 192.101.23.309)
  • Desirable to know the Authentication type (RADIUS or standard)

Once you have this info you can then watch the video above or follow the text guide below.

Connect via SoftEther SSL-VPN on Windows

  1. Download the SoftEther Windows Client from http://www.softether-download.com/en.aspx?product=softether and choose (1) SoftEther VPN Client (2) Windows (3) Intel (x86 and x64)
  2. Once downloaded, find and right-click on it, choose Run as Administrator then click Yes to the security alert to allow the program to run
  3. Follow the installation instructions leaving everything at defaults
  4. Click on the Start icon Windows 10 Start Icon bottom-left of your screen and navigate to the SoftEther app and start it up
  5. Double click on Add VPN Connection, click Yes to add a new Virtual Network Adapter, leave the name at VPN and click OK (be patient as it can take a while to complete)
  6. Double click Add VPN Connection again, the New VPN Connection window will open
  7. For Setting Name: give it a descriptive name (ie. HomeVPN or WorkVPN)
  8. For Host Name: enter the server name or IP address (ie contoso.com or 182.167.23.101)
  9. Now click on Hub Name: and the app should automatically detect and display the name, if it doesn’t just enter VPN for this option
  10. Leave everything else at defaults (unless you have been given specific instructions to enter custom values)
  11. In the right hand side section, choose either Standard Password Authetication or RADIUS Authentication, if you’re unsure, try Standard first, if it doesn’t work try RADIUS
  12. Enter your VPN Username and Password into the respective fields
  13. Finally click OK to save and close the window
  14. You should now see your new connection, to connect, simply right-click on it and choose Connect, to disconnect, right-click on it and choose Disconnect
  15. SoftEther VPN Client will recommend you if the connection was successful or not. If unsuccessful, double-check all settings again or contact your VPN service provider or Network Administrator
  16. All done!

Connect VPN using L2TP/IPSec on Windows (all versions)

[youtube=https://youtu.be/c0eqR0Q7e6I]

In this guide I will show you how to connect your Windows (all versions) PC/laptop to any VPN service that’s using the L2TP/IPsec protocol. L2TP over IPsec is a relatively common and secure protocol and most VPN service providers and workplaces will support it.

Before we start the connection setup process, you will need to find out the following details (best have them written or printed). If you are connecting to a paid VPN service, just login and your details and settings will be there. If you are connecting via a workplace, please contact your Network Administrator and ask them for the following details:

Required Info

  • Your VPN username
  • Your VPN password
  • The server name or IP address (ie. contoso.com or 102.562.243.12)
  • The pre-shared key (PSK)
    (PSK will be a series of characters like a password)
  • Optional or required encryption
  • The password protocol (PAP, CHAP, MSCHAP or EAP)

Once you have this info you can then watch the video above or follow the text guide below.

Connect via L2TP/IPsec to VPN on Windows

  1. Click on the Start icon Windows 10 Start Icon bottom-left of your screen
  2. Inside the search box, type Control Panel, then click on the first result
  3. Click on Network and Internet, then click Network and Sharing Center
  4. Now click on Set up a new connection or network link
  5. In the window that opens, select Connect to a workplace, then click Next
  6. Click on Use my Internet connection (VPN)
  7. Enter the server name or IP address into the Internet address box
  8. Enter a unique name you will recognize, ie Contoso (Work) or HomeVPN
  9. Leave the Use smart card check box unchecked
  10. (Windows 8.1 & 10) Leave Remember my credentials checked
  11. Leave Allow other people to use this connection unchecked (unless you trust everyone using the computer)
  12. (Windows VISTA, 7) Check the Don’t connect now checkbox
  13. Now click on Create (the window will now close)
  14. On the left pane, click on Change adapter settings
  15. Look for your new connection, then right-click on it, and choose Properties
  16. In the Properties window, select the Security tab
  17. For Type of VPN select Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPsec)
  18. For Data encryption, select the encryption level your VPN service provider requires, if you’re unsure, select Require Encryption first, if you cannot connect, choose Optional Encryption
  19. For Authentication, select the method your VPN service provider requires, if you’re unsure, select Allow these protocols option, then check PAP, CHAP and MS-CHAP v2 check-boxes
  20. Now click the Advanced settings button, the Advanced Properties window will open
  21. Select the Use a pre-shared key for authentication option, then enter your pre-shared key, then click OK
  22. Finally click OK to close the Properties window
  23. For extra convenience, Right-click on your connection icon again and choose Create shortcut, choose Yes to the alert box. This will create a handy icon on your desktop.
  24. Now simply right-click on the connection icon and choose Connect/Disconnect
  25. Windows will tell you if the connection was successful
  26. If you have any errors or the connection was unsuccessful, double-check all settings or contact your VPN service provider or network administrator.
  27. All done!

Connect VPN using SSTP on Windows (all versions)

[youtube=https://youtu.be/tgfeRj8m7VM]

In this guide I will show you how to connect your Windows (all versions) PC/laptop to any VPN service that’s using the SSTP protocol. Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is very secure and stable but only works on Windows computers. It can avoid firewalls because it runs over port 443 (SSL) which is rarely blocked because it’s used by all web browsers for secure browsing.

Before we start the connection setup process, you will need to find out the following details (best have them written or printed). If you are connecting to a paid VPN service, just login and your details and settings will be there. If you are connecting via a workplace, please contact your Network Administrator and ask them for the following details:

Required Info

  • Your VPN username
  • Your VPN password
  • The server name or IP address (ie. contoso.com or 102.562.243.12)
  • Optional or required encryption
  • The password protocol (PAP, CHAP, MSCHAP or EAP)

Once you have this info you can then watch the video above or follow the text guide below.

Connect via SSTP to VPN on Windows (all versions)

  1. Click on the Start icon Windows 10 Start Icon bottom-left of your screen
  2. Inside the search box, type Control Panel, then click on the first result
  3. Click on Network and Internet, then click Network and Sharing Center
  4. Now click on Set up a new connection or network link
  5. In the window that opens, select Connect to a workplace, then click Next
  6. Click on Use my Internet connection (VPN)
  7. Enter the server name or IP address into the Internet address box
  8. Enter a unique name you will recognize, ie Contoso (Work) or HomeVPN
  9. Leave the Use smart card check box unchecked
  10. (Windows 8.1 & 10) Leave Remember my credentials checked
  11. Leave Allow other people to use this connection unchecked (unless you trust everyone using the computer)
  12. (Windows VISTA, 7) Check the Don’t connect now checkbox
  13. Now click on Create (the window will now close)
  14. On the left pane, click on Change adapter settings
  15. Look for your new connection, then right-click on it, and choose Properties
  16. In the Properties window, select the Security tab
  17. For Type of VPN select Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)
  18. For Data encryption, select the encryption level your VPN service provider requires, if you’re unsure, select Require Encryption first, if you still cannot connect try Optional Encryption
  19. For Authentication, select the method your VPN service provider requires, if you’re unsure, select Allow these protocols option, then check PAP, CHAP and MS-CHAP v2 checkboxes
  20. Finally click OK to close the Properties window
  21. For extra convenience, Right-click on your connection icon again and choose Create shortcut, choose Yes to the alert box. This will create a handy icon on your desktop.
  22. Now simply right-click on the connection icon and choose Connect/Disconnect
  23. Windows will tell you if the connection was successful
  24. If you have any errors or the connection was unsuccessful, double-check all settings or contact your VPN service provider or network administrator.
  25. All done!
  26. NOTE* If you keep getting Error: 0x800B0109 see this guide

Connect VPN using OpenVPN on Windows (all versions)

[youtube=https://youtu.be/sBJvoNhjoBE]

In this guide I will show you how to connect your Windows (all versions) PC/laptop to any VPN service that’s using the OpenVPN protocol. The OpenVPN Protocol is a fast, secure and very stable protocol and most VPN service providers will support it.

Before we start the connection setup process, you will need to find out the following details (best have them written or printed). If you are connecting to a paid VPN service, just login and your details and settings will be there. If you are connecting via a workplace, please contact your Network Administrator and ask them for the following details:

Required Info

  • Your VPN username
  • Your VPN password
  • The OpenVPN configuration files (.ovpn) which will be available from your VPN service provider (you may need to login to your account to access the files) or network administrator.

Once you have this info you can then watch the video above or follow the text guide below.

Connect using OpenVPN to VPN on Windows

  1. Visit this link to download the OpenVPN Windows installer package https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html
  2. Locate the downloaded program, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator or choose to “Run” from your browser after it downloads
  3. Click Yes to allow the program to run, follow the app instructions to install
  4. Once the app is installed, download and find the OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN service provider (likely in a .zip folder) and unzip if necessary
  5. Enter the unzipped folder, then Ctrl + A to highlight all files, then Ctrl + C to copy
  6. Now enter the OpenVPN config folder, it will be located in C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config
  7. Now Ctrl + V to paste the files into this folder, you may need to give Administrator permission for this, if so click Continue.
    NOTE* Windows VISTA & 7 users     you may need to alter file permissions on the config folder first, see this TechNet guide
  8. Now start the OpenVPN GUI app by going to Start Windows 10 Start Icon > All Programs > OpenVPN GUI
  9. Look for the OpenVPN taskbar icon as shown below and right-click on it (you may have to click the reveal arrow ^)
    OpenVPN Taskbar Icon
  10. You should now see either a single Connect item or multiple server locations, navigate to each and connect as required (see below)
    OpenVPN Connect Menu
  11. Once you click Connect, OpenVPN will attempt the connection and request your username and password so enter these as required
  12. OpenVPN will tell you if the connection was successful or not. For troubleshooting see this FAQ.
  13. All done!