Open the network adapter settings: Press Windows R, enter ncpa.cpl, and right-click the current connection to select properties; 2. Configure TCP/IPv4 DNS: Select "Use the following DNS server address", enter the preferred and alternate DNS (such as 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), check the verification settings when exit, and click OK; 3. Optional command line configuration: Use the PowerShell command Set-DnsClientServerAddress or netsh to set DNS; 4. Clear the DNS cache: Run the command prompt as an administrator and execute ipconfig /flushdns. No restart required after the change, the settings take effect immediately, suitable for speed improvement, privacy, or troubleshooting, but may be restricted by group policy in managed networks, and the original settings can be restored if necessary.

Configuring DNS client settings in Windows allows you to change how your computer resolves domain names into IP addresses. Whether you're switching to a faster DNS (like Google DNS or Cloudflare), troubleshooting network issues, or enhancing privacy, here's how to do it properly.

1. Open Network Adapter Settings

First, you need to access the network interface you're using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet):

• Press Windows R , type ncpa.cpl , and press Enter. This opens Network Connections .
• Right-click your active network connection (eg, "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet") and select Properties .

2. Configure DNS in TCP/IPv4 Settings

In the network adapter properties:

• Scroll down and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) , then click Properties .
• You'll see two options:
  • Obtain DNS server address automatically – Uses your router or ISP's DNS.
  • Use the following DNS server addresses – Lets you set custom DNS.

To use a custom DNS (recommended for performance or security):

• Select Use the following DNS server addresses .

  

• Enter preferred and alternate DNS servers. For example:

   Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
  Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

  (This is Google DNS. Alternatives: Cloudflare = 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1, OpenDNS = 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220)

• Check Validate settings upon exit to test connectivity.

• Click OK , then Close .

? Tip: You can also adjust settings for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) if your network supports IPv6. Use corresponding IPv6 DNS addresses (eg, Google: 2001:4860:4860::8888 ).

3. Optional: Use Command Line (PowerShell or netsh)

For automation or advanced users, you can configure DNS via PowerShell:

 Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses "8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4"

Replace "Wi-Fi" with your actual interface name (find it with Get-NetAdapter ).

Or using netsh (legacy but still functional):

 netsh interface ip set dns "Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8
netsh interface ip add dns "Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2

4. Flush DNS Cache

After changing DNS settings, clear the local cache to ensure new settings take effect:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

• Run:

   ipconfig /flushdns

This removes old DNS entries stored on your PC.

Final Notes

• If you're on a corporate or managed network, DNS settings may be controlled by group policy.
• Using public DNS improves speed or privacy but may bypass local content filtering.
• Always note down original settings in case you need to revert.

Basically, changing DNS in Windows is straightforward—just a few clicks in the network properties. Doesn't require a restart, and changes apply immediately.

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