How to Change DNS Server: Step-by-Step Expert Guide

Have you ever faced slow internet speeds or suspicious network activity despite having a strong connection? The problem may not be your connection — it could be your DNS server.

Changing your DNS server can significantly improve your network speed, privacy, and security. For cybersecurity professionals, online business leaders, and IT managers, knowing how to change DNS server isn’t just technical know-how — it’s strategic control.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what DNS servers are, why switching them matters, and exactly how to change them on Windows, macOS, Linux, and routers — with advanced tips for secure configurations.

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What Is a DNS Server and Why Should You Change It?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the backbone of how the internet works. It translates human-readable domain names (like openai.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 104.18.33.5).

When you type a website URL, your system asks a DNS server to find the correct IP address. By default, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns this DNS server automatically.

However, not all DNS servers are created equal. Many default resolvers are:

• Slow, because they are overloaded.

• Insecure, because they don’t encrypt your requests.

• Data-collecting, since some ISPs log your browsing activity.

By learning how to change DNS server, you can:
✅ Boost your connection speed.
✅ Protect your online privacy.
✅ Avoid censorship or regional restrictions.
✅ Access better security features like DNS filtering and malware blocking.

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Benefits of Changing Your DNS Server

1. Improved Speed

DNS resolution can affect how fast web pages load. Using faster DNS providers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) can shave seconds off page loads.

2. Enhanced Security

Premium DNS providers block access to phishing, malware, and botnet sites. For enterprises, this means network-level threat prevention.

3. Greater Privacy

ISP-provided DNS servers often log your browsing history. Using privacy-first providers like Quad9 or Cloudflare DNS ensures requests are anonymized and untracked.

4. Reliability and Uptime

Public DNS providers maintain globally distributed infrastructure. That means fewer outages, faster failover, and consistent access.

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Understanding DNS Settings: Primary and Secondary

When configuring DNS manually, you’ll usually enter two addresses:

Example setup:

This redundancy ensures consistent connectivity even if one resolver is down.

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Popular Public DNS Servers

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How to Change DNS Server on Windows

Whether you’re managing a single workstation or a corporate network, knowing how to change DNS server on Windows is essential.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

1. Open Network Settings
   Press Windows + I, go to Network & Internet → Status → Change adapter options.

2. Right-click Your Network Connection
   Select Properties.

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
   Click Properties again.

4. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”
   Enter your preferred addresses, for example:

   • Preferred: 1.1.1.1

   • Alternate: 8.8.8.8

5. Click OK and restart your browser.

Method 2: Command Line (Advanced Users)

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:

You can verify your DNS by typing:

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How to Change DNS Server on macOS

1. Open System Preferences → Network.

2. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

3. Click Advanced → DNS tab.

4. Press the + icon to add DNS addresses.
   Example:

5. Click OK, then Apply to confirm.

To verify, open Terminal and type:

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How to Change DNS Server on Linux

Linux offers flexibility — you can change DNS via GUI or terminal.

Method 1: Using Network Manager

Method 2: Editing resolv.conf

Open the configuration file:

Add:

Save and exit (Ctrl + X, then Y).

Verification:

Use:

This confirms the active DNS resolver.

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How to Change DNS Server on Routers

Changing your router’s DNS applies the settings network-wide — ideal for offices and households.

Steps:

1. Open your browser and go to your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

2. Log in with admin credentials.

3. Navigate to Network → WAN → Internet Settings (location varies by router).

4. Enter your new DNS server addresses.

5. Save and reboot the router.

All connected devices will now use the new DNS resolver by default.

Tip: For corporate networks, consider implementing split DNS, where internal and external queries are resolved by different servers for added control.

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Verifying DNS Changes

Once you change DNS settings, it’s important to confirm that your system is using the new resolver.

Verification Commands

Online Check Tools

You can also visit:

These show which DNS provider your device is currently using.

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Security Considerations When Changing DNS

Changing DNS is powerful, but it should be done thoughtfully — especially in security-conscious environments.

1. Use Encrypted DNS Protocols

Use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) to prevent DNS queries from being intercepted.
Cloudflare, Quad9, and Google all support encrypted DNS.

2. Avoid Rogue DNS Servers

Attackers can use DNS hijacking to redirect you to fake websites. Always verify DNS IPs from official providers.

3. Regularly Audit DNS Settings

Cyber attackers sometimes change DNS entries on routers or endpoints. Periodic DNS audits prevent undetected tampering.

4. Implement DNS Filtering

Security-focused DNS services block known malware, phishing, and command-and-control servers — a critical defense for corporate networks.

5. Log and Monitor DNS Queries

In enterprise environments, DNS query logs are valuable for detecting exfiltration attempts or anomalous traffic patterns.

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Best Practices for IT Teams and Security Leaders

1. Centralize DNS Management:
   Use Group Policy or automation tools to deploy DNS configurations across systems.

2. Combine Public and Private DNS:
   For internal corporate resources, maintain a private resolver. Use public DNS for external traffic.

3. Leverage Conditional Forwarding:
   Route specific domains to custom DNS servers (e.g., intranet.local to internal DNS).

4. Integrate DNS with SIEM:
   Security teams can gain intelligence by feeding DNS logs into SIEM platforms for real-time analysis.

5. Maintain Redundancy:
   Always configure two DNS servers to prevent downtime during outages.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

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Why Businesses Should Control DNS Configuration

For CEOs, IT directors, and cybersecurity managers, controlling DNS settings isn’t just technical hygiene — it’s a business necessity.

• Mitigate cyber risks: DNS-layer security stops threats before they reach endpoints.

• Ensure compliance: Regulatory frameworks (like GDPR) encourage encrypted DNS for data protection.

• Enhance user trust: A fast, secure browsing experience improves productivity and reliability.

• Optimize IT operations: Faster resolution means reduced latency for apps, APIs, and cloud services.

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FAQ: How to Change DNS Server

1. What happens when I change my DNS server?

Your device starts sending all domain queries to the new resolver, which may result in faster or more secure browsing depending on the provider.

2. Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

Yes, in many cases. A low-latency DNS resolver can shorten website load times.

3. Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

Yes, but only if you choose reputable ones like Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9. Avoid obscure providers.

4. Can I use different DNS servers on different devices?

Absolutely. You can set specific DNS servers for desktops, routers, or even mobile phones.

5. What’s the best DNS server for privacy?

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 and Quad9’s 9.9.9.9 are strong privacy-focused choices.

6. How often should I change my DNS server?

There’s no strict rule — review your settings every few months or when performance or reliability issues arise.

7. What if I enter the wrong DNS address?

Your internet may stop resolving websites. Simply revert to “Obtain DNS automatically” to restore connection.

8. Can DNS changes improve cybersecurity?

Yes. Secure DNS resolvers block harmful sites, filter traffic, and add another defensive layer against phishing.

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Conclusion: Take Control of Your Network

Knowing how to change DNS server empowers you to control how your devices interact with the web. For cybersecurity specialists and IT leaders, this small adjustment can deliver major gains in speed, privacy, and resilience.

Start today:

1. Identify your current DNS provider.

2. Test top alternatives like Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9.

3. Implement and verify your configuration.

4. Monitor for performance and security improvements.

The next time your network lags or you need a stronger privacy barrier, remember — your DNS server is the first place to look.