How to Change DNS Server Settings on Microsoft Windows
The DNS settings on a computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) are configured in the TCP/IP properties window for the computer. The following example to change DNS server settings is based on the steps required to change the settings on Microsoft Windows 7 OS. They may differ slightly based on the specific version of Windows installed on the computer.
Step 1 – Select the “Start” menu button and click the “Control Panel” icon.
Step 2 – Select the “Network and Internet,” “Network and Sharing Center,” and “Change Adapter” menu options.
Step 3 – Choose the network connection to configure to use the public DNS server. For an Ethernet connection you would right click the “Local Area Connection” menu button and then choose the “Properties” menu option. For a wireless connection, right click the “Wireless Network Connection” and choose the “Properties menu choice. Then, enter a password if prompted or confirm that you want to modify the setting.
Step 4 – Choose the “Networking” menu tab. Then select the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) menu option followed by clicking the “Properties” menu button.
Step 5 – Select the “Advanced’ menu option and then click the “DNS” menu tab. Note any DNS server IP addresses listed on this screen for future reference and clear from the window. Click the “Ok” menu button.
Step 6 – Chose the “Use the Following DNS Server Addresses” menu options. If you see any addresses listed here write them down. Then, enter the public DNS server addresses in the appropriate window. If you intend on using the Google Public DNS server your entries would be:
Step 7 – Restart the network connection selected earlier for configuration. Then, repeat the steps for any additional network connections that require reconfiguration.