How to Change DNS Server on Windows

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.

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 ...