How to Change DNS on Windows 11, macOS or Linux

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Changing DNS has many advantages. If you have never changed your computer’s DNS servers, you are probably using your ISP’s (Internet Service Provider). Changing DNS can improve your privacy, security and sometimes even the loading speed of web pages.

There are several public DNS servers you can use such as Cloudflare, OpenDNS, FDN or FreeDNS. Personally, I use the DNS servers of FDN, namely 80.67.169.12 and 80.67.169.40 (IPv4) / 2001:910:800::12 and 2001:910:800::40 (IPv6). However, you can opt for other fast and secure DNS servers.

If you also want to change the DNS servers of your network card under Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux, here is how to do it.

Contents
  • Why change the DNS?
  • How to change DNS servers?
  • Windows 10 or Windows 11macOSLinuxUbuntu
  • (graphical interface)

Why Change DNS?

Changing DNS can be useful in several cases, here are some of them.

  • Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) censors certain websites or throttles the speed of your connection.
  • Your ISP has internal problems and some websites are inaccessible to you.
  • Speed up the loading time of web pages.
  • Protect your privacy.
  • …

How to Change DNS Servers on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Changing the DNS of Windows 11/10 is relatively simple. The DNS are to be modified in the TCP/IP properties of your network card. There are two addresses to enter, which correspond to those of the primary server and those of the secondary server. Here is how to change them in Windows.

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Then type ncpa.cpl and validate with the Enter key or click on the "OK" button.

2. From the "Network Connections" window, right-click on the connection you are using (Ethernet or Wi-Fi network) and click on "Properties" in the context menu.

3. In the "Network Management" tab, select "Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" from the list and click on the "Properties" button.

4. You will notice that by default, the DNS are obtained automatically. Check the box "Use the following DNS server address" and then fill in the DNS fields manually. Fill in your DNS, then check the box "Validate settings on exit" and click "OK".

Personally, I use the DNS servers of the FDN, namely 80.67.169.12 and 80.67.169.40 (IPv4) / 2001:910:800::12 and 2001:910:800::40 (IPv6).

5. Then go to "Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and click on the "Properties" button.

6. Check the box "Use the following DNS server address", then fill in the DNS fields manually. Fill in your IPv6 DNS, then check the box "Validate settings on exit" and click "OK".

That’s it!

How to Change DNS Server on Mac

Changing DNS in macOS is extremely simple. Follow the few steps below.

1. Go to the Apple menu, and then click on "System Preferences".

2. Then click on the "Network" icon.

3. Now go to "Advanced".

4. Finally, go to the " DNS " tab, then fill in your new DNS addresses using the " + " button (example: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare’s DNS servers).

How to Change DNS Server on Linux

For linux users, the DNS configuration can be different depending on the distribution used. Generally, they are configured in the /etc/resolv.conf file

1. Open a Terminal, type the following command and enter your administrator password:

sudo gedit /etc/resolv.conf

2. You just have to enter the new DNS addresses and save the file.

nameserver 1.1.1.1
nameserver 1.0.0.1

Ubuntu (graphical interface)

1. Go to "Settings", then to "Network".

2. Choose which connection you want to change (cable or Wi-Fi) by clicking on the little "Settings" wheel.

3. Click on the "IPv4" tab, then select "Automatic (DHCP)". Under "DNS", enter the desired DNS address(es) (if multiple addresses, put a comma between each address). Click on "Apply", and you’re done!

That’s it, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate, the forum is there for that 😉

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