How Do I Find My Preferred DNS Server?

Are you experiencing slow internet speeds or frequent connectivity issues? One possible solution is to change your DNS server.

DNS, or Domain Name System, is responsible for translating website addresses into IP addresses. By default, your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a DNS server, but sometimes it’s beneficial to switch to a different one that may offer faster and more reliable performance.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

There are several reasons why you might want to find and switch to a preferred DNS server:

• Improved Speed: A faster DNS server can reduce the time it takes for your browser to resolve website addresses.
• Better Reliability: Some DNS servers have better uptime and are less prone to outages.
• Enhanced Security: Certain DNS servers offer additional security measures, such as blocking malicious websites or filtering out unwanted content.

Finding Your Current DNS Server

To determine your current DNS server, follow these steps:

1. Windows:
• Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows Key + R, typing “cmd” without quotes, and pressing Enter.
• In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /all” without quotes and press Enter.
• Your current DNS server will be listed under the “DNS Servers” section.
2. Mac:
• Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting “System Preferences. “
• Click on “Network.

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• Select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the left sidebar.
• Click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom-right corner.
• Go to the “DNS” tab, and your current DNS server will be listed under “DNS Servers. “
3. Linux:
• Open a terminal window.
• Type “cat /etc/resolv.conf” without quotes and press Enter.
• Your current DNS server will be listed next to “nameserver.”

Finding Preferred DNS Servers

To find alternative DNS servers, you can use online services or choose from popular public DNS providers. Some popular ones include:

• Google Public DNS: Google’s free public DNS servers are known for their speed and reliability. The primary server is at IP address 8.8.8, and the secondary server is at IP address 8.4.
• Cloudflare: Cloudflare’s DNS service focuses on privacy and security. The primary server is at IP address 1.1.1, and the secondary server is at IP address 1.0.
• OpenDNS: OpenDNS offers customizable content filtering options for families and businesses alike. The primary server is at IP address 208.67.222.222, and the secondary server is at IP address 208.220.

Once you have chosen a preferred DNS server, follow these steps to change it:

Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Network and Internet” followed by “Network and Sharing Center. “
3. In the left sidebar, click on “Change adapter settings.

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4. Right-click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select “Properties. “
5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button.
6. In the Properties window, select the option to “Use the following DNS server addresses. “
7. Enter the preferred DNS server address in the “Preferred DNS server” field.
8. (Optional) Enter the alternate DNS server address in the “Alternate DNS server” field.
9. Click “OK” to save your changes.

Mac:

1. Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting “System Preferences.”
2. Click on “Network.”
3. Select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the left sidebar.


4. Click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom-right corner.


5. Navigate to the “DNS” tab, then click on “+” below the DNS Servers list to add a new DNS server.

In Conclusion

Finding and switching to your preferred DNS server can potentially improve your internet browsing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to determine your current DNS server and select an alternative one that suits your needs for speed, reliability, and security.

Remember, changing DNS settings may impact how certain websites or services function. If you encounter any issues after making the switch, revert to your previous settings or try a different preferred DNS server.