How Does Windows 10 Decide Which DNS Server to Use?

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Scott Campbell

Windows 10 is a powerful operating system that provides users with a seamless browsing experience. One of the key components that determines the speed and efficiency of your internet connection is the Domain Name System (DNS) server.

But have you ever wondered how Windows 10 decides which DNS server to use? In this article, we will explore the intricacies of this process.

The Basics of DNS

Before we delve into Windows 10’s decision-making process, let’s first understand the basics of DNS. The DNS is like a phone book for the internet, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand.

When you type a website’s URL into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address. This IP address allows your computer to establish a connection with the website’s servers and retrieve the desired web page.

DNS Server Selection in Windows 10

Windows 10 has an intelligent system for selecting which DNS server to use. It follows a specific order of preference:

  1. Local DNS Cache: Windows keeps a local cache of recently visited websites’ IP addresses. If your desired website is in this cache, Windows will use it without making any further requests.
  2. Primary DNS Server: The first choice for Windows is usually your ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) primary DNS server. This server is provided by your ISP and is configured in your network settings by default.
  3. Secondary DNS Server: If Windows fails to reach the primary DNS server or receives no response, it moves on to the secondary DNS server configured by your ISP.

    This acts as a backup option when the primary server encounters issues.

  4. Tertiary DNS Server: In some cases, your ISP may provide a tertiary DNS server as an additional backup. Windows will only access this server if both the primary and secondary servers are unavailable.
  5. Public DNS Servers: If all the above options fail, Windows 10 can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1). These servers are maintained by reputable organizations and offer reliable performance.

Changing DNS Server Settings in Windows 10

If you wish to change the DNS server settings in Windows 10, you can do so easily:

  1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Select “Network and Internet” and then click on “Network and Sharing Center. “
  3. On the left-hand side, click on “Change adapter settings.

    “

  4. Right-click on your active network connection and choose “Properties. “
  5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list and click on “Properties. “
  6. In the properties window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your desired DNS server’s IP address.
  7. Click “OK” to save your changes.

In Conclusion

Windows 10 utilizes a systematic approach to determine which DNS server to use for resolving domain names into IP addresses. By following a predefined order of preference, Windows ensures a smooth browsing experience for users while providing redundancy in case of server failures.

If you ever encounter slow browsing speeds or issues with specific websites, changing your DNS server settings to a more reliable option might help. Experimenting with different DNS servers can sometimes improve your internet connection’s performance.

Now that you understand how Windows 10 handles DNS server selection, you can make informed decisions about optimizing your browsing experience.

9 Related Question Answers Found

How Do I Find Out What DNS Server I Am Using Windows 10?

How Do I Find Out What DNS Server I Am Using Windows 10? When it comes to troubleshooting network issues or making changes to your internet connection, knowing what DNS server you are using on your Windows 10 computer can be helpful. The DNS (Domain Name System) server is responsible for translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand.

What Is a DNS Server on Windows 10?

A DNS server, short for Domain Name System server, is an essential component of the internet infrastructure. It plays a vital role in translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and other online resources easily. In this article, we will explore what a DNS server is and how it functions on Windows 10.

What Is DNS Server in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, the DNS server plays a crucial role in connecting your computer to websites and online services. DNS, which stands for Domain Name System, is responsible for translating human-readable website addresses into IP addresses that computers can understand. This enables you to access websites by simply typing their domain names into your web browser.

What Is the Default DNS Server on Windows 10?

What Is the Default DNS Server on Windows 10? When it comes to networking on Windows 10, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a crucial role. The DNS is responsible for translating domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses that computers can understand.

What Is a DNS Server Windows 10?

A DNS server, short for Domain Name System, is an essential component of the internet infrastructure that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. In simpler terms, it acts as a phonebook for the internet, enabling users to access websites by entering domain names instead of complicated numerical IP addresses. If you’re using Windows 10, understanding how DNS servers work and how to configure them can be beneficial in enhancing your internet experience.

How Do I Find My Preferred DNS Server Windows 10?

Do you ever find yourself experiencing slow internet speeds or frequent connection issues? The problem might not be with your internet service provider, but rather with your DNS server. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access websites easily.

How to Fix DNS Server Issues in Windows 10?

Are you facing DNS server issues on your Windows 10 computer? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to fix DNS server problems in Windows 10.

How to Change DNS Server Windows 10?

Changing the DNS server on Windows 10 can help improve your internet browsing speed and security. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for translating domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) that computers can understand. By default, Windows 10 uses the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP), but you can change them to alternative DNS servers for various reasons.

How Does Windows 10 Choose DNS Server?

How Does Windows 10 Choose DNS Server? Windows 10 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, known for its user-friendly interface and advanced features. One of the important aspects of internet connectivity is the Domain Name System (DNS).

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