What Is the Preferred DNS Server?
When it comes to browsing the internet, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a vital role in translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Every time you type a website address into your browser, your computer contacts a DNS server to obtain the IP address associated with that domain name. This process is known as DNS resolution.
Why Do You Need a Preferred DNS Server?
By default, your computer or router is configured to use the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, sometimes these DNS servers can be slow or unreliable, resulting in slower internet speeds and potential connection issues. This is where setting a preferred DNS server can be beneficial.
When you set a preferred DNS server, you are manually specifying which server your device should use for DNS resolution instead of relying on the default ISP-provided servers. By choosing a reliable and fast DNS server, you can potentially speed up your internet connection and improve overall browsing experience.
How to Set a Preferred DNS Server?
To set a preferred DNS server on your Windows computer:
- Open the Control Panel
- Navigate to Network and Internet
- Select Network and Sharing Center
- Click on Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your active network connection and choose Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list
- Click on Properties
- In the General tab, select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
- Enter the IP address of your preferred DNS server in the Preferred DNS server field
- Click OK to save changes
If you’re using a Mac, follow these steps:
- Open System Preferences
- Select Network
- Choose your active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
- Click on Advanced
- Navigate to the DNS tab
- Click on the ‘+’ button at the bottom to add a DNS server
- Enter the IP address of your preferred DNS server in the DNS server field
- Click OK to save changes
Popular Preferred DNS Servers:
There are several popular preferred DNS servers that you can consider using:
1. Google Public DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4)
A widely used and highly reliable DNS service provided by Google.
2. OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.220.220)
An alternative to ISP-provided DNS servers known for its security features and customizable filtering options.
3. Cloudflare (1.1.1 and 1.0.1)
A fast and privacy-focused DNS resolver that prioritizes user privacy and security.
In Conclusion
Setting a preferred DNS server can help improve internet speed, reliability, and security by bypassing potentially slow or unreliable ISP-provided servers. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily set a preferred DNS server on your Windows or Mac computer, enhancing your browsing experience.
Note:
If you encounter any issues after changing your preferred DNS server, you can revert to the default settings or try using a different DNS server.