What Is DNS, and How to Change It for Faster Browsing
DNS translates domain names (google.com) into the numeric IP addresses computers actually use to communicate — without it, you'd have to memorise numbers instead of names.
DNS translates domain names (google.com) into the numeric IP addresses computers actually use to communicate — without it, you'd have to memorise numbers instead of names.
Simple analogy: DNS is like a contacts list — you type a familiar name (google.com), and the system looks up the real number (the IP) your device actually needs to call.
Why change from the default DNS?
Your internet provider's default DNS isn't always the fastest one available — switching to a known public DNS sometimes slightly improves the initial loading speed of webpages (though not your connection's overall download speed, which is a separate thing).
How to change it (Windows)
- Settings → Network & Internet → your connection → properties.
- Find the DNS settings → switch from automatic to manual.
- Enter a known public DNS (like Google's
8.8.8.8, or Cloudflare's1.1.1.1).
Tip: some public DNS options also offer extra filtering of malicious or adult content as a bonus feature — look into the specific options if that added functionality interests you.
Frequently asked questions
Does changing DNS improve internet download speed?
Not directly — it mainly improves domain name resolution speed (how quickly it finds a website), not your connection's overall download speed, which depends on other factors.
Is it safe to use a public DNS like Google's or Cloudflare's?
Yes, they're widely used options considered reliable and fast — a reasonable alternative to your internet provider's default DNS.