Best Windows 10 How to Change DNS Server Command Line?

Windows 10 how to change DNS server command line in today’s world, where internet speed and security are more critical than ever, choosing the right DNS server can make a big difference. Domain Name System (DNS) servers interpret domain names like www.google.com into IP addresses that your computer grasp. If the default DNS provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is slow or unreliable, switching to a faster, more secure DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS can improve your browsing experience.

While most users change their DNS settings through the Windows graphical user interface (GUI), you can also do it quickly and efficiently using the Command Line (CMD) in Windows 10. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on Windows 10 how to change DNS server command line.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand why you might want Windows 10 how to change DNS server command line:

• Speed: Some Domain Name System servers resolve domain names faster than others.
• Security: Some DNS services offer phishing protection & block malicious websites.
• Reliability: Using a reputable DNS can offer better uptime and fewer errors.
• Privacy: Certain Domain Name System providers promise not to log your browsing data.

Now, let’s get into how you can configure a new DNS server using the Command Prompt.

Windows 10 How to Change DNS Server Command Line? Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

First, you need elevated permissions to change network settings.

1. Press Windows Key + S and type cmd.
2. Right-click on give orders to Quick & selected Run as administrator.

You should now see a black Command Prompt window with administrative privileges.

Step 2: Identify Your Network Interface Name

Every network connection (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet) has an interface name, and you need to know it to change DNS settings.

Type the following command:

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface show interface

This will list all network interfaces. Look for the one that is connected (Status = “Connected”). The interface names might look like “Wi-Fi”, “Ethernet”, “Local Area Connection”, etc.

Example Output:

pgsql  Copy Edit
Admin State – State – Type – Interface Name
————————————————————————-
Enabled – Connected – Dedicated – Wi-Fi
Enabled – Disconnected – Dedicated – Ethernet

In this case, the active interface is Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Set a New Primary DNS Server

Now that you know your network interface name, you can set a new DNS server.

Use the following syntax:

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface ip set dns name=”InterfaceName” source=static address=DNS_Server_IP

Replace:

• “InterfaceName” with the name of your active net-work connection (like “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”)
• DNS_Server_IP with the DNS server address you want to use.

Example to set Google DNS (8.8.8.8) on a Wi-Fi network:

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface ip set dns name=”Wi-Fi” source=static address=8.8.8.8

If the command runs successfully, your DNS server will be changed to Google’s primary server.

Step 4: Set an Alternate (Secondary) DNS Server

It’s good practice to set a secondary DNS server in case the primary is unavailable.

Use this command:

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface ip add dns name=”InterfaceName” address=Alternate_DNS_IP index=2

Example to set Google’s secondary DNS (8.8.4.4):

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface ip add dns name=”Wi-Fi” address=8.8.4.4 index=2

Here, index=two specifies that this is the secondary server.

Step 5: Verify Your New DNS Settings

To make sure the new Domain Name System settings are applied, run:

bash  Copy Edit
ipconfig /all

Look for your active merging under the “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet adapter” (EA) section. Under “DNS Servers,” you should now see the new DNS addresses you set.

Bonus: Reset to Automatic DNS Settings

If you want Windows 10 to automatically obtain DNS server addresses from the network (like your ISP’s default), you can reset the settings with this command:

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface ip set dns name=”InterfaceName” source=dhcp

Example:

bash  Copy Edit
netsh interface ip set dns name=”Wi-Fi” source=dhcp

This will revert your DNS settings to automatic.

Common Errors and Troubleshooting

1. “Element not found” Error
   • Check if you typed the network interface name correctly. It is case-sensitive & must match exactly, including spaces.
2. Command Needs Administrator Privileges
   • Do sure you are racing Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Still Using Old DNS?
   • Try restarting your network adapter or rebooting your computer after changing the settings.
4. No Internet Access?
   • Ensure you typed the correct DNS IP addresses. Mistyped addresses can break your connection.

Useful DNS Servers You Can Use

Here’s a quick reference to some popular DNS servers you might want to configure:

Conclusion

Changing your Windows 10 how to change DNS server command line is fast, efficient, and sometimes even necessary, especially for IT professionals or users managing multiple machines. Whether you’re trying to speed up your browsing, enhance your security, or troubleshoot connectivity issues, knowing how to configure your DNS settings via Command Prompt gives you an edge.

If you ever encounter slow internet speeds, random website failures, or security concerns, don’t hesitate to try switching to a better DNS provider. With just a few command-line entries, you could vastly improve your online experience!