stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Free and Public DNS Servers Updated List of the Best Publicly Available & Completely Free DNS Servers Q ‘ corbetto/ stock Updated December 02, 2016 to the internet via Dt ‘automatically assigns DNS servers when your router or computer cone Isp. but you don't have to use those. Below are free DNS servers you can use instead of the ones assigned, the best and most reliable of which, from the likes of Google and OpenDNS, you can find below: ‘See How Do | Change DNS Servers? for help. More helps below the table. Free & Public DNS Servers (Valid December 2016) Provider Primary DNS Server Secondary DNS Server Levels! 209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4 Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.r-windows- 2526242 20sr22016 Provider Verisign? ‘Google? DNS.WATCH* Comodo Secure DN: OpenDNS Home® DNS Advantage Norton ConnectSafe® GreenTeamDNs? ‘SafeDNs® Opennic? ‘SmartViper Dyn Freepns'® Alternate DNs" Yendex.DNs!? gensurfridns.dk!? Hurricane Electric! How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Primary DNS Server Secondary DNS Server 646.646 88.88 84.200.69.80 8.26.56.26 208.67.222.222 186:154,701 199.85.126:10 a12tamen 195.46.39.39 45.82.215.96 208.76.50.50 216:146.35.35 37.2381.174 198,101.242.72 77188.8.8 91.239:100:100 7482.42.42 645.656 aaa 84,20070.40 8.20.267.20 208.67220.220 186154.7141 199.8512710 209.88.198:133 195.46.39.40 104.288153.178 208765151 216.146.3636 312983.177 23.253.163.53 7788.81 89.233.43.71 Uifenire Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Note: Primary DNS servers are sometimes called preferred DNS servers and secondary DNS servers are sometimes called alternate DNS servers. Primary and secondary DNS servers can be “mixed and matched" to provide another layer of redundancy. Why Use Different DNS Servers? (One reason you might want to change from the DNS servers assigned by your ISP is if you suspect there's a problem with the anes vai're uiginn naw An acy wav ta test for a DNS gervar iesiie is hy tvninn a walsite's IP ardraes inte the hrowser If = Uifenire Q ISP-maintained DNS servers are sluggish and contribute to a slower overall browsing experience. Yet another, increasingly common reason to use DNS servers from a third party is to prevent logging of your web activity and to circumvent the blocking of certain websites, Know, however, that not all DNS servers avoid traffic logging. If that’s what you're after, make sure you read all the details, about the server to know if that’s the one you want to use. The Small Pri t Don't worty, this is good small print! Many of the DNS providers listed above have varying levels of services (OpenDNS, Norton ConnectSafe, etc.), PvE DNS. servers (Google, DNSWATCH, ete.), and location specific servers you might prefer (OpenNIC). teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 420‘nanos How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 While you don't need to know anything beyond what | included in the table above, this bonus information might be helpful for some of you, depending on your needs: [1] The fee ONS servers listed above a¢ Loves will automatically route to the nearest ONS server operated by LevelB Communications the company that provides most of the SPs inthe US ther access to the internet backbone. [2] verisign soye this about ther fre DNS servers: "We wll not sell your public DNS dsta to third parties nov redect your queries to serve you sny ads.” Verisign offers IPv6 public DNS servers as wel: 2620-71: and 2620%T4:0:2:2. [1 Gooale algo offre 1Pv6 public ONS eorvers: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2007-4860.4860:8844, = Uifewire Q ‘rom the US or other remote locations [5] OpenDNS ale offers DNS servers that block adult content, called OpenDNS FamilShield, Those DNS servers are 208.67 222123 and 208.67. 220.123. [A premium DNS offerings also available, called OpenDNS Home VP teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 420‘nanos How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 [6 The Norton ConnectSafe 20 ONS servers listed above block sites hosting malware phishing schemes, and scams, andi called Policy 1. Use Policy 2 (099,85.26.20 and 199.05:12720) o block those sites plus thote wth pornographic content. Use Polley 3(798.05:26.30 and 199.85:27.30) to block all previously mentioned site categories plus those Norton deems ‘non-famil friendly" Be sure to check ou the Ist of things blocked in Polley 3 -thare are several controversial topes in there that you may find perfectly accepteble. [71 GreentesmONS “blocks tens of thousands of dangerous websites which include malwere, botnets, adult related content, aggressve/ violent sites a3 wellas advertisements end drug.clated websites * according to their FAG page. Prmium accounts have more control. (tect stb or orang opts sea = Uifewire Q ‘Adversement Jes Ther ree DNS serves are loceted in Aust Jock unwanted ade" and that they engage in “no auery logging. se alo avilable in IPS ot 2202:608:feed Of and 2902:668:0-: feed. OF, Two mote Fee irs of DNS Js and 77.88.82, or 202:6b8:feed:bed and 2302:608:0:1:feed:bad, which blocks infected sites, 3788.81 and 7788.83, or 2502-6b8:-fe0d-1 and 2202:668.0:1-feed:aIl, which blocks everything ‘°° fone 2d, operated by 2 privately funded individual, and is physcaly located in Denmark. You can toad mars at 2002:8596:2092:17159, 1S sever avsilble: 2001470:20:2 Sarcelona, Spain. The IPvS version of ther free ONS servers 2800-1508.0:4:9, Top Public Internet DNS Servers teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 520stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 by Bradley Mitchell Updated October 08, 2016 Most computers on TCP/IP networks that need name resolution support use the Domain Name System (ONS). Setting up DNS on client devices requires identifying the DNS servers to use. Network administrators (on the Internet, service providers) install and maintain these DNS servers, Numerous providers have set up DNS servers on the Internet for free public access including the especially popular and well-known ones listed below. To utilize any of these services, specify the IP addresses of thelr primary and secondary DNS servers in a device's or network's TCP/IP configuration. Some providers also offer other optional services, such as site filtering, in addition to standard name resolution Public Internet DNS Servers ‘A good DNS server supports both high performance and reliability. Especially on high-traffic networks, DNS servers must handle a significant load of name and address lock-ups to support Web browsing, email and other usages. DNS reliability ‘can vary depending on the provider, and performance can vary depending on a client's location. Utility program like netbench or GRC DNS Benchmark are available online to help people identify and choose preferred public DNS servers for them based on diagnostic tests. Do not confuse DNS server name resolution services with domain name registration services. These DNS servers can be accessed from any public Internet domain. Google Public DNS Richard Druryleonea/Getty nage Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042 a0stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Google operates the world's largest public DNS service. Launched in December 2003, it supports many billions of DNS. queries per day, much of the volume generated from clients outside the U.S, Google Public DNS utilizes servers at IP addresses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. The company developed this service as one of its corporate initiatives to make the Internet more accessible and easier for everyone to use, making ita logical choice for users worldwide. lifewire Q OpenDNS Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042 120stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 The oldest of all services on this list, OpenDNS also supports billions of DNS queries per day via its servers operating on 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220, In addition to its basic name resolution service, OpenDNS Home Solutions provides free Web site filtering of adult content (called FamilyShield) and URL spell correction with accompanying installed software. The company also sells various security products to businesses. Those looking for an alternative to Google products and a service that works well outside the U.S. also tend to like OpenDNS. lifewire Q teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 20stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Norton ConnectSafe Security software company Symantec began offering its free Norton DNS service in 2010. The package (now branded as ConnectSsfe) works similarly to OpenDNS FamilyShield. Utility programs that automatically configure the DNS server, addresses 198,153.192.50 and 198.153.194.50 and set up basic content filtering exist for Windows, Mac OS X and Android. Those already using OpenDNS or Google Public DNS but dissatisfied with those services can try Norton DNS to see how it ‘compares, = Uifenire Q Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042 20‘nanos How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 « Comodo Secure DNS In addition to its free DNS service, Comodo is known for the Antivirus package it sells along with other software products, ‘Access the Comodo DNS servers at 8,26.56.26 and 8,20.247.20. ® DNS Advantage = Uifenire Q © Verizon / Level 3 Communications US Internet provider Verizon maintains public DNS servers that can be used by both subscribers and non-subscribers. Verizon's servers (sometimes identified as "Level 3 Communications" or 8s "Genulty" /“gtel.net") appear at 4.2.21 through 19.66 belong to the ScrubIT free public DNS servers. Designed to automatically block b sites, ScrubIT made its debut in 2007 and received mixed reviews for its has since been discontinued, in January 2012. teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 020‘nanos How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 HOWTO > INTERNET & NETWORK How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 or 8.1 General | alternate Configuration | You can get IP settings assigned automatically if your network supports this capability. Otherwise, you need to ask your network administrator for the appropriate IP settings. (Use the following IP address: IP address: ‘ . . Subnet masks Default g © Obtain DNS server address automatically lifewire Q Preferred DNS server: Alternate DNS server: (_|Vallidate settings upon exit 2 rorpPvs Properties Window in Windows & by Tim Fisher tetpeuhwoiftenire,comihow-tochange-dne-servers-r-windows- 2526242 120stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Updated October 19, 2016 When you change the DNS servers in Windows 8, you change which servers Windows 8 uses to translate hostnames (like wwvw.lifewire.com) to |P addresses (like 208.185.127.40). Since DNS servers are sometimes the cause of certain kinds of Internet problems, changing DNS servers in Windows 8 can be a good troubleshooting step. Since most computers and devices connect to a local network via DHCP, there are probably already DNS servers automatically configured in Windows 8 for you. lifewire Q What you'll be doing here is overriding these automatic DNS servers with others of your choosing teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 a0stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 | keep an updated list of publicly available DNS servers that you can pick from, any of which are arguably better than those automatically provided by your ISP, See my Free & Public DNS Servers piece for the complete l p: If your Windows 8 PC connects to the Internet via a router at your home or business, and you want the DNS servers for all the devices that connect to that router to change, you're better off changing settings on the router instead of on each device. See How Do | Change DNS Servers? for more on this. Follow the steps below to change the DNS servers that Windows 8 uses: Time Required: Changing the DNS servers on a Windows 8 PC shouldn't take more than a few minutes, Applies To: The process below works equally well for changing DNS servers on all editions of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 or 8.1 1. Qpen the Windows 8 Control Pane! Tip: The following process works perfectly well in all versions of Windows 8. However, if you're using Windows 8.1 or later, i's much faster if you select Network Connections from the Power User Menu, and then skip to Step 5. lifewire Q Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042 1920stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 2. Once in Control Panel, touch or click on Network and Internet. Note: You won't see Network and Internet if your Control Panel view is set to either Large icons or Small icons. Instead, find Network and Sharing Center, choose it, then skip to Step 4. 3. n the Network and internet window that's now open, click or touch Network and Sharing Genter to open that applet 4. Now thatthe Network and Sharna Center window is onen. click or touch the Chanae adapter settinas lnk ocated = lifewire Q for. Tip: In Windows 8, wired connections are usually labeled as Ethernet, while wireless ones are usually labeled as Wi- Fi Note: You may have a number of connections listed here but you can usually ignore any Bluetooth connections, as well as any with a Not connected or Disabled status. If you're still having trouble finding the right connection, change this window's view to Details and use the connection that lists internet access in the Connectivity column. 6. Open the network connection you want to change the DNS servers for by double-clicking or double-tapping on its 7.0n the connection’s Status window that's now open, tap or click on the Properties button, teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 wostzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 8. On the connection’s Properties window that appeared, scroll down in the This connection uses the following items: list and click or tap Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to select i. 9. Tap or click the Properties button. 10. Choose the Use the following DNS server addresses: radio button at the bottom of the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TOP/P va) Properties window. Note: If vour Windows & PC: already has custom DNS servers canfiaured. this cadia button may already he selected = Uifewire Q Tip: As | mentioned above, see my Free & Public DNS Servers list for an updated collection of DNS servers you can Use as an alternative to the ones assigned by your ISP. Note: You're welcome to enter just a Preferred DNS server, enter a Preferred DNS server from one provider with a Secondary DNS Server from another, or even enter more than two DNS servers using the appropriate fields found within the Advanced TCP/IP settings area available via the Advanced... button. 12. Tap or click the OK button. Advertisement The DNS server change takes place immediately. You can now close any Properties, Status, Network Connections, ot Control Panel windows that are open 18. Verify that the new DNS servers Windows 8 is using are working properly by visiting several of your favorite websites inl whateliér’bréwser You're using. As long as the web pages show up, and do so at least as quickly as before, the inell:DNS 'setvets you entered are working properly. teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dne-severs.n-windows- 2626042 1520stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 1.Not using Windows 8? See How Do | Change DNS Servers? for specific instructions for your version of Windows. 2. Having some trouble changing DNS servers in Windows 8? See Get More Help for information about contacting me on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more. HOW TO > INTERNET & NETWORK How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 7 Uifewire Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042 620‘nnanots How To Change DNS Servers in Windows Bo 8.1 r Internet Protocol Versian 4 (TCP/1Pv4) Properties es) General | Alternate Configuration You can get IP settings assigned automatically if your network supports this capability. Otherwise, you need to ask your network administrator for the appropriate IP settings. © Use the following IP address: IF address: F : : Subnet mask: Default ga © Obtain DNS server address automatically Use the following DNS server addresses: Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 Alternate DNS server: 3.8.4.4 lifewire Q (Validate settings upon exit Ta [ox] [cancel] L 4 2 ToP/Pr4 Properties Window (Windows 7, by Tim Fisher Updated October 19, 2016 To change the DNS servers in Windows 7 means to change the servers that Windows 7 communicates with to turn a website's hostname like www.lifewire.com into its IP address - 208.185.127.40. DNS servers can sometimes be the root cause of some types of Internet problems so trying different DNS servers in Windows 7 can be helpful during the troubleshooting process. teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 sta9stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 Most Windows 7 computers in homes and businesses are automatically assigned DNS servers vie DHCP. lifewire Q The instructions below show you how to override these default DNS servers with ones you choose yourself. ‘See my Free & Public DNS Servers list for an updated collection of publicly available, and free to use, DNS servers. Most, if ‘not all, may perform better than DNS servers provided by your ISP that you're likely using right now. Tip: Changing the DNS servers on your router is often a better idea than doing so on your individual Windows 7 computer and devices. If that sounds like the way to go, see How Do | Change DNS Servers? for instructions on doing that on popular routers teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 we0sa20%6 How To Ghange ONS Servers in Windows Ber 84 Follow the steps below to change the DNS servers used in Windows 7: Difficulty: Eesy Time Roquired: Changing the DNS servers in Windows 7 should only take a few minutes. Applies To: The procedure outlined below for changing DNS servers works identically in every edition of Windows 7 Here's How: 1. Open the Windows 7 Control Panel, which on most computers you can access directly from the Start Menu. 2. Once Control Panel is open, click Network and Internet. Not you have either the Large icons or Small icons view of Control Panel selected, you won't see Network and Internet. Find and click Network and Sharing Center applet instead and then skip to Step 4. 3. Click the large Network and Shi jing Center heading, Uifewire Fipsuhwonifowire.comihow-to change-dns-servers.n-windows- 2526042 1920stzz06 How To Change DNS Servers in Windows 8 o 8.1 {Lookin the aft margin and clck the Change adapter settings link 5. From the Network Connections window that's now onscreen, find and double-click on the network connection that Yyouuse to connect to the internet. This isthe one youl be changing the DNS servers fr. Tips In Windows 7, witless connections are usually labeled as Wiroles Network Connection, while wired anes are Usually labeled as Local Area Connection. 6. Click on the Propertiog button from the connection’ Statue window = Uifewire Q SP 9. Near the bottom of the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4) Properties window, choose the Use the following DNS server addresses: radio button 10. Enter a Preferred DNS server as well as an Alternate DNS server in the areas labeled as such. Tip: See my Free & Public DNS Servers piece for an updated list of DNS servers you can use instead of your 1S? assigned ones. Note: Onishi DNS server is required, which you should enter in the Preferred DNS server field. However, | recommend you enter at least two, with the second in the Secondary DNS Server rea. You're welcome to mix DNS servers from different providers, as well as enter more than two ONS servers using the fields found within the Advanced TCP/IP settings area, which you can access via the Advanced... button, teipeutwonifewire.comihow-to-change-dns-seversn-windows- 2626042 220