How to change DNS settings in Windows 7 | 8

Most are aware that Google Public DNS has been recently launched. If you wish, you can override the default DNS(Domain Name Server) settings on your computer so you can specify which DNS server is used, or which IP address should be used for a particular domain.

Before you change your DNS settings in Windows 7 | 8, to use Google or any DNS, be sure to write down the current server addresses or settings on a piece of paper. It is very important that you keep these numbers for backup purposes, in case you need to revert to them at any time.

Change DNS settings in Windows 7 | 8

Open Control Panel > Click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Click Change Adapter Settings.

Select the connection for which you want to configure Google Public DNS.

For example: 
– To change the settings for an Ethernet connection, right-click Local Area Connection, and click Properties.
– To change the settings for a wireless connection, right-click Wireless Network Connection, and click Properties.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Select the Networking tab. Under This connection uses the following items, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and then click Properties.

Click Advanced and select the DNS tab. If there are any DNS server IP addresses listed there, write them down for future reference, and remove them from this window.  Click OK.

For Google Public DNS, select Use the following DNS server addresses. If there are any IP addresses listed in the Preferred DNS server or Alternate DNS server, write them down for future reference.

Replace those addresses with the IP addresses of the Google DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Restart the connection you selected above.

Repeat the procedure for additional network connections you want to change.

For a detailed read visit Using Google Public DNS.

Alternatively, if you want to change your DNS settings with one click, DNS Jumper is something you may want to check out.

Its a freeware portable app which lets you choose from various options. Using the correct DNS provider may help you increases your browsing speed.

• QuickSetDNS is another tool that will let you change DNS Server in Windows 8 | 7 quickly.
• NetSetMan is a feature-rich Network Settings Manager for Windows 8.

These resources may also interest you:

1. How to flush Windows DNS cache
2. Check if your DNS settings have been compromised.