How to Change Your Computer DNS Settings

  1. Portal Home
  2. Knowledgebase
  3. How to Change Your Computer DNS Settings

This article will advise you on how to change your computer's DNS servers addresses. This article applies to Mac OS and Windows OS.

 

Mac OS X   

1. From Apple Menu, click System Preferences, then click Network.

2. If the lock icon in the lower left-hand corner of the window is locked, click the icon to make changes, and when prompted to authenticate, enter your password.

3. Select the connection for which you want to configure Google Public DNS. For example:

  • To change the settings for an Ethernet connection, select Built-In Ethernet, and click Advanced.
  • To change the settings for a wireless connection, select Airport, and click Advanced.

4. Select the DNS tab

5. Click + to replace any listed addresses with, or add, the Google IP addresses at the top of the list:

  • For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and/or 4.2.2.2

6. Click Apply and OK and test your internet connection by using the new settings.


 
Microsoft Windows 8

1. If you are using a PC, move the mouse cursor to the bottom or top right corner of the screen and select the cog icon for Settings.
If you are using a tablet, swipe left from the right side of the screen and select Settings.

2. Select Control Panel.

3. In the Control Panel window select Category and then select Large or Small icons.

4. Select Network and Sharing Center.

5. Select Change adapter settings.

6. Right click on your connected network and select Properties.

7. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCIP/IPv4).

8. Select Properties.

9. Select Use the following IP address and Use the following DNS server addresses in order to change your DNS server addresses below:

 

Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS Server: 4.2.2.2


10. Select OK to Save before testing the new settings. 



Microsoft Windows 7

1. Click Start and then Control Panel

2. Click View network status and tasks

3. Click Change adapter settings on the left portion of the Window.

4. Double click on the internet connection you're using. Often this will be labeled "Local Area Connection" or the name of your ISP. If you have multiple connections, make sure not to click the one with the red X.

5. Click the Properties button.

6. Click and highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

7. If not already selected, select Use the following DNS server addresses

8. Enter the new DNS addresses

  

Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS Server: 4.2.2.2


9. Click Ok and close out of all other windows before testing the new settings.


Microsoft Windows Vista

 1. Click Start and then Control Panel

2. Click View network status and tasks

3. Click View status for the network connection.

4. Click Properties and Continue

5. Click and highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

6. If not already selected, select Use the following DNS server addresses.


7. Enter the DNS addresses  

    Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8

    Alternate DNS Server: 4.2.2.2


    8. Click Ok and close out of all other windows before testing the new settings.

     

    Microsoft Windows XP

     1. Click Start , Settings and then Control Panel

    2. In the Control Panel window, double click on Network Connections icon.

    3. Double click the icon for the Internet connection you're using. Often this will be labeled "Local Area Connection" or the name of your ISP.  If you have multiple connections, make sure not to click the one with the red X.

    4. Click the Properties button.

    5. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the connection items list and click the Properties button.

    6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses if not already selected. Enter the DNS addresses below:  

     

    Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8

    Alternate DNS Server: 4.2.2.2


    7. Click Ok and close out of all other windows before testing the new settings.

     

     

        Print