Whether you want to improve IP address resolution times, bypass state censorship, or simply limit access to your browsing history by a third party, there is another solution than subscribing to a VPN: it is to modify the servers. DNS of your Internet connection in Windows settings.
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The servers DNS (Domain Name System) make the link between the address Internet that you enter in your Navigator and the site’s IP address. By default, the DNS server used by a connection is managed by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). This generally allows good performance, but does not guarantee the confidentiality. Since generally, DNS calls are made “in the clear”, this means that your operator has access to all the addresses that you visit.
If your Internet operator complies with a legal obligation and censors access to certain Web sites, you certainly know that the subscription to a VPN can help you bypass as many blocks as possible while ensuring better privacy protection. But another, more basic solution can quickly and free you to regain access to all sites: the DNS change.
Changing DNS in Network Settings
Windows proposes to modify the DNS servers used by a network card, directly in the parameters of this device. To access it, right-click on theicon of your connection Internet located on the taskbar, and select “Open network and Internet settings”.
In the “Status” section of the network and Internet settings, click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
Within your active networks, click on the name of your connection.
A window your connection status is displayed. Click on the “Properties” button.
Select ” Internet protocol version 4 (TCP / IPv4) ”to configure a connection IPv4 (general case).
Select “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TVP / IPv6)” if you are using this protocol.
Click on “Properties” to access the DNS configuration for the connection.
Check the box “Use the following DNS server address” and enter the two DNS addresses of the server of your choice.
Below is a list of the main public DNS servers and their addresses:
| DNS IPv4 | Prefer | Auxiliary |
|---|---|---|
| CloudFlare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | |
| FDN | 80.67.169.12 | 80.67.169.40 |
| DNS IPv4 | Prefer | Auxiliary |
|---|---|---|
| CloudFlare | 2606: 4700: 4700 :: 1111 | 2606: 4700: 4700 :: 1001 |
| 2001: 4860: 4860 :: 8888 | 2001: 4860: 4860 :: 8844 | |
| FDN | 2001: 910: 800 :: 12 | 2001: 910: 800 :: 40 |
You can finalize the change of DNS servers using the “OK” button, then close the network settings windows previously opened. It is not necessary to restart thecomputer, the changes are taken into account immediately.
Editing DNS with Public DNS Server Tool
Although it does not present any difficulty, the procedure to access the DNS parameters is tedious. If you want to change them quickly or regularly, you can download and use the free Public DNS Server Tool, which directly integrates a list of DNS servers and offers to modify them for you in two clicks.
The Public DNS Server Tool interface is easy to learn. First select from the drop-down menu the network card whose DNS settings you want to change. Then choose a DNS server among those indicated in the list and validate by clicking on “Change”.
The change of DNS servers is immediately applied!
What you must remember
- To take advantage of an uncensored Internet or to choose the service provider to whom you wish to entrust your browsing history, you can change the DNS servers of your connections. Windows allows access to these settings at the edge of the Network and Sharing center where the small Public DNS Server Tool can modify them in a few clicks.
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