Speed Up Web Browsing: Switch to OpenDNS or Google DNS

Improving Browser Speed with Custom DNS Servers

The DNS servers provided by your internet service provider may not always be the most efficient. This can lead to slower browsing speeds, as your browser requires time to translate website names into their corresponding IP addresses.

Switching to alternative DNS servers, such as OpenDNS or Google DNS, can potentially enhance your browsing experience. These services generally offer faster and more dependable performance.

How DNS Resolution Works

DNS servers function by converting the domain names you enter into applications—like web browsers—into their numerical IP addresses. When you input a domain name, your computer queries the configured DNS servers.

The server then retrieves the IP address associated with that domain, enabling your computer to establish a connection and request the website's content. Often, ISP-managed DNS servers can be somewhat slow or inconsistent.

Fortunately, Google and OpenDNS offer free, publicly accessible DNS servers known for their speed and reliability. You simply need to configure your system to utilize them.

Related: What Is DNS, and Should I Use Another DNS Server?

Applying the Changes in Windows

The following instructions are applicable to Windows 7, 8, and 10 operating systems.

Begin by right-clicking the network status icon located in your system tray. From the context menu, select "Open the Network and Sharing Center".

Within the "Network and Sharing Center" window, click on the "Change adapter settings" link, positioned at the upper left corner.

In the "Network Connections" window, right-click the network connection you wish to modify. Then, choose "Properties" from the context menu.

From the list within the properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4)". Subsequently, click the "Properties" button.

The lower portion of the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) Properties" window displays the DNS settings. Choose the option "Use the following DNS server addresses".

Enter the IP addresses for your preferred and alternate DNS servers. The following are the IP addresses for both Google DNS and OpenDNS:

DNS Server IP Addresses

• Google DNS
  • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate: 8.8.4.4
• OpenDNS
  • Preferred: 208.67.222.222
  • Alternate: 208.67.220.220

In this example, we are utilizing Google DNS, but you are free to select whichever service you prefer. After entering the addresses, click the "OK" button.

Following these steps, your DNS lookups should become faster and more reliable. While this change may not dramatically increase your browser's speed, it can contribute to an overall improved browsing experience.