How to change IP address and DNS?

Taking Control of Your Network: How to Change Your IP Address and DNS Server in Windows

Your IP address and DNS server are fundamental components of your online experience. While they usually work seamlessly in the background, there are times when manually configuring them can be beneficial. This might be for troubleshooting network issues, enhancing privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, or setting up a local network. This guide will walk you through the process of changing your IP address and DNS server in Windows.

Before you begin, it’s important to understand the difference:

• IP Address: Your device’s unique identifier on the network. It allows other devices to communicate with you. There are two types: static (manually assigned) and dynamic (automatically assigned by your router).
• DNS Server: The Domain Name System translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses. Using a different DNS server can improve browsing speed, enhance privacy, and bypass certain restrictions.

Here’s how to manually change your IP address and DNS server in Windows:

1. Access Network Connections:

• Search for “View network connections” in the Windows search bar and select the best match.
• Alternatively, press the Windows key + R, type “ncpa.cpl” and press Enter.

2. Select Your Adapter:

• Identify the network adapter you wish to configure (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Right-click on the adapter and select “Properties.”

3. Configure IPv4 Settings:

• In the Properties window, scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
• Click “Properties.”

4. Input Your IP Address and DNS Server Information:

• Select “Use the following IP address.”
• Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. (Important: Obtain these values from your network administrator or consult your router’s documentation. Using incorrect values can disrupt your network connection.)
• Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
• Enter your preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Popular public DNS servers include Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

5. Validate and Save:

• Click “OK” to save your changes.
• It’s recommended to run the network troubleshooter or flush your DNS cache if you experience any connectivity issues after making these changes. (Search for “troubleshoot network problems” or open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns then press Enter).

Important Considerations:

• Contact your network administrator: If you are on a corporate network, consult your administrator before changing these settings.
• Router Configuration: Changing your IP address within a local network requires understanding of IP address allocation and your router’s DHCP settings. Incorrect configuration can lead to IP address conflicts.
• Dynamic vs. Static: While this guide focuses on static IP configuration, remember that dynamic IP addresses are automatically assigned. You can release and renew your dynamic IP address through the command prompt using ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew.

By following these steps, you can take control of your network settings and tailor your connection to your specific needs. Remember to proceed with caution and document your original settings in case you need to revert.

#Dnschange #Ipchange #Networkconfig