DNS servers are vital for surfing the Internet, but sometimes they fail. Fortunately, it is possible to change it.
Last Monday, a problem at Free prevented users from accessing certain websites. The concern concerned DNS (Domain Name Server) servers, that is to say the servers which convert the names that one type in a browser into an IP address. For example, if you type 216.58.209.227 in your browser, you will come to www.google.fr.
Phew, if your ISP’s DNS servers are malfunctioning, it is possible to use other servers by changing their addresses in the system settings. There are two addresses to enter, which correspond to those of the primary server and those of the secondary server. For example, you can use the following addresses:
Google DNS server: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Quad DNS Server 9: 9 9.9.9 (no secondary server)
OpenDNS DNS server: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Changing DNS server in Windows
- Type the key combination
+ , then ncpa.cpl in the dialog box that appears. Confirm with the Enter key.
- Right click on the connection you are using (wired network or Wi-Fi) and click Properties in the context menu.
- In the list, click on the line Internet Protocol version 4 (or Internet protocol version 6 if you have switched to IPv6), then on the button Properties.
- Click on Use the following DNS server address and enter the boxes Preferred DNS Server and Auxiliary DNS Server the addresses of the primary and secondary servers indicated at the beginning of the article. For example 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
- You can check the box Validate the parameters by quitting if you want Windows to verify the connection. Click on the buttons OK to close the windows. We recommend that you restart the computer.
Changing DNS server in macOS
- Go to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences. Click on Network icon and select the type of connection you are using. Click on the button Advanced, then on the tab DNS.
- Enter the data for the primary and secondary servers by clicking on the + button. Validate by clicking on the OK button. We recommend that you restart the computer.