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This guide will show you how to change the DNS settings on your Windows device.

The Domain Name System (DNS) turns domain names into IP addresses so that your browser can read them and load the correct pages. When you are connected to the internet, by default, you use the DNS servers of your internet service provider (ISP), which may not be secure or private. This can potentially expose your DNS queries, including your internet activity, to third parties. To avoid your DNS queries from being exposed, connect to ExpressVPN, which has its own private, encrypted DNS servers to handle your DNS queries.

If you want to use other DNS servers, you can update the DNS settings on your Windows device.

Important: When connected to ExpressVPN, your DNS queries will go through ExpressVPN’s DNS servers. To use other DNS servers on your Windows device, you must be disconnected from ExpressVPN.

Jump to…

1. Open Network Connections settings
2. Set the DNS server addresses
A note about PPPoE

1. Open the Network Connections settings

On your Windows device, press the Windows key ⊞ + R on your keyboard to open the Run prompt. Type ncpa.cpl. Click OK.

Click “OK.”

In the Network Connections window, right-click your active internet connection.

  • If you are connected via a LAN cable, right-click Local Area Connection.
  • If you are connected via Wi-Fi, right-click Wi-Fi.

Select Properties.

Select “Properties.”

If you are prompted to allow changes made to your device, click Yes.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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2. Set the DNS server addresses

Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (or just Internet Protocol).

Double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4.”

Select Use the following DNS server addresses.

In the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields, enter the DNS server addresses you want to use.

(You can use 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’s secure DNS servers.)

Enter the DNS server addresses you want to use.

Click OK > OK.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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A note about PPPoE

If you are connecting to your ISP via a PPPoE connection, set the DNS servers on the PPPoE connection itself and then restart your computer for the DNS settings to take effect.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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