How to Change Nameservers on a Computer
The nameserver, or DNS server, information that your browser uses to translate a website address into an Internet Protocol, or IP, address is found on a domain name server. Most web browsers are set up automatically by the operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, to acquire the DNS information from your ISP or service provider. However, you can manually change the nameserver information on your computer, if it is necessary.
Instructions
Difficulty:
Windows XP
Step 1
Click the "Start" button and then select the option for the Control Panel.
Step 2
Double-click the "Network Connections" icon.
Step 3
Right-click the connection you are using to connect to the Internet and select "Properties" from the context menu.
Step 4
Highlight the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" option from the General tab, then click the "Properties" button.
Step 5
Select the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option. Enter the "Preferred DNS server" address that you want to use and then enter an "Alternate DNS server" address.
Step 6
Click the "OK" button to save the change.
Windows Vista or Window 7
Step 1
Click the "Start" button and then go into the Control Panel. Click the "Network and Internet" option. Click the option for the "Network and Sharing Center." When the Network and Sharing Center appears, click on the option for "Manage network connections."
Step 2
Right-click the connection that you are using to connect to the Internet and select "Properties" from the context menu.
Step 3
Go to the Networking tab and select the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" or the "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" option. Click the "Properties" button to open the Properties dialog box.
Step 4
Select the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option. Enter the "Preferred DNS server" address that you want to use and then enter an "Alternate DNS server" address.
References
Tips & Warnings
- Users on a network may not be able to change the domain nameservers on a computer because of a network policy setting.
Article Written By Cameron Easey
Cameron Easey has over 15 years customer service experience, with eight of those years in the insurance industry. He has earned various designations from organizations like the Insurance Institute of America and LOMA. Easey earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from Western Michigan University.