Introduction
This guide will walk you through configuring your Windows device to use NordVPN's custom DNS addresses.
Before you start
- Identify your Windows version. The steps are different for Windows 10/8.1/7 and Windows 11.
Here's what to do
On Windows 10, 8.1, and 7
- In the bottom-right corner of your screen, right-click the network icon. This icon will look like a small computer screen if you are using a wired Ethernet connection, or like signal bars if you are connected to Wi-Fi.
- From the menu that appears, select "Network and Sharing Center."
- In the window that opens, click "Change adapter options."
- Right-click the "TAP-NordVPN Windows adapter V9."
- Click "Properties."
- Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)."
- Click "Properties."
- Select the option "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter NordVPN's DNS addresses:
- Preferred DNS server: 103.86.96.100
- Alternate DNS server: 103.86.99.100
- You must repeat steps 3-5 for your main physical network adapter, which will be named Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
On Windows 11
- Click the magnifying glass icon located on your taskbar to use your computer's built-in search.
- Type in "Manage Network Adapter Settings" and open it.
- Look through the list of adapters and click "TAP-NordVPN Windows adapter V9."
- Find the "TAP-NordVPN Windows adapter V9" in the list. Click on it, and then select "View additional properties."
- Click "View additional properties" that becomes available for that adapter.
- Locate "DNS server assignment" and click "Edit" next to it.
- In the pop-up window, change the dropdown from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual."
- Adjust the settings as follows, then click "Save":
- Turn the IPv4 toggle ON.
- Preferred DNS: 103.86.96.100
- Alternate DNS: 103.86.99.100
- Turn the IPv6 toggle OFF.
- You must repeat steps 3-6 for your main physical network adapter, which will be named Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Additional tips
- After changing your DNS, you may need to restart your browser or clear its cache for the new settings to take full effect.
- To go back to your previous settings, follow the same steps but choose "Obtain DNS server address automatically" in the final step.
- If you are experiencing connectivity errors with cloud services like Microsoft 365 (Office) or OneDrive, the issue may be related to your DNS settings. When following the steps in this guide, you can also try using Cloudflare's DNS servers:
- 1.1.1.1
- 1.0.0.1
