How to Remove Smart DNS Proxy from Windows

Introduction to Removing Smart DNS Proxy from Windows

Smart DNS Proxy is a popular proxy service used to bypass regional restrictions and enhance internet speed while streaming content online. However, there may come a time when you need to remove Smart DNS Proxy from your Windows system. This could be due to various reasons such as troubleshooting network issues, discontinuing the service, or switching to a different DNS service. This article guides you through the steps to effectively remove Smart DNS Proxy from your Windows computer.

Understanding Smart DNS Proxy

Before proceeding with the removal process, it’s important to understand what Smart DNS Proxy does. Smart DNS Proxy routes your DNS queries through its servers, allowing you to access geo-restricted content without the speed loss typically associated with VPNs. While beneficial, this modification may interfere with other network configurations or services.

How Smart DNS Proxy Affects Your System

  • Changes the DNS settings to reroute traffic through Smart DNS servers.
  • Potentially improves streaming speed and accessibility of restricted content.
  • Might conflict with local DNS settings or affect browsing performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Smart DNS Proxy from Windows

Removing Smart DNS Proxy involves reverting your DNS settings back to their original state or to another preferred DNS service. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to achieve this.

Step 1: Accessing Network Connections

First, you need to access your network connections where you can modify your DNS settings:

  1. Press the Windows key and type ‚Control Panel‘, then press Enter.
  2. Click on ‚Network and Internet‘ and then ‚Network and Sharing Center‘.
  3. On the left-hand menu, click on ‚Change adapter settings‘.

Step 2: Modifying DNS Settings

Next, revert the DNS settings of your active network connection:

  1. Right-click on your active network connection (such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select ‚Properties‘.
  2. Scroll down to ‚Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)‘ and click on it, then click ‚Properties‘.
  3. In the Properties window, check the option ‚Obtain DNS server address automatically‘, or you can use specific DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) by choosing ‚Use the following DNS server addresses‘.
  4. Click ‚OK‘ to save the changes and close all remaining windows.

Step 3: Flushing the DNS Cache

After changing your DNS settings, it is essential to flush your DNS cache to remove any stored DNS lookup information associated with Smart DNS Proxy:

  1. Press the Windows key and type ‚cmd‘, then right-click on ‚Command Prompt‘ and choose ‚Run as administrator‘.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. You should see a message saying Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Step 4: Restarting your Computer

After these changes, a reboot is recommended to ensure all settings take effect and any old configurations are cleared:

  • Click the Start menu and select ‚Restart‘ from the power options.

Additional Tips

In addition to the basic steps above, consider these additional tips for managing DNS settings on your Windows computer:

  • Check for any installed Smart DNS Proxy software in ‚Programs and Features‘ and uninstall if necessary.
  • Regularly update your network adapter drivers to ensure compatibility and performance.
  • If experiencing issues after removal, consider restoring previous network settings from a backup.

Conclusion

Removing Smart DNS Proxy from your Windows system is straightforward if you follow the detailed steps outlined above. By reverting your DNS settings, flushing your DNS cache, and potentially uninstalling any related software, you can restore your internet connection to its original state or prepare it for different DNS or VPN services.

The best solution for users varies depending on their needs:

  • For general users: Simply switching back to automatic DNS settings may suffice.
  • For power users: Manually configuring to a reliable DNS server like Google DNS might be preferred for enhanced control and potentially better performance.
  • For users in restrictive regions: Considering an alternative DNS service that specifically addresses regional restrictions might be the optimal choice.

FAQ

What is a DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network.
Is Smart DNS Proxy the same as a VPN?
No, Smart DNS Proxy specifically changes your DNS settings to bypass geographical content restrictions without encrypting your traffic, unlike VPNs which encrypt all data and change your IP address.
Can I switch to another DNS service after removing Smart DNS Proxy?
Yes, you can change your DNS settings to any other DNS service by following the modification steps provided in this guide.
Does removing Smart DNS Proxy affect my network security?
Removing Smart DNS Proxy and setting your DNS to ‚Obtain DNS server address automatically‘ or to a reputed DNS provider should not compromise your network security.
What should I do if I cannot connect to the internet after changing DNS settings?
Ensure the DNS addresses are entered correctly, and consider restarting your router and computer. If the problem persists, try setting it to obtain an address automatically or consult your ISP’s support.

We hope this article helped you understand how to remove Smart DNS Proxy from your Windows device. Feel free to share your experiences, ask further questions, or provide corrections in the comments below!

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