Google One VPN changes the Windows DNS, affecting security and Internet speed

The DNS configuration doesn’t revert to default after uninstalling the VPN

3 min. read

Published onApril 8, 2024

published onApril 8, 2024

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Google One’s bundle package comprises a VPN, often used by subscribers on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. A few months ago, users highlighted a problem wherein the VPN automatically changed the device’s DNS to Google’s DNS server.

Firstreported on GitHub, the problem’s description reads,

Based on available reports, this seems to be the case with only Windows devices. The DNS server is not automatically changed on MacOS, Android, or iOS!

A few days later, Google’sRyan Lothianacknowledged this and confirmed that it’s an intended privacy-oriented feature and not a bug, as many initially believed.

Every time you want tochange the DNS, you will have to do so from within the network adapter’s settings. Even if you uninstall the Google One VPN,Google’s DNSwill still be in place unless manually removed. Ideally, after uninstall, DNS should revert to the previous configuration!

Why is the DNS server vital?

DNS(Domain Name System)is critical both to the security and how quickly a website loads up. It doesn’t directly affect the Internet speed but reduces the time taken to convert the domain name to the corresponding IP address, giving the impression of a faster Internet. But that’s just as good!

Also, a reliable DNS server doesn’t throw any errors or have issues accessing specific websites, and prevents different types of attacks. Google’s DNS is undoubtedly good, but oftenfaster DNS servers near youmay be a better choice.

No other VPNs have shown this behaviour, at least not the popular ones. While Google is known for data collection through different means, which most of us have gotten used to over time, changing the DNS is a step in the wrong direction!

We expect newer versions of Google One’s VPN to not change the DNS server.

What’s your take on the feature in Google VPN? Share with our readers in the comments section.

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Google One VPN changes the Windows DNS, affecting security and Internet speed

Why is the DNS server vital?