DNS Jumper 2.3 for Windows

DNS Jumper 2.3 is a free portable Windows program from Sordum.org that changes your DNS servers in one click. You download DNS Jumper when you want to try different public DNS services, restore the default settings quickly or find the resolver that answers fastest from your connection.

Quick facts

• Version: 2.3
• Developer: Sordum.org
• Platform: Windows
• Type: DNS switcher, portable
• Licence: freeware
• Size: about 625.70 KB according to catalogue data

What it does

Changing DNS in Windows normally means opening network settings, finding the adapter, editing IPv4 and IPv6 properties and typing addresses by hand. DNS Jumper packs all of that into one window. It comes with a list of well-known public DNS services, grouped by purpose: plain speed, privacy, blocking of malware sites and family filtering. You select a service, pick the network adapter or apply it to all of them, and press Apply DNS; the change takes effect immediately. A Fastest DNS button pings the servers in the list and sorts them by response time, so you can base your choice on your own connection rather than on someone else's ranking. The program can also flush the DNS cache, add your own servers to the list and restore the automatic settings from your router with one click, which is useful when a public resolver causes trouble on a work or school network. Sordum describes the tool on its DNS Jumper page.

How to use it

1. Download the archive from Sordum's downloads page and unpack it.
2. Run DnsJumper.exe; administrator rights are needed to change settings.
3. Press Fastest DNS and wait for the test to finish.
4. Pick a server from the results, choose the adapter and press Apply DNS.
5. If something breaks, select the default option to return to automatic DNS.

Requirements

DNS Jumper runs on Windows and needs no installation or extra runtimes. It keeps its settings next to the executable, so it can live on a USB stick.

Is it safe?

The tool itself only changes network adapter settings that you could change manually. The important choice is the DNS provider: it sees the names of all sites you visit, so prefer services with a clear privacy policy. Some antivirus programs warn about system tools that change network settings; download only from sordum.org to be sure you have the original file.

Price

DNS Jumper is free; Sordum accepts voluntary donations.

Tips

After switching DNS, flush the cache and restart the browser. If a site does not open with a filtering DNS, it may be blocked on purpose by that service; switch back to test.

Pros and cons

• Pro: one-click DNS changes and quick restore.
• Pro: built-in speed test.
• Pro: portable, no installation.
• Con: needs administrator rights.
• Con: occasional antivirus false alarms.

Alternatives

DNS Benchmark on our site runs a deeper comparison of resolvers. Technitium MAC Address Changer covers other adapter settings, and WinMTR helps when the problem lies in the route rather than in DNS.