Information

SwitchDNS is a lightweight desktop utility that lets you change your system DNS in seconds. Instead of navigating through operating system network settings every time you want to test or switch DNS providers, SwitchDNS allows you to do it directly from a simple dashboard or tray icon. You can create DNS profiles once and switch between them instantly. Profiles can contain any DNS servers you want — public providers such as Cloudflare or Quad9, filtered DNS services like AdGuard, or completely custom servers. If needed, you can also restore your system back to automatic (DHCP) DNS with a single click. SwitchDNS exists because something as simple as changing DNS should not require navigating multiple system menus every time.

How it works

SwitchDNS interacts directly with the native networking tools provided by your operating system. Instead of modifying configuration files or running background services, the application simply calls the same system commands your OS uses to configure DNS. This means:

• DNS changes apply immediately
• Changes behave exactly like manual system configuration
• No background services are required

Administrative privileges are only requested when necessary, since operating systems require elevated permissions to change network configuration. After applying a DNS profile, SwitchDNS verifies that the change was successfully applied and provides clear feedback if something fails.

How it looks

The interface is intentionally minimal. You can quickly view your current DNS configuration, apply profiles, or manage saved servers without navigating complex menus.

SwitchDNS Main Window

SwitchDNS TrayMenu

What it can really do

SwitchDNS focuses on doing one thing well: switching DNS quickly and safely.

• One-click DNS switching from the dashboard
• Tray icon access for fast switching
• Create and manage saved DNS profiles
• Use custom DNS servers
• Restore automatic (DHCP) DNS
• Interface-aware DNS changes
• Verification after applying DNS settings
• Clear feedback when configuration fails

Tested to work on

SwitchDNS is built using Electron, allowing it to run across multiple operating systems with the same interface. The application has been tested on:

Windows

• Windows 10
• Windows 11

macOS

• macOS Monterey
• macOS Ventura
• macOS Sonoma
• macOS Sequoia

Linux

• Arch Linux
• Ubuntu
• SteamOS
• Fedora
• Debian-based distributions

Most modern Linux distributions should work as long as they support standard networking tools and desktop environments.

Requirements

• Administrator / root privileges are required to apply DNS changes
• A desktop environment is required (Wayland or X11 on Linux)
• Standard networking tools must be available on the system

SwitchDNS itself is fully self-contained and does not modify your system beyond the DNS settings you apply.

Uninstall Guides

Windows

To uninstall SwitchDNS on Windows:

• Open Start Menu and search for Apps & Features.
• Locate SwitchDNS in the list of installed applications.
• Click SwitchDNS and select Uninstall.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal.

To remove remaining configuration files:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type %APPDATA% and press Enter.
• Navigate to DesktopNerds.
• Delete the folder named SwitchDNS.

Linux (.deb, .rpm, AppImage)

The removal method depends on how SwitchDNS was installed.

• If installed via .deb (Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint): open your system's Software Manager or run sudo apt remove switchdns.
• If installed via .rpm (Fedora, RHEL, openSUSE): open your system's Software Manager or run sudo dnf remove switchdns.
• If using the AppImage version (common on SteamOS and other portable setups): simply delete the AppImage file you downloaded.

To remove remaining configuration files:

• Open your Home Folder.
• Press Ctrl + H to show hidden files.
• Navigate to ~/.config/DesktopNerds/.
• Delete the folder named SwitchDNS.

macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel)

To uninstall SwitchDNS on macOS:

• Open Finder.
• Navigate to the Applications folder.
• Locate SwitchDNS.app.
• Drag SwitchDNS.app to the Trash.
• Empty the Trash to complete the uninstall.

To remove remaining configuration files:

• Open Finder.
• Click Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder….
• Enter ~/.config/DesktopNerds/ and press Enter.
• Delete the folder named SwitchDNS.

Version: 1.0.0 Language: English Date Published: 16th of March 2026

SwitchDNS - EULA

Copyright (c) 2026 DesktopNerds Last updated: 4th March 2026

1. LICENSE

By installing, copying, or using SwitchDNS ("Software"), you agree to be bound by this End User License Agreement ("EULA"). DesktopNerds grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Software on devices you own, subject to the terms below. This license does not transfer ownership of the Software; it is not a sale.

2. DISTRIBUTION

You may not copy, distribute, sell, sublicense, or share the Software, in whole or in part, without prior written consent from DesktopNerds.

3. USER AGREEMENT

3.1 Lawful Use

You shall use the Software only for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable laws. You may not use the Software in connection with material that is illegal, offensive, abusive, obscene, or discriminatory.

3.2 Copyright and Restrictions

You may not reverse engineer, disassemble, decompile, or create derivative works of the Software. DesktopNerds' logos, branding, and graphics may not be used without written permission.

4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Software is provided "as is". DesktopNerds and its affiliates are not liable for any damages, including incidental, consequential, or indirect damages arising from the use or inability to use the Software.

5. DATA COLLECTION & CONSENT

To improve and support the Software, DesktopNerds may collect limited technical telemetry as described in the DesktopNerds Privacy Policy (Privacy Policy). The Software may transmit the following information when checking for updates or reporting usage statistics:

• A randomly generated installation identifier (UUID)
• Software build version
• Operating system and version
• Country (derived from the requesting IP address; IP addresses are not stored)

No personal identifiers such as email addresses, usernames, hardware serial numbers, or MAC addresses are collected. Telemetry is used solely for delivering updates, counting installations and launches, improving compatibility, and understanding general geographic distribution. By installing and using the Software, you consent to the processing of this limited technical information as described in the Privacy Policy. Telemetry transmission stops upon uninstallation of the Software.

6. WARRANTIES

Except as explicitly stated, the Software is provided without warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

7. GOVERNING LAW

This EULA is governed by the laws of Denmark, and you submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Denmark.

8. TERMINATION

Any violation of this EULA results in automatic termination of the license. Upon termination, you must immediately remove the Software from all devices.

9. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

The Software and all accompanying files are provided "as is". DesktopNerds makes no guarantees regarding performance, stability, or suitability.