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How To Unblock Google At School On Laptop
Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School
Unblocking Google on Laptop using a VPN
The tool that can assist you in this situation is called a VPN, which stands for VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Think of a VPN as a hidden tunnel through the internet. It protects your online activity and makes it seem like you're accessing the web from a alternate location. This way, it can overcome the restrictions set by your school and grant you access to sites like YouTube that you might otherwise be unable to access.One VPN I'd like to advise is ProtonVPN. They provide a free version that might be perfect for you. It's a powerful tool because it values your privacy - no recording of your activity, no throttling, and it can bypass censorship without a hitch. Plus, it functions under Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most robust globally. The feeling of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the monotony of school life.
Now, there's one catch: you'll need to have the permission to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a hurdle. In such cases, check if you have admin rights or if there's a way to get them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much smoother.
To install ProtonVPN, simply go to the app store on your device and search for ProtonVPN. Download the app - it's free. Once it's installed, open the app, and follow the setup instructions. You'll be able to connect to their servers and start browsing as if you're anywhere other than the confines of your school's network.
The free version of ProtonVPN is quite generous, but if you find you need more features - such as faster speeds or access to more servers - you can consider upgrading to the paid version. If you choose to use our affiliate link, we'll earn a small commission, but more importantly, you'll get a tool that might just make those long school days a little more bearable.
Other ways to unblock Google on Laptop
Unblocking Google On Laptop using Free DNS Servers
What Are DNS Servers?
Think of you need to find a friend's home, but you just know their identity, not their location. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they reside, right?
In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those knowledgeable people. When you enter a website's address (like www.example.com) into your browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can recognize and employ to access the website.
How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship
Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by forcing your DNS queries (requests to access a website) go through servers that either block or send them.
Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:
Different DNS Servers: By switching to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might bypass these restrictions. These other servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block Google on Laptop.
Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for not blocking certain websites, using that server can help you circumvent the restrictions put in place by your school.
There are a lot of free DNS providers. These instructions explain how to use OpenDNS, however you can swap the IP addresses with other providers if you would like to.
There is a big list of DNS servers here: https://public-dns.info/
Here are some of the popular ones:
Google: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 10
Step 1: Open Network Connections
Right-Click the Start Menu:
- Move your cursor to the Start menu located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Right-click on the Start menu icon to open the context menu.
Select Network Connections:
- In the context menu that appears, click on "Network Connections". This will open the Network & Internet settings page.
Step 2: Access Adapter Options
Click Ethernet:
- On the left side of the Network & Internet settings window, you will see a list of options.
- Click on "Ethernet" (if you are using a wired connection). If you're connected via Wi-Fi, you should click "Wi-Fi" instead.
Open Adapter Options:
- Under the Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) section, find and click on "Change adapter options". This will open a new window displaying all network connections on your computer.
Step 3: Modify Network Connection Properties
Right-Click Your Network Connection:
- In the Network Connections window, locate the network connection you are currently using. This might be labeled something like "Local Area Connection" or "Wi-Fi".
- Right-click on this network connection.
Select Properties:
- From the context menu that appears, choose "Properties". This will open the Properties dialog for your network connection.
Step 4: Change IPv4 Settings
Locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):
- In the Properties window, you will see a list of items that are being used by the connection. Look for "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" in this list.
- Click to highlight this item.
Open Properties:
- With "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" highlighted, click the "Properties" button below the list. This opens the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog.
Step 5: Enter New DNS Server Addresses
Select Use the Following DNS Server Addresses:
- In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog, look for the section labeled "Use the following DNS server addresses".
- Click the radio button next to this option to enable it.
Enter DNS Server Addresses:
- In the "Preferred DNS server" field, type 208.67.222.222.
- In the "Alternate DNS server" field, type 208.67.220.220.
Confirm and Apply:
- Click "OK" to close the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog.
- Click "Close" to exit the network connection properties window.
Step 6: Restart Network Connection (Optional)
- For the changes to take effect immediately, you might need to disable and then re-enable your network connection. To do this, right-click the network connection again in the Network Connections window and select "Disable". After a few moments, right-click it once more and select "Enable".
Your DNS settings have now been updated to use OpenDNS. This can help you access Google on Laptop.
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