Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Control D is a configurable DNS service. You create a profile containing filtering or redirect rules, attach one or more endpoints, and point a device, browser, or router at the resolver details generated in the dashboard. Software is optional for many deployments. The business pricing page describes a 14-day trial without a credit card, endpoint-based SMB billing, custom options for larger organisations, 30 days of raw query-log retention, and up to one year of analytics retention. Terms and supported methods can change, so check the live Control D pricing page before subscribing.
What Control D does
DNS is the service that translates a domain such as example.com into the server address a device should contact. Control D places configurable policy in that lookup process. A profile can block categories, redirect selected requests, or apply other rules; an endpoint identifies the device or network that should use a particular profile and resolver.
The practical workflow is therefore:
- Create a profile and choose its filtering rules.
- Create or connect an endpoint for a device, browser, router, or managed deployment.
- Configure that endpoint’s DNS settings using the platform-specific instructions shown in the dashboard.
- Open Analytics and confirm that queries are arriving and the expected policy is being applied.
Control D describes this model in its Quick Setup walkthrough and deployment documentation. The personal service page explains that starting use normally means changing the device’s DNS-server setting, rather than installing a conventional web-filtering application.
Plans, trial terms, and what is actually included
Business self-serve option
Control D’s business pricing page describes an SMB plan priced per endpoint. An endpoint is the unit associated with a device or network deployment, so a router serving an office and several individually configured laptops may have different endpoint requirements. The page does not establish a single universal price in the material available here; use the live pricing page for the amount, billing interval, taxes, and any limits that apply to your region.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
According to Control D’s pricing FAQ, every paid plan includes core DNS filtering, customization options, and dashboard access for managing rules, analytics, and profiles. That means the paid service is not limited to a fixed blocklist: the dashboard is where you select policies, create profiles, inspect activity, and maintain endpoints.
14-day trial
The current business pricing page describes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. This is a business-page offer, not evidence that every personal or future plan has identical terms. Trial length, conversion rules, and eligibility can change, so confirm them at controld.com/pricing when you start.
Enterprise, education, and service-provider deployments
Control D lists tailored conversations for enterprise organisations, schools and non-profits, and managed-service-provider or channel deployments. These options are relevant when you need central administration, a large endpoint count, or an arrangement that is not represented by the self-serve SMB checkout. The public material does not provide a standard price for these cases; request current terms directly from Control D.
Protocol choices shown on the business page
The pricing information lists DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT), DNS-over-QUIC, DNS-over-HTTPS/3, and legacy DNS. Listing a protocol does not mean that every device or router supports every option. The endpoint type, firmware, operating system, and deployment method determine which resolver details you can use.
Set up a device: the reliable sequence
Control D recommends using the in-panel tutorial for the selected platform. Menus differ between operating-system releases, and the dashboard can provide the resolver address or encrypted-DNS hostname appropriate to the endpoint you created.
1. Create a profile
- Sign in to the Control D dashboard.
- Create a profile for the policy you want, or select an existing profile.
- Choose the filters, redirects, and custom rules that belong to that profile.
Keep profiles separate when policies differ. For example, a family network, a guest network, and an administrator’s test device can each use a distinct profile without changing the others.
2. Add an endpoint
- Open the endpoint or deployment area in the dashboard.
- Choose the type of endpoint you are configuring and associate it with the intended profile.
- Copy the resolver details generated for that endpoint.
An endpoint is not the same thing as a user account. It is the association between a DNS configuration and the profile whose rules should process its queries. A single endpoint can represent a whole network when configured on a router; separate devices can instead have their own endpoints.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
3. Apply the DNS setting
- Open the platform tutorial displayed for the endpoint.
- Replace the device’s current DNS server with the Control D resolver details, or enable the encrypted-DNS mode the tutorial specifies.
- Save the setting, reconnect the network if the platform requests it, and allow existing DNS caches to expire or clear them if necessary.
Control D’s personal page summarises the change as changing one device setting: its DNS server. The exact screens are platform-specific, which is why the supported-platforms page directs users to the in-product tutorials rather than relying on one static set of screenshots.
4. Verify in Analytics
- Generate normal traffic from the configured device, such as opening a few websites or applications.
- Open Analytics in the dashboard.
- Confirm that queries from the endpoint appear and that a test domain is shown as allowed, blocked, or redirected according to the profile.
If no queries appear, the device is probably still using another DNS resolver, the endpoint is associated with the wrong profile, or the network is intercepting DNS. Check the local DNS status before changing policy rules.
Do you need to install an app?
Not usually. Control D’s software documentation says that, in most cases, no software is required. A device can use the operating system’s DNS settings, a browser’s secure-DNS setting, or a router’s DNS configuration.
Control D also provides a graphical setup utility and the ctrld daemon. These tools are useful when you want guided onboarding, a repeatable router deployment, or managed installation across many machines. They are an alternative to manually entering resolver details, not a prerequisite for every endpoint.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →When manual DNS is enough
- One computer or phone that stays on a known network.
- A browser that supports the secure-DNS method shown by the dashboard.
- A home or small-office router with compatible encrypted-DNS settings.
When software is more practical
- Devices that move between networks and need a consistent endpoint identity.
- Managed fleets where an administrator needs RMM, MDM, Group Policy, or scripted deployment.
- Routers whose firmware lacks the secure-DNS fields required for a native configuration.
The software options and supported deployment approaches are described in Control D’s software documentation and deployment guide.
Supported platforms and deployment scope
Control D’s platform list covers Windows, Windows Server and Active Directory Controller environments, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, and routers. The integrations page additionally lists router platforms and firmware such as Asus Merlin, DD-WRT, Firewalla, OpenWRT, pfSense, and OPNsense. A platform appearing on a general list does not guarantee that every model, firmware release, or network topology supports every protocol.
| Deployment | Typical scope | What to check | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating-system DNS | One computer or phone | Whether the OS exposes the resolver or encrypted-DNS fields required by the endpoint | Individual devices and straightforward testing |
| Browser secure DNS | One browser profile | Browser support and whether browser DNS bypasses the operating system policy | A browser-only policy or a quick trial |
| Router configuration | Whole home or office network | Firmware support, encrypted-DNS capability, and how roaming devices are handled | Central control for devices on one network |
ctrld or setup utility |
Device, router, or managed installation | Supported operating system, permissions, and administration method | Repeatable onboarding and managed fleets |
| RMM, MDM, or Group Policy deployment | Many managed endpoints | Organisation’s management platform and endpoint identity strategy | Business, school, and service-provider administration |
Use the current supported-platforms documentation for the exact instructions for your OS, browser, or device version.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Router setup: secure DNS, legacy DNS, and network caveats
Native encrypted DNS
When a router supports DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS natively, this is Control D’s preferred router route. Enter the endpoint-specific encrypted resolver values in the router’s secure-DNS fields, save, and reconnect clients. Native support keeps the configuration in the router and avoids installing software on every device.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Most routers do not support secure DNS natively. The router documentation therefore also covers other supported approaches, including the ctrld daemon and legacy DNS. Consult the router guide for the firmware-specific method rather than assuming that a generic DNS-address field provides encryption.
Legacy DNS and source-IP registration
Control D warns that legacy DNS depends on registering the network’s source IP. This makes it most suitable for a connection with a stable public IP address. If the ISP changes that address, the registered endpoint may no longer match the network sending queries, and filtering can stop or fall back unexpectedly.
Router decision checklist
- Use native DoH or DoT when the router supports the required endpoint format.
- Use
ctrldwhen firmware lacks native secure DNS but can run the daemon or support the documented installation path. - Use legacy DNS only when you can maintain the registered source IP and accept the limitations documented for that method.
- Configure individual devices when clients roam frequently or the router cannot provide a reliable endpoint identity.
Control D’s dated router example provides additional context in its router setup article. Verify model and firmware compatibility before buying or replacing hardware; the available material does not establish a universally recommended router model.
Choosing the right deployment for your situation
| Your requirement | Recommended starting point | Main limitation to evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Test filtering on one laptop or phone | Create a profile and configure the device DNS manually | The device may use another resolver when it changes networks |
| Cover every device at home | Configure a compatible router endpoint | Router firmware may not support encrypted DNS; legacy mode may require a static public IP |
| Protect a browser only | Use the browser tutorial and its secure-DNS setting | Other browsers and applications may continue using different DNS |
| Support roaming staff or students | Use the setup utility, ctrld, or managed deployment |
Endpoint identity and permissions must be maintained across networks |
| Operate a large or specialised organisation | Discuss enterprise, school/non-profit, or MSP options | Custom pricing and onboarding terms are not published as a single standard plan |
Logging, analytics, and retention
Control D’s pricing page describes both real-time and historical DNS query information. It lists 30 days of raw query-log retention and up to one year of analytics retention. The page describes different granularity over those periods: hourly detail for the most recent month and daily detail for the year.
These are vendor-stated retention terms, not a promise that every account, plan, or future product version will use the same schedule. Confirm the current wording at the pricing page before making a compliance or records-management decision.
The stated retention figures do not by themselves establish that logs are anonymous, private, encrypted at rest, excluded from other processing, or inaccessible to administrators. Treat those as separate questions and ask Control D for the policy and contractual terms that apply to your account.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
How to use Analytics during setup
- Check for a recent query from the endpoint after changing DNS.
- Use the profile and endpoint labels to distinguish devices or networks.
- Compare a known allowed request with a domain that the profile should block or redirect.
- If activity is missing, verify the client’s active DNS server and any VPN, browser secure-DNS override, or router forwarding rule.
Filtering scope and vendor claims
Control D’s homepage advertises more than 1,000 blockable apps and services. That is a vendor-published figure and may change as the catalogue changes. The homepage also presents a 99.98% malware block rate attributed to Nexxwave in 2025. Control D’s page is the source of that claim; it is not an independently verified universal performance guarantee.
Use those figures as descriptions of the vendor’s published offering, not as a substitute for testing the categories and applications that matter to your household or organisation. DNS filtering cannot replace endpoint security, application controls, or a security response process.
Troubleshooting common setup failures
Analytics shows no queries
- Confirm the endpoint’s resolver values were entered exactly and saved.
- Check the device’s active DNS server rather than the adapter profile you intended to use.
- Temporarily disable a browser-specific secure-DNS override or VPN to identify which component is answering DNS.
- Reconnect the network and test again.
Queries appear under the wrong profile
- Check that the endpoint is associated with the intended profile.
- Look for a second device, browser, or router still using an older endpoint.
- Rename endpoints clearly so Analytics labels are unambiguous.
Filtering works at home but not on another network
A router-level endpoint protects clients only while they use that router. Configure the roaming device itself, or use the documented setup utility or daemon, if the same policy must follow it to other networks.
Legacy router configuration stops working
Check whether the ISP changed the public source IP registered for the endpoint. Legacy DNS depends on that registration; a dynamic address can invalidate the association. Move to a supported encrypted-DNS or daemon-based method when the router and network allow it.
A site or app is unexpectedly blocked
Inspect the profile’s category, service, and custom-rule settings before changing the entire network policy. Test the request on a temporary profile so you can isolate the rule without disrupting other endpoints.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a personal free plan?
The supplied official pricing information establishes a 14-day business trial, not a permanent free personal tier. Check the current personal and business pages for any plan changes.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Can one profile serve several devices?
Yes. Profiles hold the rules, while endpoints connect devices or networks to a profile. You can attach multiple endpoints to the same policy and create separate profiles when policies need to differ.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Will Control D work with any router?
No. Support depends on the router model, firmware, secure-DNS features, and network conditions. The documented integration list includes several platforms, but it is not a guarantee for every model. Verify the exact firmware instructions first.
Does router setup cover phones that leave the house?
Only while those phones use the configured router. A device-level endpoint or managed software deployment is needed for coverage on cellular or other Wi-Fi networks.
Are DNS logs kept for exactly one year?
No. Control D distinguishes 30 days of raw query data from analytics retained for up to one year, with different detail levels. The current pricing page is the authority for the account terms in force when you subscribe.
Can I avoid installing software?
Often. Manual operating-system, browser, or router DNS configuration is supported in many setups. Software becomes useful for guided installation, roaming devices, or managed deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I configure first: a profile or a device?
Create the profile first, then add an endpoint and apply its resolver settings. This ensures the device is connected to the intended policy from the beginning.
Which router method is safest to assume?
Do not assume one method. Prefer native DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS when the router supports it; otherwise follow the documented ctrld or legacy-DNS path and check the source-IP requirements.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
