The topology of distribution networks can be instantly modified to handle faults, but the operation ranges of the protection devices will be affected. In this paper, an adaptive protection method for distribution networks based on the dynamic topology is proposed to realize the optimal configuration of protection devices under different topologies. A dynamic topology tracking technology of node switch is built based on the traditional adaptive protection method. According to the system structure changes, this technology also amends the topology adaptively. During this step, the topology matrix is modified, and the system protection parameters are updated adaptively. Finally, the proposed method is compared with the traditional method in a test case. The results show that the proposed method improves the setting range of adaptive protection and the protection performance.