Adjust DNS Settings on Windows 11: A Complete Guide

To adjust DNS settings on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), click “Edit” next to DNS server assignment, and choose Manual. Then enter your preferred DNS addresses, such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8, and click Save. This guide explains the full process, why you might want to change DNS, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-friendly domain names like example.com into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) typically assigns a default DNS server, but it may be slow, unreliable, or lacking in security features. Switching to a public DNS provider can improve browsing speed, increase privacy, and help bypass certain content restrictions. Common alternatives include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9).

How to Change DNS in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Windows 11 offers two main ways to change DNS settings: through the Settings app (easiest for most users) or via the classic Control Panel (for more advanced options). Below are the steps for both methods.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (or press Win + I).
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
4. Click on your connected network name (e.g., “MyHomeWiFi”).
5. Scroll down and find DNS server assignment. Click the Edit button.
6. Change the setting from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
7. Toggle on IPv4 (and optionally IPv6 if you have IPv6 addresses).
8. Enter the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS addresses. For example, for Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
9. Click Save.

Method 2: Using Control Panel (Advanced)

1. Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click Change adapter settings on the left.
4. Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
7. Enter your preferred and alternate DNS addresses.
8. Click OK and close all windows.

Choosing the Right DNS Server

Not all DNS servers are equal. Here are some factors to consider when picking one:

• Speed: Use a DNS benchmarking tool (like DNS Benchmark) to compare response times in your region.
• Privacy: Some providers log your queries; others (like Cloudflare) promise not to sell data.
• Security: Look for DNS servers that block malicious domains (e.g., Quad9).
• Reliability: Choose a provider with a strong uptime record.
• Features: Some offer content filtering or parental controls.

Popular public DNS servers include:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (fast, privacy-focused)
• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (reliable, widely used)
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (blocks malicious domains)
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 (offers filtering options)

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

After changing DNS settings, you might encounter issues. Here are some common ones:

• No internet connection: Double-check that you entered the IP addresses correctly. A typo can break connectivity.
• DNS not resolving: Try flushing the DNS cache by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing ipconfig /flushdns.
• Settings not saving: Ensure you have administrator privileges. If the Save button is grayed out, close Settings and reopen it.
• IPv6 issues: If you entered IPv6 addresses but your network doesn’t support IPv6, it can cause problems. Disable IPv6 DNS settings if you’re unsure.

How to Reset DNS Settings to Default

If you want to revert to the automatic DNS assigned by your ISP, follow the same steps but choose Automatic (DHCP) in the DNS assignment dropdown. Alternatively, in the Control Panel, select Obtain DNS server address automatically. This will restore the default behavior.

DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) in Windows 11

Windows 11 supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH), which encrypts your DNS queries, preventing eavesdropping and tampering. To enable DoH for a specific DNS server:

1. Follow the steps to change DNS manually (Settings method).
2. After entering the DNS addresses, click the DNS over HTTPS dropdown and select On (automatic template) or On (manual template).
3. If you choose manual, enter the DoH template URL provided by your DNS provider. For example, Cloudflare’s is https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query.
4. Click Save.

Note that DoH only works if your chosen DNS provider supports it. Most major providers do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS speed up my internet?

It can, but not always. If your ISP’s DNS is slow or overloaded, a faster public DNS might reduce the time it takes to load websites. However, if your internet connection itself is slow, changing DNS won’t help.

Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

Yes, using reputable public DNS servers like Cloudflare or Google is generally safe. They have strong privacy policies and security measures. However, be cautious about unknown third-party DNS servers that might log your data.

Can I set different DNS for IPv4 and IPv6?

Yes, Windows 11 allows you to configure separate DNS addresses for IPv4 and IPv6. If your network uses IPv6, you can enter IPv6 DNS addresses (e.g., 2606:4700:4700::1111 for Cloudflare). If you don’t need IPv6, you can leave it disabled.

Why is my DNS change not taking effect?

Changes should apply immediately, but sometimes you need to restart your network adapter or computer. Also, ensure you edited the correct network adapter (Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet). If you’re using a VPN, it may override your DNS settings.

How do I flush DNS cache in Windows 11?

Open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. You should see a confirmation message. This clears the local DNS cache, which can help resolve stale records.

Does changing DNS affect my privacy?

It depends on the DNS provider. Some providers log your queries, while others (like Cloudflare) have strict no-logging policies. Using DoH adds encryption, which prevents your ISP from seeing your DNS requests, enhancing privacy.

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