How To Change DNS Windows 11

When it comes to optimizing your browsing experience on Windows 11, changing your DNS settings can make a significant difference. Did you know that by changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings, you can improve your internet speed, enhance security, and even gain access to geo-restricted content? It's a simple yet powerful technique that can elevate your online experience to a whole new level.

Changing the DNS settings on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. By altering the DNS server your device uses to translate domain names into IP addresses, you can enjoy faster browsing, increased privacy, and the ability to bypass censorship. Whether you want to switch to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, or if you prefer using a custom DNS server, Windows 11 provides you with the flexibility to customize your internet connection to meet your specific needs.

Understanding DNS and Its Importance in Windows 11

Domain Name System (DNS) is a crucial component of the internet that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, allowing computers to communicate with each other. In the context of Windows 11, understanding how to change DNS settings can be beneficial for various reasons such as improving network performance, accessing blocked websites, or even enhancing security and privacy. By altering the DNS server in Windows 11, you can optimize your internet experience and make it more tailored to your needs.

Why Change DNS Settings in Windows 11?

Windows 11 comes with default DNS settings provided by your internet service provider (ISP). However, there are numerous reasons why you may want to change these settings:

• Your ISP's DNS servers may be slow or unreliable, causing delays in website loading times.
• You may want to access websites or content that is restricted or blocked by your ISP.
• By using alternative DNS servers, you can potentially improve your internet speed and overall network performance.
• Changing DNS settings can provide an additional layer of security and privacy by utilizing servers that offer filtering, malicious website blocking, or encrypted DNS.

In the following sections, we will explore how to change DNS settings in Windows 11 and discuss different methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Changing DNS Settings through Control Panel

The Control Panel in Windows 11 provides a straightforward way to modify DNS settings. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type "control" and press Enter to open the Control Panel.

Step 3: In the Control Panel, click on "Network and Internet."

Step 4: Click on "Network and Sharing Center."

Step 5: On the left-hand side, click on "Change adapter settings."

Step 6: Right-click on your active network connection and select "Properties."

Step 7: Double-click on "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)." If you use IPv6, you can also modify the IPv6 protocol.

Step 8: In the properties window, click on "Use the following DNS server addresses."

Step 9: Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses provided by your chosen DNS service or recommended by experts.

Step 10: Click "OK" to save the changes.

By following these steps, you have successfully changed DNS settings through the Control Panel in Windows 11.

Method 2: Changing DNS Settings through Settings App

Windows 11 also offers the option to change DNS settings through the Settings app. Here's how:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Click on "Network & Internet."

Step 3: In the left sidebar, select "Advanced network settings."

Step 4: Click on your active network connection.

Step 5: Scroll down to the "DNS settings" section and click on "Edit."

Step 6: Toggle the switch under "Manual DNS server addresses."

Step 7: Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.

Step 8: Click "Save" to apply the changes.

You have now successfully changed DNS settings through the Settings app in Windows 11.

Method 3: Changing DNS Settings through Command Prompt

If you prefer using command-line tools, Windows 11 allows you to change DNS settings using Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" to open Command Prompt.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt, type the following command:

netsh

This command launches the Windows command-line scripting utility.

Step 3: Type the following command to set the DNS server addresses:

interface ipv4 set dns "Your Network Interface Name" static <Preferred DNS Server> primary
interface ipv6 set dns "Your Network Interface Name" static <Preferred DNS Server> primary

Replace "Your Network Interface Name" with the appropriate name for your network adapter and "<Preferred DNS Server>" with the desired DNS server address.

Step 4: Press Enter to apply the changes.

By following these steps, you have successfully changed DNS settings through Command Prompt in Windows 11.

Method 4: Using Third-Party DNS Management Tools

Alternatively, you can use third-party DNS management tools to change DNS settings in Windows 11. These tools often provide a user-friendly interface, detailed statistics, and additional features for managing your DNS configurations. Some popular DNS management tools include DNS Jumper, DNS Benchmark, and Simple DNSCrypt. These tools offer a simple and efficient way to modify DNS settings without delving into complex system settings.

Ensure to research and choose a reliable and reputable third-party DNS management tool that suits your needs.

Conclusion

Changing DNS settings in Windows 11 is a valuable skill that allows you to optimize network performance, enhance security and privacy, and access blocked content. By following the methods mentioned above, you can easily change DNS settings through the Control Panel, Settings app, Command Prompt, or by using third-party DNS management tools. Remember to choose reliable DNS servers and select a method that aligns with your technical proficiency and preferences. Take control of your internet experience by unlocking the potential of DNS customization in Windows 11.

Changing DNS Settings in Windows 11

If you want to change the DNS settings on your Windows 11 computer, follow these simple steps:

Method 1: Using the Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.

2. Click on "Network and Internet" and then select "Network and Sharing Center."

3. Click on "Change adapter settings" on the left side of the window.

4. Right-click on your active network connection and select "Properties."

5. In the Properties window, scroll down and double-click on "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)."

6. In the next window, select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.

7. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Method 2: Using the Settings App

1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.

2. Click on "Network & internet" and then select "Status."

3. Scroll down and click on "Advanced network settings."

4. Under the "Change your network settings" section, click on "Network and Sharing Center."

5. Follow steps 3-7 from Method 1 to change the DNS settings.

By following these steps, you can easily change the DNS settings on your Windows 11 computer. This can help improve your internet connection and resolve any network issues you may be experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about changing DNS settings in Windows 11.

1. How do I access the network settings in Windows 11?

To access the network settings in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Start" button at the bottom left corner of the screen.

2. Click on the "Settings" icon, which looks like a gear.

3. In the Settings window, click on "Network & internet" in the left-hand menu.

4. Here, you will find various network settings, including the option to change your DNS settings.

2. How can I change my DNS settings in Windows 11?

To change your DNS settings in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the network settings as described in the previous question.

2. In the Network & internet settings, click on "Advanced network settings" at the bottom of the page.

3. Under the "Advanced network settings" section, click on "Network and Sharing Center."

4. In the Network and Sharing Center, click on "Change adapter settings" in the left-hand menu.

5. Right-click on the network connection you want to configure (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select "Properties."

6. In the properties window, scroll down and click on "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and then click the "Properties" button.

7. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select the option "Use the following DNS server addresses."

8. Enter the desired DNS server addresses in the "Preferred DNS server" and "Alternate DNS server" fields.

9. Click "OK" to save the changes.

3. How do I find the best DNS server for Windows 11?

To find the best DNS server for Windows 11, you can use tools like:

1. Namebench: This is a free and open-source DNS benchmarking tool that helps you find the fastest DNS server available for your location.

2. DNS Benchmark: Another popular DNS benchmarking tool that provides an in-depth analysis of various DNS servers and their performance.

These tools will test different DNS servers and recommend the one with the fastest response time and reliability.

4. Can I use custom DNS servers in Windows 11?

Yes, you can use custom DNS servers in Windows 11. When changing your DNS settings, instead of selecting automatic DNS, you can manually enter the DNS server addresses provided by your preferred DNS service.

This is useful if you want to use specific DNS servers for privacy, security, or performance reasons.

5. Do I need to restart my computer after changing DNS settings in Windows 11?

No, you do not need to restart your computer after changing DNS settings in Windows 11. The changes will take effect immediately, and you can start using the new DNS servers without any reboot.

However, if you are experiencing any issues with your network connectivity after changing the DNS settings, you may try restarting your computer to ensure all changes are applied correctly.

In summary, changing the DNS settings in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can help improve your internet connection and enhance your online experience. By accessing the Network Connections settings, you can easily modify the DNS server addresses to ones that are more reliable or meet your specific needs.

Remember to note down your current DNS settings before making any changes, as you may need to revert back to them if necessary. It's also important to choose DNS servers that are trustworthy and provide fast and secure connections. With these steps, you can take control of your DNS settings and optimize your browsing experience on Windows 11.