How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Wondering how to change DNS server in Windows 11? You can select a different DNS provider for your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection through Windows Settings, without installing extra software. This guide explains the steps, DNS over HTTPS (DoH), how to test your new settings, and how to revert if something stops working.

What does changing DNS do?

DNS converts domain names into IP addresses. Choosing a reliable DNS resolver may affect lookup performance, privacy and filtering options, but it does not guarantee faster internet speeds. Your ISP or organization may require specific DNS settings for internal websites and services.

How to change DNS server in Windows 11: Step 1

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Choose your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. For Wi-Fi, open the connected network’s properties.
4. Find DNS server assignment and select Edit.

Step 2: Enter preferred and alternate DNS servers

1. In the Edit DNS settings dialog, select Manual.
2. Enable IPv4 if you are setting IPv4 DNS servers.
3. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.
4. Choose DNS encryption settings if available and supported by your provider.
5. Click Save.

Popular public DNS providers

Choose your DNS provider based on your security, privacy, network compatibility and service requirements. These are third-party services with their own policies. A public resolver does not automatically make all browsing private: websites, your network provider, and other services can still receive information about your connections. Consider each provider’s filtering, data-retention and encryption options before choosing.

Step 3: Consider DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

Windows 11 supports encrypted DNS queries through DNS over HTTPS with compatible providers. If available in your configuration, choose the appropriate encrypted option, such as On (automatic template). If a provider is not supported, do not assume its DNS traffic is encrypted. Microsoft documents these options.

Step 4: Confirm the DNS server is working

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /all
nslookup example.com

ipconfig /all shows the DNS server configuration for each network adapter; nslookup helps test DNS resolution. If a website still uses a previous cached result, you can clear the Windows resolver cache:

ipconfig /flushdns

Flushing DNS clears cached name-resolution records; it does not change your configured DNS provider. If the test shows an unexpected DNS server, first confirm that you edited the correct active network adapter. Browsers with their own secure DNS settings, VPN clients and security software may use a different resolver than Windows. Disable or adjust these overrides only if permitted by your network administrator. When learning how to change DNS server in Windows 11, checking the active connection is just as important as entering the addresses correctly.

How to return to automatic DNS settings

1. Return to Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi/Ethernet → DNS server assignment → Edit.
2. Choose Automatic (DHCP).
3. Save your changes and reconnect if needed.

This usually restores DNS assignments provided by your router or network administrator.

Troubleshooting DNS problems on Windows 11

Websites stop loading

Confirm the entered addresses, try the alternate resolver and make sure internet connectivity is working. Return to automatic DNS if you cannot access necessary sites.

Work or school sites are unavailable

Corporate VPNs and private networks may require internal DNS. Use your organization’s recommended settings rather than overriding them.

DNS over HTTPS does not activate

Check whether Windows supports the chosen provider and template. Some networks filter or intercept DNS traffic.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to change DNS in Windows 11?

Generally yes when using a trusted provider. However, it can interfere with private network resolution, filtering or parental controls.

Does changing DNS make downloads faster?

Not necessarily. DNS influences name lookups, not your internet connection’s bandwidth.

Do I need to restart Windows?

Usually not; DNS changes generally take effect after saving. Some applications may cache previous lookups.

More Windows 11 guides

For further help with Windows 11, see our Windows activation overview and Windows 11 Home vs Pro comparison. Confirm the license terms before purchasing software.

Official source

Microsoft Support: Essential network settings and tasks in Windows.