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

Changing the DNS (Domain Name System) server on your Windows 11 device can improve your internet speed, security, and privacy. Whether you want to use a faster DNS server, like Google’s DNS, or a privacy-focused one, like Cloudflare, it’s a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. This guide will show you how to change the DNS server in Windows 11 to optimize your browsing experience.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

Before diving into the steps, you might be wondering why you should change your DNS server. Here are a few reasons:

1. Improved Speed: Switching to a faster DNS can reduce the time it takes to load websites.
2. Better Security: Some DNS services, like Cloudflare or OpenDNS, offer enhanced security features such as phishing protection and malware blocking.
3. Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Certain DNS servers can help you access content restricted in your region.
4. Privacy: Some DNS providers, like Cloudflare, claim to log minimal or no personal data, ensuring better privacy than your default ISP.

Now that you know why you might want to change your DNS, let’s look at how to do it.

Step 1: Open Network & Internet Settings

1. Click on the Start Menu: Press the Windows key or click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Go to Settings: Type “Settings” into the search bar and select the Settings app from the results.
3. Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet from the sidebar.

Step 2: Access Your Network Adapter Settings

1. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Under the Status tab, you’ll see your current network connection. Click on Wi-Fi (for wireless connections) or Ethernet (for wired connections) based on how you’re connected to the internet.
2. Open the Properties: Under your chosen connection, click on Properties to access the network details.

Step 3: Change the DNS Server Settings

1. Scroll to IPv4 or IPv6 Settings: In the properties section, scroll down until you see the IP settings section. Click on Edit under the “IP assignment” heading.
2. Choose Manual Settings: A window will pop up asking you to choose between Automatic (DHCP) and Manual. Select Manual.
3. Enable IPv4 or IPv6:
   • For IPv4 (the most commonly used), toggle the IPv4 option to On.
   • For IPv6 (if needed), toggle the IPv6 option to On.
4. Enter DNS Server Addresses:
   • For IPv4: In the Preferred DNS field, enter your desired DNS server address. For example:
     • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Preferred) and 8.8.4.4 (Alternate)
     • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Preferred) and 1.0.0.1 (Alternate)
     • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (Preferred) and 208.67.220.220 (Alternate)
   • For IPv6 (if you’re configuring IPv6):
     • Google DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888 (Preferred) and 2001:4860:4860::8844 (Alternate)
     • Cloudflare DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111 (Preferred) and 2606:4700:4700::1001 (Alternate)
5. Save the Changes: Once you’ve entered the new DNS server addresses, click Save.

Step 4: Test Your New DNS Server

After changing the DNS settings, it’s a good idea to test if the new server is working properly.

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows key, type “cmd”, and open Command Prompt.
2. Ping a Website: Type ping google.com (or any website) and hit Enter. If the ping is successful, it means your new DNS settings are working.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues after changing your DNS server, here are some troubleshooting steps:

1. Check DNS Server Addresses: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct DNS server addresses. A small error can cause issues.
2. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a restart is needed for the changes to take effect properly.
3. Revert to Default DNS: If your internet is not working after the change, you can always go back to the automatic DNS settings by selecting Automatic (DHCP) instead of Manual in Step 3.

Conclusion

Changing the DNS server in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to improve your internet speed, enhance security, and protect your privacy. By following this easy guide, you can quickly set up your preferred DNS server and enjoy a better browsing experience. Whether you choose Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS, the process is straightforward and can make a noticeable difference in your online activities.