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

Have you ever noticed that your internet connection feels slow even though your internet plan promises fast speeds? Or perhaps certain websites take too long to open while others load normally? In some cases, changing your DNS settings can help. If you’re wondering how to change DNS in Windows 11, you can do it in just a few minutes without installing complicated software.

DNS, or Domain Name System, works like the internet’s phone book. When you type a website address such as example.com, DNS helps Windows find the server associated with that domain name. Your internet service provider usually assigns DNS servers automatically, but you can manually switch to another DNS provider.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to change DNS in Windows 11 using several methods, including the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. We’ll also explain which DNS servers you can use, how to test your new configuration, and what to do if changing DNS causes problems.

Quick Summary: Changing DNS in Windows 11

Here are the key points before we begin:

• DNS translates website names into IP addresses.
• Windows 11 normally gets DNS settings automatically from your network.
• You can manually configure DNS servers.
• Popular options include Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, and Quad9.
• The Windows 11 Settings app is the easiest method for most users.
• Changing DNS does not automatically increase your internet bandwidth.
• You can switch back to automatic DNS whenever you want.
• DNS changes affect how your computer looks up internet addresses, not the physical speed of your connection.

What Is DNS and Why Does It Matter?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet’s directory service.

When you enter a website address into your browser, your computer needs to determine which IP address belongs to that domain. DNS performs that lookup.

For example:

www.example.com → DNS lookup → IP address → Website server

Without DNS, you would have to remember numerical IP addresses for websites instead of convenient domain names.

How Does DNS Work?

The process happens behind the scenes in seconds.

When you request a website, your computer typically:

1. Checks whether it already knows the IP address.
2. Sends a DNS query if it needs the information.
3. Contacts a DNS resolver.
4. Receives the appropriate IP address.
5. Connects to the destination server.

Your ISP usually provides the DNS resolver automatically. However, you can choose a different provider.

Why Change DNS in Windows 11?

So, why would you change something that already works automatically?

There are several possible reasons.

Improve DNS Lookup Performance

A different DNS resolver may respond faster from your location. Faster DNS lookups can sometimes make websites begin loading more quickly, particularly when your current resolver is slow or unreliable.

Keep in mind that DNS is only one part of internet performance. Switching DNS won’t magically turn a 20 Mbps connection into a 200 Mbps connection.

Improve Reliability

If your default DNS server frequently fails to resolve domains, changing providers may reduce DNS-related connection problems.

You might notice symptoms such as:

• Websites randomly failing to open
• “DNS server not responding” errors
• Some websites working while others fail
• Long delays before pages begin loading

Use Additional Security Features

Some DNS providers offer security-oriented services that can block known malicious domains or provide additional protections.

However, DNS filtering is not a replacement for antivirus software, browser security, firewalls, or safe browsing habits.

Troubleshoot Internet Problems

Changing DNS can also be a useful troubleshooting step.

If your internet connection works but domain names aren’t resolving correctly, testing another DNS provider can help determine whether the problem is related to DNS.

Popular DNS Servers You Can Use

Before changing your settings, you’ll need the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want to use.

Here are several widely used options:

DNS Provider	Preferred DNS	Alternate DNS	Common Use
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	General-purpose DNS
Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	General-purpose DNS
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	Security-focused DNS
AdGuard DNS	94.140.14.14	94.140.15.15	Filtering-focused DNS

DNS performance varies depending on your location, network, and provider. The closest or most popular resolver isn’t necessarily the fastest for every person.

Before You Change DNS Settings

Changing DNS is generally straightforward, but it’s smart to record your current configuration first.

You may want to note:

• Current DNS server addresses
• Whether DNS is set to automatic
• Whether IPv4 or IPv6 is being configured
• Any custom network settings

If something doesn’t work afterward, you can easily restore the previous configuration.

How to Change DNS in Windows 11 Using Settings

For most users, the Windows 11 Settings app is the easiest way to change DNS.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Press:

Windows + I

This opens the Windows Settings application.

You can also open Start and select Settings.

Step 2: Open Network Settings

In Settings, select:

Network & internet

You’ll see available connection options such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

Step 3: Select Your Active Connection

If you’re connected wirelessly, choose:

Wi-Fi

If you’re using a network cable, select:

Ethernet

The exact options displayed depend on how your computer connects to the network.

Step 4: Open Your Network Properties

For Wi-Fi, select the network you’re connected to or open the relevant Wi-Fi properties.

For Ethernet, select the Ethernet connection.

Look for the section related to DNS server assignment.

Step 5: Edit DNS Server Assignment

Find:

DNS server assignment

Select Edit.

Windows will normally show this as Automatic (DHCP).

Step 6: Change Automatic to Manual

In the editing window, select:

Manual

You’ll then see switches for available IP versions, commonly including IPv4 and IPv6.

For a basic DNS configuration, enable IPv4.

Step 7: Enter Your DNS Addresses

Enter your preferred DNS addresses.

For example, you could use Cloudflare:

Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1

Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1

Or Google:

Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

Make sure you enter the numbers correctly. One incorrect digit can prevent DNS resolution from working.

Step 8: Save the Configuration

Click:

Save

Windows will apply the new DNS configuration.

Your internet connection may briefly reconnect.

Step 9: Test Your Internet Connection

Open your web browser and visit a few different websites.

Try more than one domain instead of testing only a single page.

If everything loads normally, your new DNS configuration is likely working.

How to Change DNS in Windows 11 Through Control Panel

Prefer the classic Windows interface? You can also change DNS through Control Panel.

This method is useful if you’re comfortable with traditional Windows network settings.

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Press Windows + R.

Type:

control

Press Enter.

Step 2: Open Network Connections

Select:

Network and Internet

Then open:

Network and Sharing Center

Select:

Change adapter settings

Step 3: Find Your Network Adapter

You’ll see your available network connections.

Find the adapter you’re currently using.

For example:

• Wi-Fi
• Ethernet

Right-click the active connection and choose:

Properties

Step 4: Open IPv4 Properties

Find:

Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

Select it and click:

Properties

Step 5: Enter Custom DNS Addresses

Select:

Use the following DNS server addresses

Enter your preferred and alternate DNS servers.

For example:

Preferred DNS:

1.1.1.1

Alternate DNS:

1.0.0.1

Step 6: Apply the Changes

Click:

OK

Then close the remaining network windows.

Your new DNS configuration should now be active.

How to Change DNS Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can configure DNS through Command Prompt.

This method is especially useful when troubleshooting or working with multiple network adapters.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Open Start and search for:

Command Prompt

Right-click it and select:

Run as administrator

Step 2: Find Your Network Interface

Run:

netsh interface show interface

This displays your network interfaces.

Look for the interface you’re currently using, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Step 3: Configure the DNS Server

The netsh utility can be used to modify DNS settings.

For example, a command can specify the interface name and DNS server address.

Because interface names can differ between computers, make sure you use the exact name shown by Windows.

Step 4: Verify the Configuration

After applying the change, you can inspect the network configuration with:

ipconfig /all

Look for the DNS Servers entry under your active network adapter.

How to Change DNS Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides another option for advanced Windows users.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

Search for PowerShell from Start.

Select:

Run as administrator

Step 2: Identify Network Interfaces

You can inspect your network adapters and their interface indexes before applying changes.

This is particularly helpful if your computer has multiple adapters, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, or virtual network interfaces.

Step 3: Configure DNS

PowerShell’s networking commands can assign DNS server addresses to a particular network interface.

Because PowerShell commands depend on the interface configuration, double-check the interface name or index before making changes.

For most beginners, however, the Windows Settings method is safer and easier.

How to Change DNS for IPv4 and IPv6

Many users only configure IPv4 DNS because it’s the simplest approach.

But what happens if your network also uses IPv6?

IPv6 has its own DNS configuration.

For example, Cloudflare provides IPv6 DNS addresses such as:

• 2606:4700:4700::1111
• 2606:4700:4700::1001

Google Public DNS also provides IPv6 addresses.

Should You Change IPv6 DNS Too?

Not necessarily.

If your network uses IPv6 extensively, configuring appropriate IPv6 DNS servers can provide more consistent behavior. However, if you’re simply troubleshooting a basic DNS issue, changing IPv4 DNS first is often enough to test whether DNS is the problem.

How Do You Check Your Current DNS Server?

Before and after changing DNS, it’s useful to check what Windows is actually using.

Method 1: Use Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /all

Find your active network adapter.

Look for:

DNS Servers

The addresses displayed there are the DNS resolvers Windows is configured to use.

Method 2: Use Windows Settings

You can also inspect your connection details through:

Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi/Ethernet → Hardware properties

The exact layout can vary between Windows 11 versions.

How Do You Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11?

Windows stores recently resolved DNS information in a local cache.

This normally improves performance because your computer doesn’t need to ask a DNS server for the same information repeatedly.

Sometimes, however, stale DNS information can contribute to connection problems.

Flush the DNS Cache

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see a message indicating that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.

Afterward, try loading the website again.

How Do You Test Whether the New DNS Works?

Changing the setting isn’t the final step. You should verify that Windows is actually using the new resolver.

Test With NSLookup

Open Command Prompt and enter:

nslookup example.com

The result can show which DNS server handled the query.

You can also explicitly test a particular DNS server.

For example:

nslookup example.com 1.1.1.1

This asks the specified DNS server to resolve the domain.

Test Multiple Websites

Don’t test only one domain.

Try several websites because a DNS problem may affect individual domains differently.

You can also test:

• Your normal websites
• A website you’ve never visited
• A service that previously failed
• Several different domain extensions

What Should You Do If the Internet Stops Working?

Don’t panic. DNS settings are reversible.

If your connection stops working immediately after changing DNS, return to:

Settings → Network & internet → Your connection → DNS server assignment

Set DNS back to:

Automatic (DHCP)

Then save the changes.

You can also restart your computer or network connection.

Check for Typing Errors

A surprisingly common problem is entering the wrong address.

For example:

1.1.1.1

is valid, but a mistyped version may not be.

Carefully check every number.

Temporarily Disable Custom DNS

If you’re using a VPN, security application, parental-control service, or other networking software, it may manage DNS separately.

In that situation, changing Windows DNS settings may not produce the expected result.

Does Changing DNS Make Internet Faster?

This is one of the most common questions.

The answer is: sometimes, but not in the way many people expect.

DNS affects domain-name resolution. It doesn’t increase the bandwidth supplied by your ISP.

Imagine ordering a taxi.

DNS is similar to finding the taxi company’s phone number. A faster directory may help you start the process sooner, but it doesn’t necessarily make the taxi itself travel faster.

A different DNS server may improve:

• Initial domain lookup time
• DNS reliability
• Access to certain DNS-based services

But it generally won’t increase your underlying download or upload bandwidth.

Can Changing DNS Improve Gaming?

It can sometimes affect the time required for DNS lookups when connecting to online services, but DNS changes don’t automatically reduce in-game ping.

Once a game has connected to its server, network latency depends on factors such as:

• Physical distance
• Internet routing
• ISP network conditions
• Server location
• Server load
• Wi-Fi quality
• Network congestion

If you’re trying to reduce gaming latency, changing DNS alone isn’t a guaranteed solution.

Is It Safe to Change DNS in Windows 11?

Changing DNS is generally a normal network configuration change.

However, remember that your DNS provider can potentially observe DNS queries, depending on the DNS protocol, network setup, and provider policies.

When choosing a DNS provider, consider:

• Privacy policies
• Security features
• Reliability
• Geographic performance
• Whether filtering is enabled
• Whether the service supports encrypted DNS

What Is Encrypted DNS?

Modern systems and browsers can support encrypted DNS technologies such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH).

Encryption can help prevent ordinary DNS queries from being transmitted in plain text between your device and the resolver.

However, encrypted DNS does not make you completely anonymous online.

DNS Over HTTPS in Windows 11

Windows 11 supports encrypted DNS configuration on compatible systems and connections.

When available, you may see an option related to DNS over HTTPS while configuring DNS manually.

You can select an appropriate encryption option if your chosen DNS provider supports it.

This can provide an additional privacy layer for DNS traffic.

Automatic DNS vs. Manual DNS: Which Should You Use?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Automatic DNS	Manual DNS
Easy to configure	Yes	Requires setup
Managed by network	Yes	No
Easy to troubleshoot	Yes	Yes, if documented
Custom provider	No	Yes
Control over resolver	Limited	High
Good for beginners	Yes	Yes, with a guide

If your internet works perfectly, there’s no requirement to change DNS.

Manual DNS is most useful when you have a specific reason to use another resolver.

Common DNS Problems and Their Solutions

“DNS Server Isn’t Responding”

Try:

1. Restarting your router.
2. Restarting Windows.
3. Flushing the DNS cache.
4. Switching temporarily to another DNS provider.
5. Checking whether other devices have the same problem.

Websites Won’t Open After Changing DNS

First, check the DNS addresses you entered.

Then set DNS back to Automatic (DHCP) to determine whether the custom configuration caused the problem.

Only One Website Isn’t Working

If other websites work normally, the problem may not be your DNS configuration.

The website itself, its server, routing, browser cache, or domain configuration could be responsible.

VPN Is Ignoring Your DNS Settings

VPN applications often control DNS while the VPN connection is active.

Check your VPN’s network or DNS settings if Windows appears to use a different resolver than the one you configured.

Tips for Choosing a DNS Provider

Don’t choose a DNS provider simply because someone claims it’s “the fastest.”

Your results can vary by location.

When choosing a provider, consider:

• Response speed from your location
• Reliability
• Privacy practices
• Malware protection
• Content filtering
• IPv6 support
• DNS over HTTPS support
• Whether you need family or security filtering

For a general-purpose test, Cloudflare or Google Public DNS are commonly used choices. Security-focused users may also consider services such as Quad9.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change DNS in Windows 11?

Open Settings → Network & internet, select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, find DNS server assignment, choose Edit, switch from Automatic to Manual, enter your DNS addresses, and save.

2. What is the fastest DNS server for Windows 11?

There is no universally fastest DNS server. Performance depends on your ISP, location, routing, and network conditions. Test several reputable providers to determine which responds best for you.

3. Will changing DNS improve my internet speed?

It may improve DNS lookup responsiveness, but it does not increase your internet plan’s bandwidth. A faster DNS resolver can make some websites begin loading more quickly without increasing your actual download speed.

4. Can I switch back to my original DNS settings?

Yes. Open your DNS settings and change the configuration back to Automatic (DHCP). Windows will normally obtain DNS settings from your network automatically.

5. Is changing DNS safe?

Changing DNS is generally safe when you use a reputable provider and enter the correct addresses. Before making changes, record your original configuration so you can easily restore it.

Final Thoughts: Should You Change DNS in Windows 11?

Now you know how to change DNS in Windows 11 using the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

For most people, the Settings app is the simplest approach:

Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi/Ethernet → DNS server assignment → Edit → Manual

From there, enter the DNS addresses provided by your chosen resolver and save the configuration.

Remember that DNS isn’t a magic internet-speed button. It primarily determines how your computer translates domain names into IP addresses. A reliable DNS resolver can potentially improve lookup performance and reliability, while security-focused providers may offer additional filtering features.

If you’re troubleshooting DNS problems, start with the simplest approach. Record your existing settings, try a reputable DNS provider, flush your DNS cache if necessary, and test several websites afterward.

And if the change doesn’t help? Simply return DNS to Automatic (DHCP). There’s no need to make the process more complicated than it needs to be.