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

When your internet feels slow, unreliable, or blocked, the issue often comes down to DNS (Domain Name System) settings. DNS acts like the phonebook of the internet, translating website names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers understand.

Knowing how to check DNS settings in Windows 11 helps you troubleshoot connectivity problems, optimize browsing speed, or switch to a faster DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

This guide will walk you step by step through different methods to check DNS settings on your Windows 11 PC.

---

Key Takeaways

• DNS settings determine how your PC connects to websites.

• You can check DNS in Windows 11 using:

  • Network & Internet Settings

  • Control Panel (Legacy method)

  • Command Prompt (CMD)

  • PowerShell

• Switching to a faster DNS can improve speed, security, and reliability.

---

Why Check DNS Settings in Windows 11?

Here are some common reasons you might want to check your DNS:

• ✅ Troubleshooting Internet issues (e.g., websites not loading)

• ✅ Verifying if you’re using your ISP’s DNS or a custom one

• ✅ Ensuring privacy and security (some DNS providers block ads or malware)

• ✅ Improving browsing speed by using faster public DNS servers

---

Method 1: Check DNS via Windows 11 Network Settings

This is the easiest way using the Settings app.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Network & Internet.

3. Select your active network connection:

   • Click Wi-Fi (if connected wirelessly).

   • Click Ethernet (if on a wired connection).

4. Scroll down and click Hardware properties.

5. Under DNS servers, you’ll see the configured DNS addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).

👉 If it says Automatic (DHCP), your ISP is assigning DNS automatically.

---

Method 2: Check DNS via Control Panel

Windows 11 still supports the old Control Panel for advanced settings.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → choose Properties.

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → click Properties.

4. Look under Use the following DNS server addresses:

   • If blank, your DNS is automatically assigned by the ISP.

   • If filled, you’ll see custom DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8).

---

Method 3: Check DNS Using Command Prompt (CMD)

CMD gives a quick way to view your DNS configuration.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

2. Type the command:

   ipconfig /all


3. Press Enter.

4. Look for your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

5. Find the line labeled DNS Servers → your current DNS servers will be listed.

---

Method 4: Check DNS via PowerShell

For advanced users, PowerShell provides a clean way to see DNS info.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type PowerShell, and run it as Administrator.

2. Type:

   Get-DnsClientServerAddress


3. Press Enter.

4. You’ll see a list of Network Adapters and their assigned DNS servers.

---

Method 5: Check DNS via Router Settings (Optional)

Sometimes DNS is managed directly on your Wi-Fi router, not Windows.

Steps:

1. Open a browser and enter your router’s IP (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

2. Log in with your router’s credentials.

3. Navigate to Network / Internet Settings.

4. Look for DNS Server Settings — here you’ll see the DNS applied to all devices on your network.

---

Popular Public DNS Servers

If you’re checking DNS because your internet feels slow, try switching to these:

---

Troubleshooting: DNS Issues in Windows 11

If websites still won’t load or your internet feels slow:

• ✅ Restart your router and PC.

• ✅ Flush DNS cache:

  • Open CMD (Admin) → type:

    ipconfig /flushdns


• ✅ Change DNS manually (e.g., switch to Google DNS).

• ✅ Reset network settings:

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.

---

Conclusion

Checking DNS settings in Windows 11 is simple, whether through Settings, Control Panel, CMD, or PowerShell. By knowing which DNS you’re using, you can troubleshoot issues, boost speed, and improve online privacy.

If you notice slow browsing, consider switching to a public DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare for faster performance.

---

FAQs

1. How do I know if I’m using Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS?

Check your DNS servers in Settings or CMD. If you see 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), then you’re using them.

2. What is the default DNS in Windows 11?

By default, Windows uses the DNS server assigned by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) unless you configure a custom one.

3. Can DNS affect internet speed?

Yes, a faster DNS server can reduce lookup times, making websites load quicker.

4. Is it safe to change DNS settings?

Yes, it’s safe. Many users switch to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS for improved speed and security.

5. How do I reset DNS to default in Windows 11?

Go to Control Panel > Network Adapter Properties > IPv4 > Properties, and select Obtain DNS server address automatically.