Should you find the default DNS server offered by your ISP to be sluggish, insecure, or untrustworthy, you are not obligated to continue using it. Below are the steps to modify the DNS server settings on a Windows 11 computer.
How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling web pages to be loaded on browsers. Typically, when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) sets up your internet connection, it also configures the default DNS settings.
However, many ISPs do not prioritize the security or privacy of your DNS, leaving you vulnerable to various security issues. Fortunately, there are several reliable third-party options such as Google, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS that offer improved internet speeds and enhanced protection.
Below are the primary and alternate DNS numbers provided by Cloudflare, Google, and OpenDNS for setting up your new DNS server:
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
While there are several ways to change the DNS server in Windows 11, the easiest one is through the Settings app. Here's what you need to do:
- Press Win + i to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Click the network adapter available in the Network Adapters section. For example, if you're connected via Ethernet, select that option. Likewise, choose Wi-Fi if you're using a wireless internet connection.
- Select the View Additional Properties option.
- Click the Edit button next to the DNS server assignment.
- Under Edit DNS Settings, use the drop-down menu to select Manual and enable the IPv4 or IPv6 toggle.
- Enter the DNS server number in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS fields.
- Click Save.
- In the aforementioned guide, we have utilized Google's DNS; however, you have the freedom to select any DNS server of your preference. Once you make your choice, the DNS server settings on Windows 11 will be automatically updated. To confirm the modification, simply access the Wi-Fi or Ethernet properties to determine the DNS server being used by Windows 11.
By changing your DNS server, you can generally expect improved internet speeds and enhanced security. Additionally, you can utilize DNS speed test tools such as NameBench and the GRC DNS Benchmark to identify the fastest DNS server and optimize your internet speed.
