Welcome to this informative article on how to change your DNS on Windows 11. If you are unfamiliar with DNS, it stands for Domain Name System, and it is essential for accessing websites on the internet. By default, your computer will automatically use the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider, but you may want to change them for various reasons. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change your DNS on Windows 11. So let’s get started with the H2 section on “Step-by-Step Guide.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Network Settings
To change your DNS on Windows 11, you must first open the network settings. Click on the network icon in the taskbar, then select “Network & Internet settings.”
Step 2: Select Your Network
Once network settings are open, select the network you are currently connected to. For example, if you are using a Wi-Fi connection, click on the Wi-Fi option in the left menu.
Step 3: Click on Properties
Once you have selected your network, scroll down and click on the “Properties” option.
Step 4: Click on Edit IP Settings
Next, scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Edit IP settings” button.
Step 5: Select Manual
Under IP settings, select “Manual” instead of “Automatic.”
Step 6: Enter DNS Addresses
Enter the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers in the “Preferred DNS” and “Alternate DNS” fields. You can use Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
Step 7: Save Changes
Click on the “Save” button to apply the changes you have made.
Step 8: Restart Your Network Connection
You may need to restart your network connection to ensure that the changes are applied. To do this, turn off your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, then turn it back on again.
Step 9: Test the New DNS
After restarting your network connection, you should test your new DNS settings to ensure that they are working correctly. You can do this by visiting a website using your web browser.
Step 10: Check Your DNS
To confirm that the DNS servers you entered are the ones being used, you can open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /all” to see your network settings. Look for the DNS servers, and they should match the ones you entered.
Step 11: Revert Changes (optional)
If you want to revert to your default DNS settings, you can repeat the same steps and select “Automatic” instead of “Manual.” Alternatively, you can also remove the DNS addresses you entered.
Step 12: Repeat for Additional Networks
If you have multiple networks you want to change the DNS for, repeat the above steps for each one.
Explanation & Additional Information
Changing your DNS can have several benefits, such as faster internet speeds, better security, and access to blocked websites. By using a third-party DNS server, you can bypass your ISP’s restrictions and access content that may be restricted in your area.
Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are two of the most popular third-party DNS servers. Both are free to use, reliable, and secure. However, you can also use other DNS servers depending on your preference and location.
If you are unsure about changing your DNS settings, you can always consult with your ISP or a professional technician for further assistance.
Tips & Tricks
1. Use Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS
Both of these DNS servers are free, fast, and secure. They are also easy to set up, and you can find plenty of online resources to help you.
2. Set Up a Custom DNS Server
You can also set up your DNS server, which can give you more control over your internet connection. However, this requires more technical knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners.
3. Use a DNS Switching Tool
If you frequently switch between different DNS servers, you can use a DNS switching tool to make the process faster and more convenient.
4. Test Your DNS Speed
You can test your DNS speed using online tools like DNS Benchmark and Namebench to find the fastest DNS server for your location.
5. Clear Your DNS Cache
Occasionally, your DNS cache can become outdated, causing slow internet speeds. Clearing your DNS cache can help resolve this issue.
6. Disable IPv6
If you are experiencing connection issues, disabling IPv6 can help resolve the problem. You can do this by going to network settings and unchecking “Internet Protocol Version 6.”
7. Use DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS
Both of these protocols can help secure your DNS queries and prevent eavesdropping.
8. Use a VPN
Using a VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy online. It can also help you bypass censorship and access blocked websites.
9. Keep Your DNS Up to Date
Regularly updating your DNS servers can ensure that you are using the latest and most secure ones available.
10. Beware of DNS Spoofing
DNS Spoofing is a type of cyber attack that can redirect your web traffic to malicious websites. To prevent this, make sure to use a trusted and secure DNS server.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing DNS in Windows 11
Advantages
Changing DNS settings in Windows 11 can have several benefits, including:
| 1. | Accessing websites faster: By using a more efficient DNS server, you may be able to access websites more quickly. |
| 2. | Improved security: Some DNS servers may offer extra security features such as blocking malware and phishing sites. |
| 3. | Bypassing censorship: If your ISP or government blocks certain websites, you can use a DNS server that doesn’t censor content. |
| 4. | Customizing your internet experience: With the ability to choose your DNS server, you can tailor your browsing experience to your preferences. |
| 5. | Fixing connectivity issues: Changing DNS settings can help resolve issues with internet connectivity and access to certain websites. |
| 6. | Reducing latency: A DNS server that’s closer to your location can reduce the amount of time it takes to connect to websites. |
| 7. | Increasing privacy: Some DNS servers offer features that help protect your privacy and prevent tracking. |
| 8. | Improving streaming quality: A good DNS server can help improve streaming quality by reducing buffering time. |
| 9. | Free to use: You don’t need to pay anything to use a DNS server, and there are many options available online. |
| 10. | Easy to change: Changing DNS settings in Windows 11 is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. |
Disadvantages
While changing DNS settings can be beneficial, it can also have some drawbacks, such as:
| 1. | Accessible to DNS servers: When you use a third-party DNS server, they can access your browsing data and potentially use it for advertising purposes or sell it to third parties. |
| 2. | Not always faster: In some cases, a DNS server may not be faster than your ISP’s default server, and may even slow down your internet speed. |
| 3. | May not be compatible: Some websites may not work properly with certain DNS servers, particularly if they use geolocation or other website-identification technologies. |
| 4. | Difficult to troubleshoot: If you have issues with your internet connection after changing DNS settings, it can be challenging to know what the problem is. |
| 5. | Security risks: If you choose an unreliable DNS server, you may open yourself up to security risks like DNS hijacking. |
| 6. | May require manual updates: Some DNS servers may require manual updates, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. |
| 7. | May not be as customizable: Your ISP’s default DNS server may offer more customize features than third-party servers. |
| 8. | May not work with all devices: Changing DNS settings on your computer may not affect devices like smartphones or gaming consoles that connect to the internet separately. |
| 9. | May not be legal: In some countries, using a DNS server that bypasses censorship may be illegal. |
| 10. | May not solve all problems: Changing DNS settings can help with certain internet connectivity issues, but it may not be a solution for all problems. |
FAQ
1. What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is an internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses.
2. Why would I need to change my DNS settings?
You might need to change your DNS settings to improve your internet speed, access blocked websites, or increase your online privacy.
3. How do I access my DNS settings in Windows 11?
You can access your DNS settings in Windows 11 by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) > Properties > IPV4 (or IPV6) > Properties > Use the following DNS server addresses.
4. What should I enter for the DNS server addresses?
You can enter the DNS server addresses provided by your internet service provider (ISP) or use third-party DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
5. What are the benefits of using third-party DNS servers?
Third-party DNS servers can provide faster internet speed, more reliable web browsing, and better online security and privacy.
6. How do I find out if my new DNS settings are working?
You can check if your new DNS settings are working by visiting websites like https://dnsleaktest.com or https://ipleak.net.
7. Will changing my DNS settings affect my internet speed?
Yes, changing your DNS settings can affect your internet speed. However, using a faster and more reliable DNS server can improve your internet speed.
8. Can I revert back to my old DNS settings?
Yes, you can revert back to your old DNS settings by following the same steps and selecting the option to obtain DNS server address automatically.
9. Can I change my DNS settings on my mobile devices?
Yes, you can change your DNS settings on your mobile devices by going to the Wi-Fi or Cellular settings and selecting the option to configure DNS.
10. Can changing my DNS settings improve my online security?
Yes, using a more secure DNS server can help protect you from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
11. What are some popular third-party DNS servers?
Some popular third-party DNS servers are Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS, and Quad9 DNS.
12. Can I use more than one DNS server at a time?
Yes, you can use multiple DNS servers at a time by adding them to the list of DNS server addresses.
13. Do I need to restart my computer or router after changing my DNS settings?
No, you don’t need to restart your computer or router after changing your DNS settings. The changes should take effect immediately.
How to Change DNS on Windows 11
Changing DNS settings on Windows 11 can significantly improve your internet experience. DNS servers play an integral role in web browsing by matching domain names to IP addresses. By default, Windows 11 is configured to use the DNS server of your internet service provider (ISP). However, you can choose to use a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, for faster and more secure internet browsing.
Steps to Change DNS on Windows 11
To change DNS settings on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the Windows icon on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen and select Settings.
Step 2: Click on Network & Internet and select Change adapter options under the Ethernet or Wi-Fi menu.
Step 3: Right-click on the network connection you want to change the DNS settings for and select Properties.
Step 4: In the Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
Step 5: Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the IP address of the DNS server you want to use. For example, Google DNS uses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as their DNS server addresses.
Step 6: Click OK to save the changes.
After changing the DNS settings, you may need to restart your computer or network connection to apply the changes. Once the changes have been applied, you can check your internet speed to see if there is an improvement in speed and performance.
Conclusion
Changing DNS settings on Windows 11 is a simple process that can significantly improve your internet browsing experience. By using a faster and more secure DNS server, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, you can enjoy faster internet speeds and better performance. Just follow the steps outlined above to change your DNS settings and start enjoying faster internet browsing today!
Closing
Thank you for reading our guide on how to change DNS settings on Windows 11. We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Good luck with your DNS settings configuration and happy browsing!