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How To Change DNS Server In Windows 11

Geeksdigit Team

June 5, 2026

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Every time you visit a website, stream a video, play an online game, or use an internet-connected application, your computer relies on a service called the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS acts like the internet’s phone book, translating website names such as google.com or microsoft.com into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other.

By default, most Windows 11 computers use DNS servers provided by the internet service provider (ISP). While ISP DNS servers usually work well, they are not always the fastest or most reliable option. Some users experience slow website loading times, DNS-related connection errors, or restrictions that can sometimes be improved by switching to a different DNS provider.

Changing the DNS server in Windows 11 can offer several benefits. Depending on the provider you choose, you may experience faster website lookups, improved reliability, enhanced privacy features, better security protection against malicious websites, and reduced downtime during DNS outages. Popular public DNS services are available free of charge and can often outperform ISP-provided DNS servers.

Windows 11 makes it relatively easy to change DNS settings through the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Whether you want to use a public DNS service, troubleshoot internet issues, or optimize your network performance, understanding how to modify DNS settings is a useful skill.

This guide explains multiple ways to change DNS servers in Windows 11, along with information about popular DNS providers and troubleshooting tips.

What Is a DNS Server?

A DNS server converts human-readable website names into IP addresses.

For example:

• You type a website address into a browser.
• The DNS server looks up the corresponding IP address.
• Your computer connects to the website.

Without DNS servers, users would need to remember numerical IP addresses instead of website names.

DNS plays an important role in:

• Web browsing
• Email services
• Online gaming
• Streaming services
• Cloud applications
• File downloads

Because DNS is involved in almost every internet activity, choosing a reliable DNS provider can improve your overall online experience.

Popular Public DNS Servers

Before changing DNS settings, you should decide which DNS servers you want to use.

Common public DNS providers include:

Google Public DNS

Preferred DNS:

8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS:

8.8.4.4

Benefits:

• Fast performance
• High reliability
• Global infrastructure

Cloudflare DNS

Preferred DNS:

1.1.1.1

Alternate DNS:

1.0.0.1

Benefits:

• Strong privacy focus
• Fast response times
• Easy setup

Quad9 DNS

Preferred DNS:

9.9.9.9

Alternate DNS:

149.112.112.112

Benefits:

• Security-focused
• Blocks many malicious domains
• Free to use

OpenDNS

Preferred DNS:

208.67.222.222

Alternate DNS:

208.67.220.220

Benefits:

• Reliable service
• Optional content filtering
• Security features

Method 1: Change DNS Server Through Windows Settings

This is the easiest method for most users.

Follow these steps:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Select Network & Internet.

Next:

• Click Wi-Fi if using a wireless connection.

or

• Click Ethernet if using a wired connection.

Then:

• Select your active network connection.
• Locate DNS Server Assignment.
• Click Edit.

A configuration window appears.

Choose:

• Manual

Enable:

• IPv4

Enter your preferred DNS addresses.

Example:

Preferred DNS:

1.1.1.1

Alternate DNS:

1.0.0.1

Click Save.

Windows immediately begins using the new DNS servers.

Method 2: Change DNS Using Control Panel

Some users prefer the traditional Control Panel interface.

Follow these steps:

• Press Windows + R.
• Type:

ncpa.cpl

• Press Enter.

The Network Connections window opens.

Next:

• Right-click your active connection.
• Select Properties.

Choose:

• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

Click:

• Properties

Select:

• Use the following DNS server addresses.

Enter your preferred DNS information.

Example:

8.8.8.8

and

8.8.4.4

Click:

• OK
• Close

The new DNS settings become active immediately.

Method 3: Configure IPv6 DNS Servers

Many modern networks support IPv6.

To configure IPv6 DNS:

• Open your connection properties.
• Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
• Click Properties.

Enter IPv6 DNS addresses.

Cloudflare IPv6:

Preferred:

2606:4700:4700::1111

Alternate:

2606:4700:4700::1001

Google IPv6:

Preferred:

2001:4860:4860::8888

Alternate:

2001:4860:4860::8844

Save the settings.

Windows will use these servers for IPv6 traffic.

Method 4: Change DNS Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can configure DNS through Command Prompt.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

View network adapters:

netsh interface show interface

Set a preferred DNS server:

netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8

Set an alternate DNS server:

netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2

Replace:

Wi-Fi

with the actual adapter name if different.

After applying the commands, Windows begins using the specified DNS servers.

Method 5: Change DNS Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides another powerful option.

Open PowerShell as Administrator.

View network adapters:

Get-NetAdapter

Configure DNS:

Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses ("1.1.1.1","1.0.0.1")

Press Enter.

PowerShell updates the DNS settings immediately.

This method is often used by system administrators and advanced users.

Method 6: Flush DNS Cache After Changing Servers

After changing DNS settings, clearing the DNS cache is recommended.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see a success message.

Flushing the cache removes old DNS entries and ensures Windows uses the new DNS servers.

Method 7: Restore Automatic DNS Settings

If you want to return to your ISP’s DNS servers:

Using Settings:

• Open Network Settings.
• Select your connection.
• Click Edit beside DNS Server Assignment.
• Choose Automatic (DHCP).
• Save changes.

Using Control Panel:

• Open adapter properties.
• Open IPv4 settings.
• Select:

Obtain DNS server address automatically

Click OK.

Windows will once again use DNS servers assigned by the router or ISP.

How to Verify Your DNS Settings

After changing DNS servers, verify the configuration.

Open Command Prompt.

Run:

ipconfig /all

Locate:

• DNS Servers

The addresses displayed should match the DNS servers you configured.

This confirms that Windows is using the new settings.

Benefits of Changing DNS Servers

Users often change DNS providers for several reasons.

Faster Website Loading

Some public DNS providers respond more quickly than ISP servers.

Better Reliability

Large DNS providers maintain extensive global networks.

Enhanced Privacy

Certain providers limit logging and prioritize user privacy.

Improved Security

Some DNS services block known malicious websites.

Troubleshooting Internet Problems

Changing DNS can resolve issues caused by faulty ISP DNS servers.

Common Problems After Changing DNS

Websites Not Loading

Possible causes:

• Incorrect DNS addresses
• Typing errors
• Temporary network issues

Double-check the entered addresses.

Internet Stops Working

Try:

• Returning to automatic DNS settings.
• Restarting the router.
• Flushing the DNS cache.

DNS Changes Not Applying

Possible reasons:

• Adapter configuration issues
• VPN software overrides
• Network policy restrictions

Restarting the computer often helps.

Slow Browsing Continues

DNS only affects domain lookups.

Internet speed may still depend on:

• ISP performance
• Wi-Fi signal strength
• Network congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best DNS server for Windows 11?

There is no single best option. Popular choices include Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, Quad9, and OpenDNS.

Will changing DNS increase internet speed?

It may improve website lookup times, but it will not directly increase your ISP’s internet speed.

Is changing DNS safe?

Yes. Using reputable public DNS providers is generally safe and common.

Can DNS changes improve gaming?

In some cases, faster DNS lookups can slightly improve connection responsiveness when accessing gaming services.

Do I need administrator rights to change DNS settings?

Yes. Most DNS configuration changes require administrator privileges.

Can I use different DNS servers for Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

Yes. DNS settings are configured separately for each network adapter.

Should I use IPv6 DNS servers?

If your network supports IPv6, configuring IPv6 DNS can improve compatibility and performance.

How do I undo DNS changes?

Simply switch DNS settings back to Automatic (DHCP) or manually enter your preferred DNS provider.

Final Thoughts

Changing the DNS server in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to improve network reliability, enhance privacy, troubleshoot connectivity problems, and potentially speed up website lookups. While many users continue using their ISP’s default DNS servers, switching to trusted public DNS providers such as Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, Quad9, or OpenDNS can provide a better browsing experience.

Windows 11 offers multiple ways to change DNS settings, including the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Most users will find the Settings method to be the easiest, while advanced users may prefer command-line tools for greater control.

Understanding how DNS works and knowing how to configure it properly can help you solve networking problems more effectively and optimize your internet connection. Whether you’re seeking better performance, stronger security, or more reliable internet access, adjusting your DNS settings is a useful Windows 11 networking skill that every user should know.