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Set Up a Static IP Address and Change DNS Server in Windows 11

Geeksdigit Team

May 22, 2026

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Modern home and office networks rely on IP addresses and DNS servers to allow devices to communicate with each other and access websites on the internet. Most Windows 11 computers receive their network settings automatically from a router using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This automatic setup works perfectly for most users because Windows receives an available IP address, gateway information, and DNS server settings without requiring manual configuration. However, there are situations where a static IP address is more useful. If you run a home server, use network printers, configure port forwarding, access your PC remotely, or manage multiple devices on a local network, assigning a static IP address can make network management much easier.

Similarly, changing the DNS server can improve browsing performance, increase reliability, and provide additional privacy or security features. Many users switch from their internet provider’s default DNS service to public DNS services such as those offered by Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS for potentially faster domain lookups and improved security features. The good news is that Windows 11 makes both tasks relatively simple. Whether you prefer using the modern Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, there are multiple ways to configure your network settings. This guide explains everything you need to know about setting up a static IP address and changing DNS servers in Windows 11.

Understanding Static IP Addresses

Every device connected to a network requires an IP address. Think of it as a digital street address that identifies a device on a network. Without an IP address, your computer cannot communicate with routers, printers, servers, websites, or other devices.

A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned by the router through DHCP. Each time your computer reconnects to the network, it may receive a different address. This approach is convenient because it requires no manual management.

A static IP address, on the other hand, remains fixed until you manually change it. The computer always uses the same address whenever it connects to the network. This consistency is valuable for devices that must always be reachable at a predictable address.

Benefits of using a static IP address include:

• Consistent network identification
• Easier remote desktop access
• Reliable file sharing
• Better support for printers and network storage devices
• Simplified port forwarding
• Improved management of multiple devices

Although static addresses offer several advantages, they require manual configuration. Entering incorrect values can result in network connectivity problems, so it is important to record your current settings before making changes.

Understanding DNS Servers

DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS servers translate human-friendly website names into numerical IP addresses that computers can understand.

For example, when you type:

www.microsoft.com

Your computer contacts a DNS server to discover the IP address associated with that website. Once the address is found, the browser can establish a connection.

Without DNS, users would need to remember long numerical addresses for every website they visit.

Many internet providers automatically assign DNS servers through DHCP. However, you can manually specify alternative DNS services if desired.

Common reasons for changing DNS servers include:

• Faster website lookups
• Better uptime and reliability
• Improved privacy
• Malware filtering
• Content filtering for families
• Reduced DNS-related connection issues

Popular public DNS providers include:

Before Changing Your Network Settings

Before assigning a static IP address or changing DNS settings, record your current network configuration. This allows you to restore the original settings if something goes wrong.

Find Current Network Information

1. Press Windows + S.
2. Type Command Prompt.
3. Open Command Prompt.
4. Enter:

ipconfig /all

Windows displays detailed network information.

Look for the following values:

• IPv4 Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway
• DNS Servers

Example:

IPv4 Address . . . . . . : 192.168.1.105
Subnet Mask  . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . .  : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . .  : 192.168.1.1

Write these values down before continuing.

Method 1: Set Up a Static IP Address Using Windows Settings

The Settings application provides the easiest way to configure a static IP address in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Press:

Windows + I

This opens the Settings app.

Select:

Network & Internet

Step 2: Choose Your Network Adapter

Depending on your connection type:

• Select Wi-Fi if connected wirelessly.
• Select Ethernet if using a wired connection.

Click your active network connection.

Step 3: Open IP Assignment Settings

Scroll down until you find:

IP Assignment

Click:

Edit

Step 4: Change DHCP to Manual

By default, most systems use:

Automatic (DHCP)

Select:

Manual

Enable:

IPv4

Step 5: Enter Static IP Information

Fill in the fields carefully.

Example:

IP Address: 192.168.1.50
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1

Explanation:

IP Address

Choose an unused address within your network range.

Subnet Mask

Defines the size of the local network. Most home networks use:

255.255.255.0

Gateway

Usually your router’s IP address.

DNS Servers

The servers responsible for domain name resolution.

Step 6: Save Changes

Click:

Save

Windows immediately applies the new configuration.

Your PC now uses a static IP address.

Method 2: Change DNS Server Using Windows Settings

If you only want to modify DNS settings while continuing to use DHCP for IP assignment, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press:

Windows + I

Navigate to:

Network & Internet

Step 2: Open Adapter Properties

Select your active connection.

Locate:

DNS Server Assignment

Click:

Edit

Step 3: Switch to Manual Configuration

Choose:

Manual

Enable:

IPv4

Step 4: Enter DNS Addresses

For Cloudflare DNS:

Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1

For Google Public DNS:

Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

Step 5: Save Settings

Click:

Save

Windows begins using the specified DNS servers immediately.

Method 3: Configure Static IP Address Through Control Panel

Although Windows 11 emphasizes the Settings app, Control Panel still provides full access to network configuration.

Step 1: Open Network Connections

Press:

Windows + R

Type:

ncpa.cpl

Press Enter.

The Network Connections window appears.

Step 2: Open Adapter Properties

Right-click your active adapter.

Choose:

Properties

Step 3: Open IPv4 Settings

Select:

Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

Click:

Properties

Step 4: Enable Manual Addressing

Select:

Use the following IP address

Enter your network information.

Example:

IP Address: 192.168.1.50
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Step 5: Configure DNS Servers

Select:

Use the following DNS server addresses

Example:

Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

Step 6: Apply Changes

Click:

OK

Then click:

Close

Your network adapter immediately starts using the new settings.

Method 4: Configure Static IP Address Using Command Prompt

Advanced users may prefer configuring networking through commands.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press:

Windows + S

Search for:

cmd

Choose:

Run as administrator

View Adapter Names

Enter:

netsh interface ipv4 show config

Identify the exact adapter name.

Example:

Wi-Fi

or

Ethernet

Assign Static IP Address

Example command:

netsh interface ipv4 set address name="Wi-Fi" static 192.168.1.50 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1

Explanation:

• 192.168.1.50 = Static IP
• 255.255.255.0 = Subnet Mask
• 192.168.1.1 = Gateway

After running the command, Windows immediately applies the new address.

Method 5: Change DNS Server Using Command Prompt

To configure a primary DNS server:

netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 1.1.1.1

To add a secondary DNS server:

netsh interface ipv4 add dns name="Wi-Fi" 1.0.0.1 index=2

Windows stores the new DNS configuration instantly.

Method 6: Configure Static IP Address Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides powerful network management tools commonly used by IT administrators.

View Network Adapters

Open PowerShell as Administrator.

Run:

Get-NetAdapter

Locate the adapter name.

Assign Static IP Address

Example:

New-NetIPAddress `
-InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" `
-IPAddress 192.168.1.50 `
-PrefixLength 24 `
-DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1

This creates a permanent static address configuration.

Method 7: Configure DNS Server Using PowerShell

To set DNS servers:

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

PowerShell updates the DNS configuration immediately.

This method is particularly useful when managing multiple computers or automating deployments.

Verify Your Static IP Configuration

After making changes, confirm that everything is working correctly.

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig

Verify:

• IPv4 Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway

Ensure the displayed information matches your configured values.

You can also test connectivity:

ping 192.168.1.1

A successful response confirms communication with the router.

Verify DNS Server Changes

To confirm DNS settings:

nslookup google.com

The command displays the DNS server being used.

You can also view DNS settings directly:

ipconfig /all

Check the DNS Servers section.

If websites still load slowly or incorrectly, clear the DNS cache:

ipconfig /flushdns

This forces Windows to obtain fresh DNS information.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

No Internet Connection After Setting a Static IP

This usually occurs because one or more values were entered incorrectly.

Verify:

• IP address
• Subnet mask
• Gateway
• DNS server

Even a single incorrect digit can prevent connectivity.

IP Address Conflict

Windows may display an IP conflict warning if another device uses the same address.

Solution:

• Choose a different unused address.
• Restart the router if necessary.
• Avoid assigning addresses already used by DHCP devices.

DNS Server Not Responding

If websites fail to load:

• Verify DNS addresses were typed correctly.
• Try another DNS provider.
• Restart the network adapter.
• Reboot the router.

Websites Load Slowly

Slow browsing can result from overloaded DNS servers.

Test alternatives such as:

1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1

or

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

Different providers may perform better depending on location.

Static IP Address vs Dynamic IP Address

When Should You Use a Static IP Address?

A static IP address is beneficial in several situations. Network printers often work better with fixed addresses because computers can always locate them at the same location on the network. Home servers require predictable addresses for remote access and hosting services. Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices benefit from static assignments because file-sharing paths remain consistent. Security camera systems often rely on fixed addresses for monitoring software and mobile applications. Users who configure port forwarding for gaming servers, remote desktop connections, media servers, or smart home hubs also typically use static IP addresses to ensure that router rules continue working properly. If your device simply browses the web, streams videos, and checks email, DHCP remains the easiest and most convenient option.

Best Practices for Static IP and DNS Configuration

When assigning static addresses, choose values outside your router’s automatic DHCP range whenever possible. Maintain a record of assigned addresses so you can avoid conflicts later. Always verify that the chosen IP address is not already in use by another device. Use reliable DNS providers with strong uptime records. Review network settings whenever you replace your router because gateway information and network ranges may change. After making modifications, test internet access, local network connectivity, and DNS resolution before considering the setup complete.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a static IP address and changing DNS servers in Windows 11 can significantly improve network management, especially for users who rely on remote access, network printers, file servers, security cameras, or advanced networking configurations. While DHCP remains the simplest option for most home computers, a static IP address provides consistency and predictability that can simplify troubleshooting and device management. Likewise, switching to a trusted public DNS service can improve reliability, security, and browsing performance in some situations.

Windows 11 offers multiple ways to configure these settings, including the modern Settings application, traditional Control Panel tools, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Regardless of the method you choose, always record your current network settings before making changes and verify the configuration afterward. With the correct IP address, gateway information, subnet mask, and DNS server settings, your Windows 11 computer can maintain a stable and efficient connection to both local network resources and the internet.

FAQs

1. Does a static IP address make internet faster?

No. A static IP address generally does not increase internet speed. Its primary advantage is consistency and easier network management.

2. Is it safe to use Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS?

Yes. Both Google Public DNS and Cloudflare DNS are widely used and considered reliable and secure by millions of users worldwide.

3. Can I switch back to automatic DHCP later?

Yes. Open the network adapter settings and change the IP assignment method back to Automatic (DHCP).

4. What happens if two devices use the same static IP address?

An IP conflict occurs, causing connectivity issues for one or both devices. Each device on a network must have a unique IP address.

5. How can I find my default gateway and subnet mask?

Open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /all

The output displays your current gateway, subnet mask, DNS servers, and other network information.