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How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11 and 10

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11 and 10

Changing your DNS server in Windows 11 or Windows 10 can improve your internet speed, enhance security, or bypass restrictions. Whether you’re experiencing slow browsing, want to use a more private DNS provider, or need to troubleshoot connectivity issues, switching DNS servers is a straightforward process that can make a noticeable difference in your online experience. Before you start, ensure you have the DNS server addresses you want to use, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), or other preferred providers. This guide will walk you through each step clearly and practically.

What You’ll Need

  • Computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10
  • Active internet connection
  • DNS server addresses you want to set (e.g., Google DNS, Cloudflare, OpenDNS)

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Settings app: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon, or press Windows key + I to open Settings directly.
  2. Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet” from the sidebar.
  3. Access Network Properties: Depending on your connection type, click on either “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet”. Then, click on your network name to open its properties.
  4. Open IP settings: Scroll down to find the “IP assignment” section and click on “Edit”.
  5. Change to Manual: In the Edit IP settings window, select “Manual” from the dropdown menu. Turn on IPv4 (and IPv6 if desired).
  6. Enter DNS addresses: Under the DNS settings, input your preferred DNS server addresses. For example, for IPv4, enter 8.8.8.8 as the preferred DNS and 8.8.4.4 as the alternate. For IPv6, use 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844.
  7. Save your settings: Click on “Save” to apply the changes. You might need to disconnect and reconnect to your network for the changes to take effect.
  8. Verify the new DNS: Open a browser and visit a website. To confirm the DNS change, you can run a command prompt (Win + R, type “cmd”, press Enter), then type “ipconfig /all” and look for the DNS servers listed under your network adapter.

Common Mistakes

  • Entering incorrect DNS addresses, which can prevent internet access.
  • Not saving the changes properly after editing network settings.
  • Forgetting to switch from DHCP to manual IP configuration.
  • Applying settings to the wrong network interface (e.g., configuring Wi-Fi settings while connected via Ethernet).
  • Disabling or misconfiguring IPv6 if you intend to use IPv6 DNS addresses.

Tips

  • Use well-known DNS providers like Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222) for reliable performance.
  • Keep a note of your original DNS settings before changing, in case you want to revert later.
  • Restart your network connection after changing DNS to ensure the new settings are applied.
  • Consider configuring DNS on your router for network-wide changes, especially if multiple devices are affected.
  • Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter if you encounter issues after changing DNS settings.

Troubleshooting

If after changing your DNS server you experience connectivity issues, slow browsing, or inability to access certain sites, follow these steps:

  • Revert to automatic DNS: Go back to network settings and set DNS to obtain address automatically to check if the issue persists.
  • Verify DNS addresses: Double-check that you entered the correct DNS server addresses without typos.
  • Flush DNS cache: Open Command Prompt and run “ipconfig /flushdns” to clear outdated DNS records.
  • Restart your network device: Power cycle your modem/router and computer to refresh network configurations.
  • Test with different DNS servers: Switch to another DNS provider to see if the issue is specific to a certain server.
  • Check firewall or security software: Ensure no software is blocking DNS traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change DNS server on Windows 11 and 10 the same way?
Yes, the process is identical for both Windows 11 and Windows 10, involving accessing network settings and editing IP configuration.
Will changing DNS improve my internet speed?
Potentially, if your current DNS provider is slow or unreliable. Switching to faster DNS servers can reduce lookup times.
Is changing DNS safe?
Yes, using reputable DNS providers is safe. Avoid suspicious or unknown DNS servers to prevent security risks.
Can I revert back to automatic DNS later?
Absolutely. Just follow the same steps and select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” to revert to default settings.
Will changing DNS affect my VPN or other network services?
It may impact some services; test your VPN or other tools after making changes to ensure compatibility.
How often should I change my DNS server?
Only when needed, such as experiencing slow speeds or privacy concerns. Regular changes are generally unnecessary.

This comprehensive guide aims to help you easily switch DNS servers in Windows 11 and 10, enhancing your browsing experience and network security with minimal hassle.

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How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11 and 10
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