How to Change DNS in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Changing your DNS server on Windows 11 can improve internet speed, increase privacy, and make browsing more reliable. This guide explains DNS in plain terms, shows step-by-step methods to update DNS settings using both the graphical interface and the command line, compares top DNS providers, and offers troubleshooting tips. You also learn how these changes apply on other operating systems.

What is DNS and why change it?

DNS, or Domain Name System, works like the internet’s phonebook. When you type a website address such as example.com, DNS translates it into the numerical IP address that identifies the server. Without DNS, you would need to memorize long strings of numbers for every site.

Windows uses your ISP’s DNS servers by default. While these usually work, they can run slower, prove less reliable, or log your activity. Switching to a reputable public DNS service can:

• Speed up browsing: Faster lookups help pages start loading quicker.
• Improve uptime: Global providers run large, redundant networks.
• Enhance privacy: Some providers reduce or avoid logging and support encrypted DNS.
• Add features: Options like malware blocking or parental controls.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Change DNS in Windows 11

Method 1: Change DNS via Windows 11 Settings (GUI)

The Settings app in Windows 11 lets you switch DNS servers without legacy menus. Follow these steps.

1. Open Settings with Win + I or from Start.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select your connection:
   • Wi-Fi: click Wi-Fi, then Properties for the connected network.
   • Ethernet: click Ethernet.
4. Scroll to DNS server assignment and click Edit.
5. Set Manual, then toggle IPv4 On.
6. Enter your DNS servers:
   • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Preferred), 8.8.4.4 (Alternate)
   • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
   • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220
7. (Optional) Enable DNS over HTTPS if your provider supports it.
8. Click Save.

Your PC starts using the new DNS servers right away. If something looks off, restart the PC to apply settings cleanly.

Method 2: Change DNS via command line

The command line gives you control and makes automation easy. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell with admin rights.

Steps with Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as Administrator.
2. List interfaces: netsh interface show interface Identify your active adapter (for example, Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Set a primary DNS: netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" source=static address=1.1.1.1 Replace Wi-Fi with your adapter name and use your chosen DNS IP.
4. Add a secondary DNS: netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" addr=1.0.0.1 index=2
5. Test resolution: nslookup google.com

PowerShell one-liner:

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

Why use the command line? You script changes, move faster, and confirm results immediately.

Comparing popular DNS providers

Choose a provider based on your priorities: speed, privacy, or features.

Provider	Addresses	Strengths	Considerations
Google DNS	8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4	Fast, reliable worldwide, simple to set up	Run by Google; some users prefer alternatives for privacy
Cloudflare DNS	1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1	Very fast, privacy-first, supports encrypted DNS	No built-in content filtering unless you add extra services
OpenDNS	208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220	Reliable, customizable parental controls, malware blocking	Slightly slower than Google/Cloudflare; accounts required for filters

Quick picks: Choose Google for speed and simplicity, Cloudflare for privacy, and OpenDNS for family filtering.

Troubleshooting DNS problems

If sites fail to load after the change, run through these fixes in order.

• Check connectivity: Restart your router or modem and confirm a live connection.
• Verify addresses: Re-enter DNS IPs carefully; one wrong digit breaks lookups.
• Flush DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns
• Restart the PC: Apply changes cleanly.
• Switch providers: Try another public DNS to rule out service issues.
• Reset networking (last resort): netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
• Check VPN or proxy: These can override your DNS. If you use a VPN, review how it handles DNS. For a deeper dive, read does a VPN encrypt DNS.

Tips for smarter DNS management

• Set DNS on your router to cover all devices at home.
• Save your original settings so you can revert quickly.
• Stick to well-known providers for performance and trust.
• Remember: DNS improves lookup time, not your bandwidth limit.
• Use filtering DNS (OpenDNS, Quad9) for parental control or malware blocking.
• Review DNS after using public Wi-Fi or corporate networks.
• Play games online? See targeted tips in changing DNS for gaming.

Benefits beyond Windows 11

You can change DNS on other systems and enjoy similar gains in speed, reliability, and privacy.

• Windows 10: Follow almost the same steps. The Settings app lacks built-in DNS over HTTPS. You still gain faster lookups and stable connections.
• macOS: Go to System Settings > Network > Advanced > DNS. macOS applies the change system-wide and integrates well with built-in security.
• Linux: Use Network Manager or edit /etc/resolv.conf. Linux gives you flexible pairing with firewalls, VPNs, and automation scripts.

Across every platform, switching to a trustworthy DNS provider reduces page load delays, boosts reliability, and strengthens privacy.

FAQ

Conclusion

Changing DNS in Windows 11 takes only a few minutes and brings real benefits. Whether you use the Settings app or the command line, switching to a provider such as Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS can make browsing faster, more reliable, and more private. For a broader walkthrough across platforms, see how to change DNS and apply the same principles on every device you use.