If the default DNS server from your Internet service provider (ISP) seems slow, insecure, or unreliable, you don't have to use it. Here is how to change the DNS server settings on a computer running Windows 11.
Changing the DNS server in Windows 11
The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, which lets your browser display websites on screen. When your Internet service provider (ISP) first sets up your Internet connection, it also configures a default DNS automatically.
However, most ISPs don't place much emphasis on DNS security and privacy, which can lead to network security problems. Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party DNS options, such as Google, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS, that deliver faster Internet speeds and offer stronger protection.
Below are the primary and alternate DNS addresses from Cloudflare, Google, and OpenDNS that you can use for your new DNS server.
1. Cloudflare DNS:
- IP addresses: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Pros:
- Free
- The fastest access speeds of the DNS servers mentioned
- Strong security with features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Does not track browsing history
- Supports Family Filter to block adult content
- Cons:
- Fewer advanced features than other DNS servers
2. Google Public DNS:
- IP addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speeds
- Strong security with features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Does not track browsing history
- Cons:
- Fewer features than Cloudflare DNS
3. OpenDNS:
- IP addresses: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speeds
- Strong security with features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Offers content filtering and phishing protection
- Cons:
- The free plan includes only basic features
4. Quad9:
- IP addresses: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speeds
- Strong security with features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Focuses on blocking cybersecurity threats
- Cons:
- Fewer features than OpenDNS
5. CleanBrowsing:
- IP addresses: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speeds
- Strong security with features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Offers content filtering and phishing protection
- Cons:
- The free plan includes only basic features
6. DNSWatch:
- IP addresses: 84.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speeds
- Strong security with features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Offers content filtering and phishing protection
- Cons:
- The free plan includes only basic features
Although there are several ways to change the DNS server in Windows 11, the easiest is through the Settings app. Here's what to do:
- Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
- Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Click the available network adapter under Network Adapters. For example, if you're connected via Ethernet, select that option. Likewise, choose Wi-Fi if you're using a wireless Internet connection.
- Select the View Additional Properties option.
- Click the Edit button next to DNS server assignment.
- In Edit DNS Settings, use the drop-down menu to select Manual and turn on the IPv4 or IPv6 toggle.
- Enter the DNS server numbers in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS. fields.
- Click Save.
The steps above use Google's DNS, but you can choose any DNS server you like. Once you finish, the DNS server settings on Windows 11 will be updated. To check which DNS server Windows 11 is currently using, you can open the Wi-Fi or Ethernet properties.
In most cases, changing the DNS server can help improve Internet speed and strengthen security. You can also use tools such as NameBench and GRC DNS Benchmark to find the fastest, best-optimized DNS server for your Internet connection.
