If your default DNS server from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) seems slow, insecure, or unreliable, you are not required to use it. Below is a guide to changing the DNS server settings on a computer running Windows 11.
Change DNS server in Windows 11
The Domain Name System (DNS) converts domain names that humans can read into IP addresses, allowing browsers to display websites on your screen. When your Internet Service Provider (ISP) sets up your Internet connection for the first time, they also automatically configure the default DNS.
However, for most ISPs, DNS security and privacy are not highly prioritized, which can lead to potential cybersecurity issues. Fortunately, there are many third-party DNS options such as Google, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS that offer faster Internet speeds and provide higher levels of protection.
Below are the primary and alternative DNS addresses from Cloudflare, Google, and OpenDNS that you can use for your new DNS server.
1. Cloudflare DNS:
- IP Address: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Pros:
- Free
- Fastest access speed among the mentioned DNS servers
- High security with features like 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 compared to other DNS servers
2. Google Public DNS:
- IP Address: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speed
- High security with features like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Does not track browsing history
- Cons:
- Fewer features compared to Cloudflare DNS
3. OpenDNS:
- IP Address: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speed
- High security with features like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Provides content filtering and phishing protection features
- Cons:
- The free plan only includes basic features
4. Quad9:
- IP Address: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speed
- High security with features like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Focuses on blocking cyber threats
- Cons:
- Fewer features compared to OpenDNS
5. CleanBrowsing:
- IP Address: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speed
- High security with features like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Provides content filtering and phishing protection features
- Cons:
- The free plan only includes basic features
6. DNSWatch:
- IP Address: 84.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40
- Pros:
- Free
- Fast access speed
- High security with features like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption
- Provides content filtering and phishing protection features
- Cons:
- The free plan only includes basic features
While there are several ways to change the DNS server in Windows 11, the easiest way is through the Settings app. Here is what you need to do:
- Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Click on the available network adapter in the Network Adapters section. For example, if you are connected via Ethernet, select that option. Similarly, select Wi-Fi if you are 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 toggle IPv4 or IPv6 on.
- Enter the DNS server numbers into the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS fields.
- Click Save.
The instructions above used Google’s DNS, however, you can choose any DNS server you want. Once this process is complete, the DNS server settings on Windows 11 will be updated. To check which DNS server Windows 11 is using, you can open the WiFi or Ethernet properties.
Changing the DNS server can help improve Internet speed and enhance security in most cases. You can also use tools like NameBench and GRC DNS Benchmark to find the fastest and most optimal DNS server for your Internet speed.
