Switching your DNS server on Windows 11 is one of those small tweaks that can actually make a difference—whether you’re chasing faster browsing, trying to dodge some shady sites, or just want a bit more control over your internet connection. It’s pretty straightforward once you know where to look, but because Windows tends to hide some of these options, a lot of folks struggle or get frustrated trying to find the right menus. This guide aims to cut through the hassle, giving clear steps and some tips I’ve picked up along the way. Sometimes, just changing a DNS can lead to noticeably better speeds or enhanced privacy, especially if you pick a solid provider like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8).That said, it’s not magic—be prepared to test your new settings and revert if it doesn’t help. And yeah, sometimes these changes require a reboot or resync, so don’t be surprised if you have to repeat a step or two.
How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11
How to Access the DNS Settings
First off, you gotta get to the network settings. The quickest way often involves clicking the Start menu, then clicking Settings (or just hit Windows + I), and then navigating to Network & internet. You might already know this menu, but trust me — it’s where all the network magic happens. Once there, pick your network type: if you’re wired, select Ethernet; for Wi-Fi, choose Wi-Fi. Now, go into your network’s properties. Sometimes this feels a little roundabout because Windows likes to hide stuff — but look for Hardware Properties.
Changing the DNS in Windows 11
Once you’re inside Hardware Properties, scroll down a bit until you find the section titled DNS server assignment. It’s probably set to Automatic by default. Click the Edit button right next to it (yeah, that’s the moving part).A small popup will appear. Switch the toggle from Automatic to Manual. Now, if you’re using IPv4 (most common), input your preferred DNS addresses in the two fields—say, 8.8.8.8 for Google or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare. If your network supports IPv6 (which it should in most cases), you might also want to add 2001:4860:4860::8888 or 2606:4700:4700::1111. On some setups, saved changes don’t stick immediately, so be sure to hit Save or restart your network connection to see the effect.
It’s kind of weird, but on some machines, these DNS tweaks don’t seem to take effect until you reboot or disable and re-enable the network adapter. Not sure why it works like that, but I’ve seen it happen often enough. Also, if you’re troubleshooting, double-check that you’re on the right network profile — especially if you have multiple Wi-Fi networks or VPNs running.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
- Use reputable DNS providers: Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220).
- Test speed after switching: Speedtest.net or Fast.com can help verify if things got faster.
- Backup your old DNS: Write down current DNS addresses; it’ll save time if you wanna switch back.
- IPv6 support: If your network supports IPv6, adding those addresses can sometimes improve latencies or access to certain sites.
- Reboot or disable/enable adapter: Sometimes Windows needs a little nudge — a quick restart of your network adapter in Device Manager (Device Manager > Network adapters) can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does changing my DNS do?
Think of DNS as the internet’s address book. When you visit a website, your computer asks the DNS server for the IP address of that site. Sometimes, switching to a faster or more reliable DNS means your page loads quicker or you get better privacy and security.
Can I revert to my old DNS easily?
Yeah, just go back to the Automatic setting in the Network & internet > Hardware Properties menu, or input your previous DNS addresses if you kept track. Usually, it’s just a matter of switching back and saving.
Are there risks switching DNS servers?
Not much risk, but if you pick a shady DNS provider, it could compromise your privacy or security. Stick with well-known, reputable ones like Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS.
Summary
- Open Settings (Start menu > Settings or Windows + I).
- Navigate to Network & internet.
- Pick your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Go into Hardware Properties.
- Scroll to DNS server assignment, click Edit, switch to Manual, and input preferred DNS addresses.
Wrap-up
Changing DNS in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but a few steps can seem tricky at first. It’s kind of a low-key way to potentially boost browsing speed, tighten security, or just get rid of annoying redirects to slow DNS servers. On one setup it worked almost instantly, on another I had to restart a couple of times. It’s worth playing around, especially if your default DNS feels sluggish or unreliable. Just remember to note down your original settings in case you want to revert quickly. Fingers crossed this helps someone shave a little latency or just tidy up their network configuration. Worked for me — hope it works for you too!