So you're looking to change the DNS server on your Windows 11? If that's the case, then you're at the right place. But first, let's get a rough overview.

When your ISP first sets up your internet connection, it will also set up the default network settings for you. And with these default network settings comes a specific configuration, called the Domain Name System (DNS), which is critical for your online connectivity.

For most ISPs, though, security or privacy of your DNS isn’t much of a priority; this, however, leaves you susceptible to all kinds of security problems: DNS hijacking; cache poisoning, etc., are just a few examples that come to mind.

In this article, we’ll cover how you can get around this problem by changing the DNS server settings of your Windows 11. So let’s begin.

How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11

A Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names to IP addresses so that browsers can load the web pages on your screen. In most cases, when you get a new internet connection, your ISP sets one up for you.

However, apart from the default DNS server provided by your ISP, you have a slew of thir-party options to choose from.

For instance, in playing their part in making the web faster and more secure, Google has been providing free DNS services since 2009. Similarly, Cloudflare and OpenDNS are also some of the best alternatives for a safer and faster DNS service. We've provided the IP addresses for the individual public DNS below.

To get started with the DNS switch, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Windows Settings (Win + I) and navigate to Network & Internet.
  2. Select Advanced network settings.
  3. From there, click on the network adapter available under the Network adapters option. For instance, if you’re using an Ethernet connection, then select that. Similarly, choose Wi-Fi if you’re using internet over Wi-Fi.
  4. Click on the View additional properties.
  5. Now select the Edit button in front of the DNS server assignment.
  6. Under the Edit DNS Settings, click on Manual and choose the IPv4 or IPv6 setting.
altering the dns settings in windows 11

We’ve chosen the IPv4 setting for this example. Also, note that as soon you toggle on the IPv4, you’ll get a new set of empty fields to fill in. They are: Preferred DNS, Preferred DNS encryption and Alternate DNS.

Here are the DNS and alternate DNS numbers from Cloudflare, Google, and OpenDNS, that you can use for your new DNS server:

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

In the above example, we've used Google's DNS. You can pick any DNS server that you'd like to go with, enter the numbers in the appropriate empty fields, and click on Save. In a few seconds, your Windows 11 DNS server settings will be changed.

Change DNS Server on Windows 11 Through Command Prompt

If you couldn't tweak the DNS server using the Settings menu as shown above, then you should give Command prompt a go. The Command prompt, also called CMD for short, is a powerful non-GUI way to execute commands on your Windows. While it is usually used only by network administrators or programmers, regular users can also use it for better control and management of their operating system.

You can also change your DNS server through the Command prompt itself. Here's how:

  1. Head to the Start menu search bar, type in 'cmd,' and run it as an administrator.
  2. Type in the following command and hit Enter:
    ipconfig /all
  3. Note the adapter's name, IPv4 and DNS Server from the result.
  4. Type in the following command to change the DNS server on your Windows 11:
    netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet0" static 1.1.1.1
    In the above command, replace "Ethernet0" with the name of your adapter and "1.1.1.1" with the DNS server address of the third-party provider want to use.
  5. Finally, use the following command and hit Enter:
    netsh interface ip add dns name="Ethernet0" 1.0.0.1 index=2
    Here, replace "Ethernet0" with the name of your adapter and "1.0.0.1" with the new DNS server address.

That's it. Your Windows server will be changed as soon as you run the last command from above.

Changing the DNS Server on Windows 11

The DNS is a critical component of the modern internet. And while ISPs do provide us with a default automatic DNS setup, if you're looking for a more secure arrangement, you might want to take things into your hands. Use the simple methods laid down above, you can change your DNS server settings without any hassles and keep your systems protected.