How to Change DNS on Windows 11 & Windows 10 (Step-by-Step Guide)

There are times when the internet lags or becomes unstable. In fact, users sometimes cannot access certain websites unexpectedly. It can be irritating since the internet has become a basic necessity. The easiest way to fix this issue and improve your internet speed is to change the DNS settings. This is because when the DNS server is slow, the internet also slows down. The good thing is that you can change the DNS server if you are a Windows user. With this article, we are sharing more about DNS and how to change DNS Windows 11 and Windows 10 with step-by-step instructions. 

Part 1: What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is the system that translates website names into IP addresses so your computer can find them on the internet. For example, when you type google.com in your browser, your computer asks a DNS server to find the IP address of that website. Without DNS, you would have to remember long numbers like 142.250.190.78 instead of simple names.

Think of DNS like a phone book for the internet. Instead of looking up phone numbers, it looks up website addresses. If your DNS server is slow or unreliable, websites may take longer to load. That is why many users decide to Change DNS Win 11 to use faster public DNS servers. Below are some common public DNS servers that people use:

1. Google Public DNS

DNS Addresses: 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4

Google Public DNS is one of the most widely used DNS services. It is known for its strong reliability and stable performance. Google's global network helps websites load smoothly, making it a good choice for everyday browsing and general internet use.

2. Cloudflare DNS

DNS Addresses: 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare DNS is known for its fast speed and strong privacy protection. It responds quickly to DNS requests, which can help websites load faster. Cloudflare also focuses on protecting user data and limiting tracking.

3. Quad9 DNS

DNS Addresses: 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112

Quad9 DNS focuses on security and malware protection. It automatically blocks connections to harmful websites, such as phishing or malware sites. This helps keep your computer safer while browsing the internet.

4. AdGuard DNS

DNS Address: 94.140.14.14

AdGuard DNS helps block ads and tracking domains at the network level. This means many ads will not load on websites, which can make browsing cleaner and sometimes faster.

Part 2: How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 11 & Windows 10

There are several ways for changing DNS Windows 11 and Windows 10. Below are four reliable methods. Each method works slightly differently, so you can choose the one that feels easiest for you.

Method 1: Change DNS with Windows Settings (Recommended for Windows 11)

This method is the most recommended way to change DNS in Windows 10 and 11 because it is simple and easy to manage.

Step 1: First, click the Start Menu button on your taskbar, and then click Settings to open the Windows settings panel.

Step 2: Inside the Settings window, click on Network & Internet from the menu on the left side of the screen.

Step 3: Now select the type of connection you are using. If you are connected through Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi. If you are using an Ethernet cable, click Ethernet.

Step 4: Next, click on your active network connection. This will open detailed information about your network settings.

Step 5: Scroll down until you see the IP Settings section. Then click the Edit button next to it.

Step 6: A new window will appear. Change the option from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual so that you can enter your own DNS servers.

Step 7: Turn on IPv4, and then type the DNS server addresses you want to use.

Example:

• Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

Step 8: Click the Save button to apply the new settings. Your computer will now start using the new DNS server.

Method 2: Change DNS in Windows with Control Panel (Universal Method)

Step 1: First, open the Start Menu and type Control Panel, then click the Control Panel app when it appears.

Step 2: Inside the Control Panel window, click Network and Internet.

Step 3: Next, click Network and Sharing Center to view your network connections.

Step 4: On the left side of the screen, click Change adapter settings. This will show all your network adapters.

Step 5: Right-click your active connection (such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties from the menu.

Step 6: In the properties window, scroll down and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Step 7: Select Use the following DNS server addresses instead of automatic settings.

Step 8: Enter the DNS addresses you want to use.

Example:

• Preferred DNS Server: 1.1.1.1
• Alternate DNS Server: 1.0.0.1

Step 9: Click OK, then click Close to save your settings.

You have now successfully used the Control Panel method for Windows 10 DNS change or Windows 11.

Method 3: Change DNS in Windows with Command Prompt

Using Command Prompt is a fast way to change DNS settings Windows 10 or 11, especially for advanced users who prefer command-line tools.

Step 1: First, open the Start Menu and type Command Prompt.

Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator so that you can make system changes.

Step 3: Type the following command to see your network interface name:

netsh interface show interface

Step 4: Find the name of your active connection (for example Wi-Fi).

Step 5: Enter the following command to set the primary DNS server:

netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8

Step 6: Next, enter this command to add a secondary DNS server:

netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2

Step 7: Press Enter after each command to apply the changes.

Method 4: Change DNS in Windows with PowerShell

PowerShell is often used by IT professionals because it allows fast automation and advanced network control when they need to change DNS server Windows 11 on multiple systems.

Step 1: First, right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Type the following command to see your network adapter name:

Get-NetAdapter

Step 3: Find the adapter that is currently connected to the internet.

Step 4: Enter the command below to set a new DNS server:

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

Step 5: Press Enter, and Windows will apply the new DNS settings immediately.

Part 3: FAQs About Change DNS Windows 11

1. Is it safe to change DNS in Windows 11?

Yes, it is generally safe to change DNS on Windows 11 if you use trusted DNS providers such as Google DNS or Cloudflare. These services are widely used around the world and are designed to improve reliability and privacy. However, you should avoid unknown DNS servers because they could log your browsing activity or redirect you to unsafe websites.

2. Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

Changing DNS does not increase your actual internet speed, but it can make websites load faster. DNS servers help your computer find website addresses, so faster DNS services reduce the time needed to locate a site. Many users notice quicker browsing after they set DNS in Windows 10 and 11 to faster servers like Cloudflare or Google DNS.

3. Why do people change DNS settings?

People often change DNS settings for several reasons. Some want better privacy, while others want faster website loading times. Security is another reason, because certain DNS providers block malware or phishing sites. That is why many users search online for guides on changing DNS server Windows 11 when they want a safer and more reliable internet experience.

4. Can changing DNS fix connection problems?

Sometimes changing DNS can help fix certain connection problems, especially when websites fail to load or show DNS errors. If your default DNS server is overloaded or not responding correctly, switching to a different DNS provider can solve the issue. That is why troubleshooting guides often recommend trying to change the DNS on Windows 11 as a simple fix.

5. How do I check which DNS server I am using?

You can check your current DNS server using Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt and type the command: ipconfig /all. This command will show detailed network information, including the DNS servers your computer is using. If you want to use a different provider, you can follow the steps in this guide to change DNS and set new DNS addresses.

Conclusion

Changing DNS settings is one of the easiest ways to improve how your computer connects to the internet. While most users never think about DNS, it plays a major role in how quickly websites open and how stable your connection feels. Learning how to Change DNS Windows 11 gives you more control over your network performance and privacy. You can experiment with different DNS providers to see which one works best for your location and internet provider. In many cases, simply switching to a faster public DNS can reduce delays, improve browsing response times, and create a smoother online experience for work, gaming, and communication.