Changing DNS Server Settings in Windows 11

Find out how to change your Windows 11 DNS server settings. So, you want to change the Windows 11 DNS server settings. Then you’re in the right place! First, though, let’s take a high-level look.

Your internet service provider (ISP) will establish your network’s first default configuration when it establishes your internet connection. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a configuration built into your network’s default settings and is essential to your ability to connect to the internet.

Despite this, most ISPs don’t place a high focus on protecting the privacy or security of your DNS, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of threats: Some instances include DNS hijacking, cache poisoning, and so on.

This post will explain how to resolve this issue by changing the DNS server settings in Windows 11. In that case, let’s get started.

Change Windows 11 DNS Server Settings

For web browsers to load the pages you see on your screen, a Domain Name System (DNS) transforms human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Your internet service provider (ISP) will often set up your network when you first get online.

But besides your Internet service provider’s (ISP) default DNS server, many other third-party alternatives exist.

For example, Google has offered free DNS services since 2009, doing its share to improve online speed and security. For the same reasons, Cloudflare and OpenDNS  are two of the most reliable and fast DNS solutions. You’ll find the IP addresses for each public DNS server listed below.

Follow these procedures to activate the DNS switch:

1. The Network and Internet section can be found in the Windows Settings (Win + I) menu.
2. Select the option labeled “Advanced” for the network settings.
3. Navigate to the section labeled “Network adapters” and click the network adapter you wish to use. For example, select “Ethernet” if that’s the type of network connection you’re utilizing. Similarly, if you can access the internet over Wi-Fi, do so.
4. Click the View additional properties button.
5. After finding the DNS server assignment, click the edit option to select changes.
6. Click Manual in the Edit DNS Settings section, then select IPv4 or IPv6.

For this example, IPv4 has been selected. When you enable IPv4, a new set of blank fields will appear for you to fill up. They are the Preferred DNS, encrypted Preferred DNS, and secondary DNS servers.

For your new DNS server, please use the following Cloudflare, Google, and OpenDNS DNS and alternate DNS numbers:

• Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 IP addresses.
• Look it up on Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Internet Protocol Addresses: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 OpenDNS

Google’s DNS was utilized in the preceding example. Enter the relevant information into the blanks, select a DNS server and click the Save button. Your Windows 11 DNS  settings will be changed in a moment.

How to Use the Command Prompt in Windows 11 to change the DNS Server

Try the command prompt if you cannot change the DNS  using the Settings menu. The CMD (Command) prompt is a potent alternative to the Windows graphical user interface that allows you to run commands. Even though it is more common amongst network administrators and programmers, average users can benefit from it by having greater control and management over their operating system.

• Altering your DNS server settings via the command prompt is another option. The procedure is as follows:
• Type “cmd” into the Start menu’s search bar to run it in administrative mode.Type the following command into the box and hit Enter: ipconfig /all
• The response will provide the adapter’s name, IPv4 address, and DNS server.
• To change your Windows 11 DNS server, type the following command:
  Internet Protocol Address Static Setup: netsh interface ip set dns name=”Ethernet0″ 1.1.1.1
  Replace “Ethernet0” to the name of your adapter and “1.1.1.1” to the DNS server IP of the third-party provider you want to use in the preceding command.
• Finally, type in this command and press Enter:
  Just type in netsh interface ip add dns name=”Ethernet0″ 1.0.0.1 index=2
  Here, it would help if you replaced “Ethernet0” with the name of your network adapter and “1.0.0.1” for the new DNS server’s IP address.

So long. As soon as you run the final command from the list above, your Windows server will be changed.

Changing Windows 11’s DNS Server

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental part of today’s operational internet. And while ISPs supply us with a default automatic DNS setup, you may want to take matters into your own hands if you’re searching for a more secure solution. By following the straightforward steps outlined above, you can easily change your DNS server settings and strengthen the security of your networks.