To change DNS on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet, click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, open your connection (for Wi-Fi, Hardware properties), and click Edit next to DNS server assignment. Choose Manual, turn on IPv4, enter a preferred and alternate DNS server, and click Save.
Changing DNS can speed up how quickly sites start loading, add filtering, or work around a provider’s DNS outage. It doesn’t change your internet speed itself.
Quick Answer
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) > your connection > DNS server assignment > Edit > Manual > IPv4 on > enter servers > Save.
Change DNS in Settings
- Press Win + I and select Network & internet.
- Click Wi-Fi and then Hardware properties, or click Ethernet.
- Next to DNS server assignment, click Edit.
- Change Automatic (DHCP) to Manual and turn on IPv4.
- Enter a Preferred DNS and an Alternate DNS, for example 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Optionally set DNS over HTTPS to On (automatic template) for encrypted lookups.
- Click Save.
Popular Public DNS Servers
| Provider | Preferred | Alternate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Focus on speed and privacy |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Widely used and reliable |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Blocks known malicious domains |
| Cloudflare for Families | 1.1.1.3 | 1.0.0.3 | Blocks malware and adult content |
Change DNS in Control Panel
- Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
- Right-click your adapter and choose Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses, enter them, and click OK.
Test and Undo
- Run
ipconfig /flushdnsin Command Prompt after changing, then reload a site. - Run
nslookup example.comto see which DNS server answered. - To undo, go back to DNS server assignment and choose Automatic (DHCP).
Using DNS for a custom domain? Read how to publish a Google Site.
Troubleshooting
- Websites stopped loading: A server address may be mistyped. Recheck it or switch back to Automatic.
- The Edit button is grayed out: Your organization manages the network, or a VPN is controlling DNS.
- Old addresses still resolve: Flush the DNS cache; the command is the same in Windows 11.
- You also need to change the IP address: See how to change your IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 better?
Both are fast and reliable. Speed depends on your location, so try each and keep the one that feels quicker.
Will changing DNS make my internet faster?
It can make pages start loading sooner, but it doesn’t increase download speed.
Should I change DNS on my router instead?
Changing it on the router applies to every device on your network. Changing it in Windows affects only this PC.
Summary
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select your connection and edit DNS server assignment.
- Choose Manual and enter the servers.
- Save and flush the DNS cache.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.