Why Change DNS Settings in Windows 11?

There can be many reasons to change DNS (Domain Name System) settings in Windows 11. By default, your computer uses your internet service provider's (ISP) DNS servers. However, these servers may not always be the fastest or most reliable. By changing DNS settings, you can gain advantages such as faster internet connection, more secure browsing, and access to geographically blocked content.

Speed: Different DNS servers can respond at different speeds. A faster DNS server can cause web pages to load faster.
Security: Some DNS servers provide additional security layers against malicious websites and offer protection against phishing attacks.
Reliability: Your ISP's DNS servers may occasionally fail. By using alternative DNS servers, you can prevent your internet connection from being interrupted.
Overcoming Censorship and Blocking: Access to certain websites is blocked in some countries or networks. You can bypass these blockages by using a different DNS server.
Customization: Some DNS servers offer additional features such as parental controls or ad blocking.

What Are the Different Ways to Change DNS Settings in Windows 11?

There are several different ways to change DNS settings in Windows 11. The most common methods are:

Control Panel: This is the classic method we are familiar with from older versions of Windows.
Settings App: Allows you to configure DNS settings through the modern interface of Windows 11.
Command Prompt: You can change DNS settings using the command line interface. This method is useful for batch operations or automation.
PowerShell: Similar to Command Prompt, PowerShell can also be used to configure DNS settings. PowerShell offers more advanced commands and automation capabilities.
Network Adapter Properties: You can change DNS settings directly from your network adapter's properties.

How to Change DNS Settings via Control Panel?

To change DNS settings via the Control Panel, follow these steps:

Open Control Panel: Type "Control Panel" in the Start menu and open it.
Select Network and Internet: In the Control Panel, click on the "Network and Internet" category.
Open Network and Sharing Center: In the "Network and Internet" section, click on "Network and Sharing Center".
Change Adapter Settings: From the menu on the left, click on the "Change adapter settings" link.
Select Your Network Connection: Right-click on the network connection for which you want to change DNS settings (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties".
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the window that opens, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click the "Properties" button.
Specify DNS Server Addresses: Check the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option.
- Preferred DNS server: Enter the IP address of the primary DNS server in this field.
- Alternate DNS server: Enter the IP address of the secondary DNS server in this field.
Save Changes: Save the changes by clicking the "OK" button. Close all open windows.

Important Note: After changing the DNS settings, you may need to restart your computer or disable and re-enable your network connection for the changes to take effect.

How to Change DNS Settings Through the Settings App?

To change DNS settings through the Settings app in Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open the Settings App: Type "Settings" in the Start menu and open it, or use the Windows key + I shortcut.
Select Network & Internet: In the Settings app, click on the "Network & Internet" category.
Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Click on the "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" option, depending on your connection type.
Select Your Network Connection: Click on the network connection for which you want to change DNS settings.
Edit DNS Server Assignment: Under the "DNS server assignment" heading, click the "Edit" button.
Select Manual Option: Select the "Manual" option from the menu that appears. Configuration options for DNS servers for IPv4 and/or IPv6 will appear.
Enter DNS Server Addresses:
- Preferred DNS: Enter the IP address of the primary DNS server.
- Alternate DNS: Enter the IP address of the secondary DNS server.
Click Save: Click the "Save" button to save the changes.

Visual Description: The steps to change DNS settings in the Settings app provide a more modern and intuitive user interface. This method may be easier and more understandable, especially for new Windows users.

How to Change DNS Settings with Command Prompt?

Changing DNS settings using the Command Prompt is a more technical approach. This method is especially useful for batch operations or automation.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator: Type "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
Find the Network Connection Name: List the names of your network connections using the following command:

netsh interface show interface

Set DNS Servers: Set the DNS servers using the following command. Replace `<ConnectionName>` with your actual network connection name and `` with the IP address of your preferred DNS server.
```
netsh interface ipv4 set dnsname="<ConnectionName>" static <DNSAddress> primary
```
```
netsh interface ipv4 add dnsname="<ConnectionName>" <AlternativeDNSAddress> index=2
```
Clear the DNS Cache: Clear the DNS cache using the following command to ensure the DNS changes take effect:
```
ipconfig /flushdns
```

Example: To set the DNS server to 8.8.8.8 for a network connection named "Ethernet" and add an alternative DNS server as 8.8.4.4, you can use the following commands:

netsh interface ipv4 set dnsname="Ethernet" static 8.8.8.8 primary
netsh interface ipv4 add dnsname="Ethernet" 8.8.4.4 index=2
ipconfig /flushdns

How to Change DNS Settings with PowerShell?

PowerShell can be used to configure DNS settings similarly to the Command Prompt. PowerShell offers more advanced commands and automation capabilities.

Run PowerShell as Administrator: Type "PowerShell" in the Start menu, right-click on "Windows PowerShell", and select "Run as administrator".
Find the Network Connection Name: List the names of your network connections using the following command:

Get-NetAdapter

Set DNS Servers: Set the DNS servers using the following command. Replace `<ConnectionName>` with your actual network connection name and `` with the IP address of your preferred DNS server.
```
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "<ConnectionName>" -ServerAddresses ("<DNSAddress>","<AlternativeDNSAddress>")
```
Clear DNS Cache: To ensure the DNS changes take effect, clear the DNS cache using the following command:
```
Clear-DnsClientCache
```

Example: To set the DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and the alternative DNS server to 8.8.4.4 for a network connection named "Ethernet", you can use the following command:

Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4")
Clear-DnsClientCache

Which DNS Servers Should I Use?

Which DNS servers you use depends on your needs and preferences. Some popular and reliable DNS servers include:

Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (A fast, reliable, and widely used option)
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (A privacy-focused, fast, and secure option)
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 (Offers additional features such as parental controls and phishing protection)
Quad9: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 (Provides protection against malware)
Comodo Secure DNS: 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20 (A free and secure option)

The following table compares the IP addresses and key features of some popular DNS servers:

DNS Server	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS	Features
Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	Fast, Reliable, Widely Used
Cloudflare DNS	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	Privacy-Focused, Fast, Secure
OpenDNS	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220	Parental Controls, Phishing Protection
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	Protection Against Malware

Important Note: If you are unsure which DNS server to use, it is recommended to start with a widely used and reliable option such as Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

What Should Be Considered When Changing DNS Settings?

It is important to pay attention to the following points when changing DNS settings:

Enter Correct IP Addresses: Make sure you enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers correctly. An incorrect IP address may cause your internet connection to not work.
Use Reliable DNS Servers: Avoid using unknown or unreliable DNS servers. Such servers may carry risks such as redirecting to malware or stealing your personal data.
Clear DNS Cache: After changing DNS settings, remember to clear the DNS cache for the changes to take effect.
Test: After changing DNS settings, test that your internet connection is working properly and that websites are loading as expected.
Back Up Your ISP's DNS Servers: In case you experience any problems, note down the IP addresses of your ISP's default DNS servers. This way, you can easily revert the settings.

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies of Changing DNS Settings

Case Study 1: Fast Internet Connection

A user noticed that websites were loading slowly while using their internet service provider's (ISP) DNS servers. After switching to Google Public DNS, they observed a significant improvement in the loading speed of websites. This significantly improved the user's internet experience.

Case Study 2: Security and Phishing Protection

A company wanted to reduce the risk of its employees being exposed to phishing attacks. By switching to OpenDNS, they blocked access to malicious websites and protected their employees from potential threats.

Case Study 3: Overcoming Geo-Blocking

A student wanted to access an educational resource that was blocked in their country. By using Cloudflare DNS, they overcame geo-blocking and gained access to the resource.

Real-Life Example: Improving Gaming Performance

A person playing online games was experiencing high ping values and latency issues during the game. After testing different DNS servers, they discovered that Cloudflare DNS provided the lowest ping values and significantly improved gaming performance.

Troubleshooting DNS Issues

If you are experiencing problems with your internet connection after changing DNS settings, you can try the following steps:

Clear DNS Cache: Open Command Prompt and run the command `ipconfig /flushdns`.
Restart Your Network Connection: Disable and re-enable your network connection.
Restart Your Computer: Restarting your computer can resolve some DNS issues.
Revert to Default DNS Settings: Try using your ISP's default DNS servers.
Update Your Network Drivers: Ensure that your network card drivers are up to date.
Check Your Firewall: Make sure your firewall is not blocking DNS traffic.

The following table summarizes common DNS problems and possible solutions:

Problem	Possible Solutions
Websites Load Slowly	Use a faster DNS server, clear the DNS cache.
Websites Are Inaccessible	Make sure the DNS servers are configured correctly, check your network connection.
"Server Not Found" Error	Make sure the DNS servers are running, clear the DNS cache.
No Internet Connection	Check network cables, update your network drivers, contact your ISP.

Conclusion: Changing DNS settings in Windows 11 is a simple and effective way to improve your internet experience. Thanks to the information and steps presented in this article, you can easily configure your DNS settings and get the most out of your internet connection.