How to Change DNS Server Settings on Windows 11

In an increasingly digital world, the performance of our internet connections has become paramount. One of the vital components that can affect your internet speed, security, and overall browsing experience is your Domain Name System (DNS) server. In this article, we will delve into how to change DNS server settings on Windows 11, examining the reasoning behind changing your DNS, the potential benefits, and the step-by-step instructions to modify these settings.

Understanding DNS and Its Importance

Before we dive into the how-to aspect, it’s essential to understand what DNS is and why changing it can be beneficial.

What is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) can be likened to a phonebook for the internet. Instead of users needing to remember complex IP addresses (a unique series of numbers identifying every device connected to the internet), DNS translates these addresses into easy-to-remember domain names (like www.example.com).

Why Change DNS?

Improved Speed and Performance: Some DNS servers are faster than others, leading to reduced loading times for websites.
Enhanced Security: Certain DNS services, such as Google Public DNS or OpenDNS, provide additional security features, protecting against malicious websites.
Access to Restricted Content: By changing your DNS server, you may be able to access content that is restricted in your geographic area.
Increased Reliability: Some DNS servers offer better uptime and reliability, ensuring a consistently smooth internet experience.

Types of DNS Servers

ISP DNS: Most users default to the DNS servers provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). This can be sufficient, but might not always offer the best performance or security.
Public DNS: These are free, publicly accessible DNS servers and are often faster and more secure. Examples include:
- Google Public DNS: Addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: Addresses: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- OpenDNS: Addresses: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Custom DNS: Some organizations may use their own DNS servers for security and efficiency.

Steps to Change DNS Server Settings on Windows 11

Let’s get into the details of how you can change your DNS settings on a Windows 11 machine. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth adjustment.

Method 1: Changing DNS via Settings

Open Settings:
- Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Select Settings (the gear icon) or simply type "Settings" in the search bar and hit Enter.
Network & Internet:
- In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet from the sidebar.
Internet Connection:
- Depending on your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), click on either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Network Properties:
- For Wi-Fi, click the connected network name. For Ethernet, simply click on your Ethernet connection.
- Scroll down to the DNS server assignment section.
Edit DNS Settings:
- Click on the Edit button next to DNS server assignment.
- Change the selection from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual".
Insert New DNS Addresses:
- Turn on IPv4 or IPv6 (depending on which one you intend to change). It’s common to change IPv4 for most users. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses. For example, if you are using Google Public DNS, you can enter:
  - Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
  - Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
- Click on Save to apply the changes.

Method 2: Changing DNS via Control Panel

If you prefer using the classic Control Panel interface, here’s how you can change DNS settings:

Open Control Panel:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type Control Panel and hit Enter.
Network and Internet:
- Click on Network and Internet.
Network and Sharing Center:
- Click on Network and Sharing Center.
Change Adapter Settings:
- On the left sidebar, click on Change adapter settings.
Select Network Adapter:
- Right-click on the network connection you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version:
- In the Networking tab, scroll down, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click on Properties.
Define DNS Servers:
- Click Use the following DNS server addresses and input your desired DNS server addresses, just as noted in the previous method.
Finish Up:
- Click OK to confirm your changes in both dialog boxes.

Method 3: Via Command Prompt (Advanced Users)

Changing DNS settings via command prompt may be appealing for advanced users who prefer a quicker method:

Open Command Prompt:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Input DNS Command:
- To set your primary DNS address, type the following command and press Enter:
```
netsh interface ip set dns "Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8
```
- To set your secondary (alternate) DNS address, type the following command and press Enter:
```
netsh interface ip add dns "Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2
```
- Note: Replace "Wi-Fi" with "Ethernet" if you are using a wired connection.
Verify Changes:
- To check if your DNS settings have been changed successfully, type:
```
nslookup
```
- If the DNS information has been updated, it will return the new DNS server addresses.

Method 4: Using Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is another powerful tool that allows you to change your DNS settings. Here’s how:

Open Windows PowerShell:
- Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Use PowerShell to Change DNS:

To set the primary DNS address, enter the following command:

Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses 8.8.8.8

To add an alternate DNS, type:

Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4")

Check to Verify:
- You can check your current DNS settings using:
```
Get-DnsClientServerAddress
```

Tips for Successfully Changing DNS

Remember to Use Reliable DNS Providers: Stick to well-known, reliable DNS servers to ensure optimum performance and security.
Flush DNS Cache: Once you have changed your DNS, it’s advisable to flush your DNS cache to ensure that your changes take effect. You can do this by running ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Test Connectivity: After making changes, perform a connectivity test to ensure that you can reach preferred websites without issues.
Back-Up Current Settings: Before making changes, consider writing down your existing DNS settings in case you need to revert.

Troubleshooting DNS Issues

Even after changing your DNS settings, you might encounter issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

Cannot Access Internet: If you experience connectivity issues:
- Double-check DNS settings to ensure they were input correctly.
- Ensure your network adapter is functioning properly.
Slow Internet Speeds: If changing to a new DNS server hasn’t improved speed:
- Test different DNS servers. Not all servers will perform well in every geographic location.
Cannot Access Certain Websites: If certain websites are still inaccessible:
- Re-check if the DNS addresses are correct.
- Make sure that there are no underlying network issues on your ISP side.

Conclusion

Changing your DNS server settings on Windows 11 can significantly enhance your internet experience through improved speed, security, and accessibility. Although it may seem slightly technical, the process is quite straightforward once broken down into individual steps. Whether you opt to change your DNS via settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, ensuring you connect to a reliable DNS server can open up a world of benefits.

Arming yourself with this knowledge allows you to make informed decisions regarding your internet usage, giving you control over your browsing experience. Don’t hesitate to explore different public DNS options to find the one that works best for you, optimizing your connectivity to fit your needs.