Change DNS Through Network Settings

The fastest way to change your DNS server in Windows 11 is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), then scroll down and click "DNS server settings." From there, you can toggle "Automatic (DHCP)" to off and enter your preferred DNS server addresses manually.

Windows 11 will ask for a preferred DNS server and an alternate DNS server. The preferred server is the one Windows tries first; the alternate is a backup if the first one does not respond. Common public DNS servers include Google's 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Type each address into the correct field, then click Save.

After you save, Windows applies the change when ready. You do not need to restart your computer. To verify the change worked, open Command Prompt and type nslookup google.com — the output will show which DNS server answered your query.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection, and click "DNS server settings" to change DNS manually.
  • Turn off "Automatic (DHCP)" and enter a preferred DNS server address and an alternate address in the fields provided.
  • Common public DNS servers are Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  • Changes take effect when ready without restarting, and you can verify the change by running nslookup in Command Prompt.
  • If you want to revert to automatic DNS, toggle "Automatic (DHCP)" back on in the same DNS settings screen.

Change DNS Through Advanced Network Settings

If you need more control over your DNS configuration, you can access advanced network settings through the Control Panel. Right-click the Start menu, select "Network connections," then right-click your active connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and choose "Properties." Click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and then the Properties button to open the detailed settings window.

In the IPv4 Properties window, select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter your preferred and alternate DNS servers. This method gives you the same result as the Settings app but offers a more detailed view of your network configuration. Some users prefer this route because it shows all TCP/IP settings in one place.

Click OK to save your changes. Windows applies the new DNS servers to your connection when ready. If you ever want to return to automatic DNS assignment, select "Obtain DNS server address automatically" in this same window.

Change DNS for a Specific Wi-Fi Network

Windows 11 lets you set different DNS servers for different Wi-Fi networks. This is useful if you use multiple networks — for example, one at home and one at work — and want different DNS settings for each. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi, and select "Manage known networks."

Find the network you want to modify and click it. Scroll down to "DNS server settings" and toggle "Automatic (DHCP)" off. Enter your preferred and alternate DNS servers for that specific network only. Other networks will keep their previous DNS settings or continue using automatic assignment.

Change DNS Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can change DNS servers from Command Prompt using the netsh command. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click the Start menu and select "Terminal (Admin)"), then type the following command to set a preferred DNS server:

netsh interface ipv4 set dnsservers name="Ethernet" static 8.8.8.8 primary

Replace "Ethernet" with your connection name if it is different, and replace 8.8.8.8 with your preferred DNS server address. To add an alternate DNS server, use:

netsh interface ipv4 add dnsservers name="Ethernet" 8.8.4.4 index=2

To revert to automatic DNS assignment, type:

netsh interface ipv4 set dnsservers name="Ethernet" dhcp

Command Prompt applies changes when ready. This method is faster if you change DNS settings frequently or manage multiple computers.

Verify Your DNS Change Worked

After changing your DNS server, confirm the change took effect by opening Command Prompt and typing nslookup google.com. The output will display which DNS server answered the query. If it shows your new DNS server address, the change is working correctly.

You can also use the command ipconfig /all to see all your network settings, including the DNS servers currently assigned to each connection. Look for the line labeled "DNS Servers" — it should show the addresses you just entered.

If the DNS server does not appear to have changed, wait a few seconds and try the nslookup command again. Occasionally Windows caches the old DNS information briefly. If the old DNS server still appears after a minute, restart your browser or restart your computer to clear the cache.

Common Reasons to Change DNS

People change DNS servers for several reasons. Some switch to a public DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare because they are faster or more reliable than their internet service provider's DNS. Others change DNS to block ads or malware — services like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families filter harmful content at the DNS level.

Some users change DNS to access content that is restricted in their region, though this depends on the DNS provider's policies. Others change DNS when troubleshooting network problems — if websites are slow or unreachable, switching to a different DNS server can sometimes resolve the issue.

If you are unsure which DNS server to use, start with Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Both are free, widely used, and reliable. You can always change back to automatic DNS if you are not satisfied with the results.

Revert to Automatic DNS

If you want to return to automatic DNS assignment, the process is straightforward. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection, and click "DNS server settings." Toggle "Automatic (DHCP)" back on. Windows will stop using your manual DNS entries and will request DNS server addresses from your internet service provider automatically.

Alternatively, open Command Prompt as Administrator and type netsh interface ipv4 set dnsservers name="Ethernet" dhcp to revert via command line. Replace "Ethernet" with your connection name if needed. The change takes effect when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS servers affect my internet speed?

It may, depending on which DNS server you choose. Some public DNS providers are faster than your internet service provider's servers, while others are slower. The difference is usually small — a few milliseconds. If you notice your internet feels slower after changing DNS, switch back to automatic or try a different public DNS provider.

Can I use different DNS servers for IPv6?

Yes. In the DNS server settings screen, you will see separate fields for IPv6 DNS servers if your connection supports IPv6. Enter your preferred IPv6 DNS addresses there. Many public DNS providers offer both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses — check their website to find the correct IPv6 addresses to use.

What happens if my preferred DNS server goes down?

Windows will automatically fall back to your alternate DNS server. That is why entering both a preferred and alternate address is important — it ensures you stay connected even if one server is temporarily unavailable. If both servers are down, Windows will not be able to resolve domain names until one comes back online.

Do I need to change DNS on every device?

No. DNS changes explore only to the device you change them on. If you want the same DNS settings across multiple computers, phones, or tablets, you will need to change DNS on each device individually. Alternatively, you can change DNS settings on your router, which will explore to all devices connected to that router.

Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

Yes. Google, Cloudflare, and other major public DNS providers are safe and widely used. They do not store your browsing history or sell your data. However, your internet service provider can still see which websites you visit through other means, so changing DNS alone does not provide privacy protection.