How to Change Your DNS Server in Windows 11

Change DNS in Windows 11 through Settings

The fastest way to change your DNS server in Windows 11 is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Click on the network you are connected to, scroll down to DNS server assignment, and select Edit. Choose Manual, turn on IPv4, and enter your new DNS server addresses in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS fields. Click Save when you are done.

This method works for both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. If you want to use multiple DNS servers for backup, enter your primary server in the Preferred DNS field and a secondary server in the Alternate DNS field. Windows will try the preferred server first, then fall back to the alternate if the first one does not respond.

Key Takeaways

You can change DNS through Settings by navigating to Network & Internet, selecting your connection, and editing DNS server assignment to Manual.
The Settings method is the simplest for most users and takes about two minutes from start to finish.
Command Prompt and PowerShell offer faster DNS changes if you switch servers frequently or manage multiple devices.
DNS changes take effect when ready on Windows 11 and do not require a restart.
You can revert to automatic DNS assignment at any time by selecting Automatic in the same Settings menu.

Change DNS using Command Prompt

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt as Administrator and use the netsh command to change DNS. Type netsh interface ipv4 show config to see your current network adapters and their names. Then type netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Your Adapter Name" static 8.8.8.8, replacing "Your Adapter Name" with the actual name of your adapter and 8.8.8.8 with your chosen DNS server address.

To add a secondary DNS server, use netsh interface ipv4 add dnsservers name="Your Adapter Name" 8.8.4.4 index=2. The index number tells Windows the order in which to try the servers. This method is faster than the Settings app if you change DNS regularly or manage multiple computers.

Change DNS using PowerShell

PowerShell offers another command-line route. Right-click PowerShell and select Run as Administrator. Type Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4"), replacing "Ethernet" with your adapter name and the IP addresses with your chosen servers. You can find your adapter name by typing Get-NetAdapter first.

PowerShell syntax is more readable than netsh if you are comfortable with scripting. Both methods take effect when ready without requiring a restart. If you need to revert to automatic DNS, use Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ResetServerAddresses instead.

Find Your Network Adapter Name

Both Command Prompt and PowerShell require you to know your adapter name. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /all and look for the line that says "Description" — this is your adapter name. Common names are Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Local Area Connection, but yours may be different if you have multiple adapters or custom hardware.

In PowerShell, type Get-NetAdapter to see a list of all adapters with their names and status. The adapter you are currently using will show Status as "Up". Write down the exact name from the InterfaceAlias column before you run the DNS change command.

Verify Your DNS Change Worked

After changing your DNS server, confirm the change took effect. Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /all to see your current DNS servers listed under your adapter. The servers shown should match the ones you just entered. You can also visit a DNS checker website like DNS Checker or What Is My DNS to see which servers your computer is using.

If the old DNS servers still appear, restart your computer or wait a few minutes for the change to propagate. Some applications cache DNS results, so you may need to clear your browser cache or restart your browser to see the effect of the change.

Revert to Automatic DNS Assignment

To switch back to automatic DNS, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select your connection, and click Edit next to DNS server assignment. Choose Automatic and click Save. In Command Prompt, type netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Your Adapter Name" dhcp to return to automatic assignment. In PowerShell, use Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ResetServerAddresses.

Automatic DNS means your internet service provider or router assigns your DNS servers for you. This is the default setting on most Windows 11 installations. Reverting is when ready and does not require a restart.

Common DNS Servers to Use

Popular public DNS servers include Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112). Each offers different features — Google is the most widely used, Cloudflare emphasizes speed, and Quad9 blocks malicious sites. Your internet service provider's DNS servers are usually listed on your bill or account page.

Test a new DNS server for a few days before deciding to keep it. Some servers are faster in certain regions, and performance varies depending on your location and internet connection. If you experience slow browsing or websites not loading after a change, revert to automatic DNS or try a different server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart Windows 11 after changing DNS?

No. DNS changes take effect when ready in Windows 11. However, some applications cache DNS results, so you may need to restart your browser or clear its cache to see the effect right away.

Can I set different DNS servers for different networks?

Yes. Each network connection (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VPN) can have its own DNS servers. Change DNS through Settings for each network separately, or use Command Prompt with the specific adapter name for each connection.

What happens if my primary DNS server goes down?

Windows automatically tries your alternate DNS server. If both are unreachable, your computer cannot resolve domain names and you will not be able to browse the web. This is why setting a secondary DNS server is useful.

Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?

DNS speed can affect how quickly websites load initially, but the difference is usually small — under 100 milliseconds. If you notice slower browsing after a DNS change, try a different server or revert to automatic DNS.

Can I change DNS for just one process instead of the whole system?

Most applications use your system DNS settings. Some applications like browsers or VPN clients have their own DNS settings, but changing system DNS affects all applications that do not override it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.