How to Change DNS Server on Windows 11 (PC & Laptop)

When you subscribe for internet access for home or business, the Internet Service Provider provides all of your network settings. This includes DNS addresses that make it possible to access and browse favorite sites, online services like Google Docs when working from home, downloading files off of platforms like Dropbox.

If you are experiencing slow internet speed or difficulty connecting to websites, it is possible that your DNS server may be the problem. This article will explain how to change your DNS server on Windows 11 and why it’s important and necessary.

What is DNS Server?

A DNS Server is a critical part of the internet. It translates domain names into IP addresses so that you can connect to websites and online content. A bad or down DNS server means your connection will be slow, interrupted, or will not work at all.

There are many ways to find out the problem and solve it, but one of them is by changing your DNS setting. Changing your DNS will help prevent any future problems with slow internet or connections dropping altogether. If you are on Windows 11 and having issues with your internet connection, this article will show you how to change the DNS settings for faster connections.

public dns

PUBLIC DNS RESOLVERS From DNSPERF

How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

First of all, open the Windows Settings app by pressing your keyboard’s Windows + I key at the same time. From the Settings, select “Network & Internet” from the left side.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Now, you need to scroll down to see the “Advanced Network Settings” option, click on it.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

When you are using the Internet over WiFi, click on your WiFi adapter. If you have a LAN connection, choose Ethernet instead. Click the “View Additional Properties” from the expanded view of your network adapter to get more information about its configuration and statistics.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

A new window appears, click the Edit button from DNS Server Assignment.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Now enter your Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS like the image below

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Click on the Save button to save your changes.

How to change DNS server from Control Panel

If you prefer the Control Panel over Settings, this guide is for you!

Step 1: Open Control Panel by entering “control” from the Search on Taskbar.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Step 2: Go to Network and Internet >> Select Network and sharing center.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Step 3: Select Change adapter settings from the left side of window.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Step 4: Click on your Internet connection and select Properties.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Check on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) >> Properties.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Enter your DNS server and click OK to save all settings.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

How to choose the best DNS server

Your DNS server setting is set to Automatic (DHCP) by default. This means that your internet service provider chooses which DNS you use when accessing the Internet. There are many reasons why you should avoid this, you know the way to change the DNS server on Windows 11, but which fastest DNS should you use?

Using The Best Public DNS Benchmark

You may be wondering which DNS server to use, so here is a list of some popular and reliable ones you can choose from.

Public DNS Server Best for DNS 1 DNS 2
Google Public DNS Speed 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS Security 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
Neustar DNS Security 64.6.64.6 64.6.65.6
Quad9 DNS (IPv4) Security 9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112
Cisco Umbrella (IPv4) Security 208.67. 222.222 208.67. 220.220
Cisco Umbrella (IPv6) Security 2620:119:35::35 2620:119:53::53
OpenDNS Security 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220
OpenDNS FamilyShield Content Blocking 208.67.222.123 208.67.220.123

Using Third-Party Software

To find the fastest DNS servers, you can use a third-party app and run it. The speed of your server is dependent on many factors that are relative to where you live and how great your connection currently is. DNS Jumper is a free DNS changing tool that will help you find the fastest DNS server in your area. It’s very easy to use and set up, it’s like speed testing for DNS servers. So give it a try and see if it helps!

Step 1: Download and Install the DNS Jumper 2.0 from Sordum.org

Step 2: Open DNSJumper.exe and click on Fastest DNS.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Check on Enable Turbo Resolve and click Start DNS Test now.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

After the test is complete, you will see a list of all DNS servers that have been tested. The fastest one will be at the top or you can click on the Result 1 or Result 2 to see the best ones.

Step 3: Select Apply DNS Server to save this setting or you do it manually by following the steps above.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

How to show your current DNS server?

If you want to know what DNS server you are using, o pen CMD by typing “cmd” from the Search.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Enter the command to the Command Prompt.

ipconfig /all

Here is my current DNS server.

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

Note:

It is not recommended that you make this change to your PC if you use a computer at work and connect to any corporate or work network. If this happens, your PC will be unable to access valuable information because of the broken connectivity with domain controllers and servers.

Conslusion

dns windows 11 what is

We hope this post was helpful. Leave your comment below and let us know if you have any questions about DNS settings or anything else related to Windows 11!

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Solomen
Solomen

Solomen is the founder of MrHow.io and is at his happiest when he's working with technology and is able to help others. In his free time, he often listens to Baroque music and goes swimming. Feel free to contact him on social media!

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