How to Change DNS Server On Windows 11/10

By default, your Internet Service Provider or ISP provides you with the required network settings, such as DNS and IP addresses. It allows you to visit your favorite websites, use social media applications, banking services to work from home, download files, and more. However, the DNS servers provided by the ISP are slow, reliable, and not very privacy concerned. This post will guide you to change the DNS server in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

For example, when you visit wpxbox.com, the DNS looks up the IP address that has been allocated to it, loads, and displays the site when it has been resolved. That is why in some cases, even if you have a strong internet connection, websites appear to be loading at a slow pace.

Change DNS using Settings
Change DNS using Control Panel

You don’t need admin permission to change this for your account.

1] Change DNS using Settings

Changing DNS on a Windows computer is a straightforward task. However, the option is hard to find. Here’s how you can change DNS using Settings on your Windows 11 computer.

Start by launching the Settings Panel. It can be accomplished by either searching for the same in the Start Search Box or pressing the Win + I keys on the keyboard.
Next, navigate to the Network and Internet section using the left navigation pane.
Here, scroll down and choose Advanced Network Settings.
Now, select the network adapter you’d like to change the DNS settings for. It could either be WiFi, Ethernet, or some other mode of connection.
Upon clicking, this will bring a new dropdown with a View Additional Properties option. Tap on the same.
Now, tap on Edit next to DNS server assignment under the WiFi or Ethernet properties section.
You will now find yourself in the Edit DNS Settings section. Here choose Manual from the dropdown, enter your preferred DNS IP address and alternate DNS address, and tap on Save.

2] Change DNS using Control Panel

There’s an alternative way too. The Control Panel also houses options to change the DNS settings. Here’s how you can do so.

Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Next, tap on Change Adapter Settings, available on the left half of the screen.
Here, select and right-click on the interface that connects your computer to the Internet and choose Properties.
Now, check the checkbox stating Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and tap on Properties.
It will pop open an Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties window. Here you have to select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.
Next, key in your preferred and alternate DNS address and tap on OK.

Make sure to change this for both WiFi and Ethernet, especially if you are using them together.

That said, which ISP are you on? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.

What is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the Internet’s phone book. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are used to communicate between web browsers. DNS converts domain names to IP addresses, allowing browsers to access resources on the Internet.

Is Changing DNS Beneficial?

Yes, changing DNS servers can be beneficial in many ways. For instance, third-party DNS servers can be quicker than an ISP’s default DNS servers. If your Internet service appears unstable, changing your DNS service might be a simple method to determine if that’s the issue. Moreover, some DNS providers offer additional screening to prevent known phishing sites from being accessed.

What Are Some Popular DNS Server Options?

Some of the most popular DNS servers are listed as follows: OpenDNS, Cloudflare, 1.1.1.1 with Warp, and Google Public DNS.