Changing Your DNS Server in Windows 11: A Practical Walkthrough
If your internet’s feeling slower than a snail on a summer day — yep, it happens — switching your DNS server might help speed things up a tad and could even boost your online security. It’s not complicated, but it does mean digging into a few settings. You’ll be flipping switches and typing in some numbers. Before you know it, you’ll be browsing faster than ever.
First Up: Open Your Settings
Start by clicking on the Start menu and opening the Settings app. The quickest shortcut? Press Windows + I together. This takes you straight into a hub packed with options to fine-tune your system. Trust me, there’s a lot to explore there.
Find Your Network Connection
Within Settings, go to “Network & Internet”. This is basically where all your connection stuff lives. Find your current network — usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet — and click on its name or select “Properties”. If you don’t see it immediately, just keep scrolling — it’s around.
Time to Tweak Those DNS Settings
In the connection’s properties, scroll down to “IP assignment”. You’ll see an “Edit” button waiting to be clicked. Hit that to change how your device gets its IP and DNS information.
Enter Your New DNS Addresses
Switch the setting from “Automatic (DHCP)” to “Manual”. You’ll then see options for IPv4 and IPv6 — most of us go with IPv4. Type in your chosen DNS addresses. For example, Google’s public DNS can be 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or you might try Cloudflare with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Once done, hit “Save”. Who would’ve thought a few numbers could make such a difference?
Helpful Tips for Changing DNS
It’s a good idea to jot down your current DNS settings before making changes — just in case things don’t go to plan. You can do this by opening Command Prompt and typing:
ipconfig /all
This command displays all your network details, including the DNS servers you’re currently using.
Public DNS providers like Google and Cloudflare are reliable for both speed and security. If you’re a bit wary about switching, run a tool like Namebench to check if your new DNS will actually give you a speed boost. A quick reboot or toggling your network connection off and on again can also help the new settings stick.
Common Questions About Changing DNS, Answered
What’s the deal with DNS servers anyway?
Think of a DNS server as your internet’s phone book: it translates website names into IP addresses that computers can understand. Without it, you’d be stuck memorising strings of numbers for all your favourite sites — no thank you!
Why bother changing my DNS server?
Swapping your DNS can help your pages load faster, reduce lag, and even make you safer online by preventing certain cyber threats. Many users notice their browsing feels a lot snappier after doing this.
Can messing with DNS settings break my internet?
It can, if you enter the wrong info. If everything goes haywire, just switch back to “Automatic (DHCP)” or undo the changes you made (if you noted the old settings). Easy fix, mate.
Should I restart my computer after changing DNS?
Windows might pick up the new DNS immediately, but a quick restart or flicking your network adaptor off and on again is a good way to make sure it all works smoothly. Nobody wants connection issues!
Are public DNS servers safe?
Absolutely. Trusted providers like Google and Cloudflare are known for their security and often offer better speeds than your ISP’s default. Plus, they come with privacy features to keep your data safer.
Alternative: Set DNS via Command Line
If you’re comfortable with a bit of tech, you can also set your DNS using PowerShell. Here’s how:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4")
Replace “Wi-Fi” with your actual connection’s name — you can find this using Get-NetAdapter. Sure, it’s a bit nerdy, but it works a treat!
Adjusting your DNS settings might seem minor, but it can lead to noticeable improvements in speed and security. This simple change could reduce buffering, speed up your browsing, and make life a bit easier online. Keep experimenting and stay curious about your network — it’s worth it. Cheers to better browsing!
Checklist:
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Network & Internet
- Select your connection and go to Properties
- Change IP assignment to Manual
- Enter DNS addresses and save
And remember — if it helps load a slow website faster, it’s worth giving it a go. Happy tinkering!