Checking DNS Settings in Windows 11: What Real Users Say
Figuring out how to check your DNS settings in Windows 11 might seem a bit tricky at first, but honestly, it’s straightforward. Once you know where to look, it’s all smooth sailing. Usually, you’ll want to do this if your internet’s feeling sluggish or you’re chasing faster browsing speeds. Just knowing how to find and tweak these settings can save you plenty of headaches later on.
Getting to Your DNS Settings
First things first, you’ll need to open Windows Settings. Click on that stylish Start button (the one that looks modern) and select “Settings” — or just press Windows + I for a quick shortcut. Once in Settings, head over to Network & Internet. That’s where all the networking magic happens. Here, you can see which DNS your system is using—pretty handy for troubleshooting or speed improvements. For those comfortable with more advanced options, you can also access DNS settings through the Control Panel or PowerShell.
Open Settings
Start by clicking the Start menu and hitting the gear icon for Settings, or press Windows + I. This opens the gateway to adjusting all sorts of configurations on your PC.
Navigate to Network & Internet
Within Settings, find Network & Internet on the sidebar and select it. This is where you’ll get details about your current connection. If you’re in a rush, right-click the network icon in the taskbar and choose Open Network & Internet settings instead.
Access Network Connection Properties
Under the ‘Status’ tab, click on your active connection—whether Wi-Fi or Ethernet—and then select Properties. Alternatively, you can open the Network Connections panel via Control Panel (Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center), right-click your connection’s adapter, and select Properties. Scroll until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or IPv6. That’s where your DNS info lives.
Check Your DNS Settings
In the adapter’s properties, click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties. Here, you’ll see whether your computer is set to Obtain DNS server address automatically or if you’ve specified custom DNS addresses. To change this, select Use the following DNS server addresses. For reference, Google’s DNS is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, while Cloudflare’s is 1.1.1.1. Remember, what works for one setup might not suit another!
Adjust DNS Settings
If you want to switch to a different DNS for better speed or reliability, choose Use the following DNS server addresses and input your preferred ones. Be sure to click OK to save your changes. Tech-savvy users can also use PowerShell for quick adjustments—though it takes a bit of getting used to.
PowerShell tip: Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
Get-DnsClientServerAddressThis command lists all DNS servers assigned to your network adapters. To set a custom DNS, use:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4")Replace Wi-Fi with your connection’s actual name, or use Ethernet if that’s your setup.
Tips for Managing DNS on Windows 11
Before making changes, ensure you’re connected online. A quick way to see your current DNS info is to run ipconfig /all in PowerShell or Command Prompt—it’ll list all network details including DNS addresses. When setting DNS manually, Google and Cloudflare are reliable picks for fast and stable browsing.
For a quick look at your network configuration, try running netsh interface ip show config—it shows detailed details about your network adapters and DNS settings.
If you’re on a work or school network, it’s best to check with IT before making any adjustments. You don’t want to run afoul of network policies!
FAQs About DNS in Windows 11
What exactly is DNS?
DNS, or Domain Name System, is like the internet’s phone book. It converts easy-to-remember domain names, like example.com, into IP addresses that computers use to find each other. Without DNS, you’d have to memorise dozens of strings of numbers instead of just typing in a web address.
Why should I bother configuring my DNS?
Checking or changing your DNS can help resolve slowdowns or weird behaviour on certain websites. Switching to a faster DNS might make your browsing quicker, and some options can even help you steer clear of dodgy or malicious sites.
Can I revert DNS changes if something goes wrong?
Definitely. If your DNS tweaks cause issues, just switch back to Obtain DNS server address automatically. If you noted your previous settings, just pop those back in. Alternatively, you can reset to defaults using PowerShell with:
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ResetServerAddressesWill changing DNS speed up my internet?
Most of the time, yes. A faster DNS response can reduce webpage load times, especially during peak traffic. Keep in mind, actual results depend on your location and the DNS provider you choose.
Do I need admin rights to change DNS settings?
Usually, yes. Modifying DNS settings typically requires administrator privileges. Make sure to run PowerShell or other tools as an admin when making these changes.
Key Steps Recap
- Open Settings via the Start menu (Windows + I).
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Select your active connection and click on Properties.
- Find your DNS configuration details.
- If needed, click Edit or use PowerShell for faster setup.
Understanding how to check and modify your DNS settings can make a noticeable difference in your internet experience. It’s not just about faster loading times — it’s about smoother browsing and fewer frustrations. With a few simple tweaks, you’ll be surprised how much better your online life can get. If this helps even one connection run more smoothly, it’s worth the effort!
One final tip: keeping an eye on these settings gives you greater control over your internet, saving you time and hassle in the long run. Spend a couple of minutes here now, and you’ll thank yourself later!