How To Modify DNS Settings on Windows 11 for Better Connectivity

Switching your DNS server on Windows 11 might sound like a small tweak, but it can actually make a noticeable difference in your internet experience. Whether you’re tired of slow page loads, want better security, or just curious if a different DNS provider could improve things, this process is pretty straightforward. Sometimes, just changing the DNS to a faster or more privacy-oriented server can smooth out your browsing — or at least give that impression. Plus, it’s good to know how to tweak these settings in case the default ones start acting flaky. So, here’s a kind of informal walk-through that gets you there, with a few tips tucked in along the way. Because Windows really makes it harder than necessary sometimes, not sure why, but we get there eventually. Once done, your PC will be querying the new DNS addresses when looking up websites, which can lead to faster, more secure connections. Just a heads up — on some setups, a reboot might be needed for stuff to kick in properly. Expect a more tuned-in internet connection, or at least a tiny bit of peace of mind knowing your DNS might be less prone to hijacking or something. Usually, it’s worth trying a couple of well-known public DNS servers like Google or Cloudflare first. Anyway, here’s the rundown.

How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11

Method 1: Manually set DNS through Settings menu

This is the most common way that works reliably most of the time. It applies when you’re trying to steer clear of the default DNS assigned by your ISP, which might be slow or just not private enough. You’ll be editing the network interface directly, so expect it to take a few clicks. The key idea here is that customizing DNS can reduce latency or block some shady sites, assuming you pick a good DNS provider. If you notice internet issues after switching, it’s easy to revert back to automatic. Just keep in mind that sometimes, Windows needs a restart or network reset to fully apply the new settings.

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet

Click the Start menu, then hit the gear icon for Settings. Or press Windows + I without fussing too much.
In the Settings window, choose Network & Internet from the sidebar. This is where most network configuration happens.

Select Your Connection – Wi-Fi or Ethernet

Click on either Wi-Fi if you’re wireless, or Ethernet if you’re on a wired connection. Make sure you pick the correct one, or nothing will change!

Access Hardware Properties

Scroll down to find Hardware Properties under your network connection. Click it, because that’s where the magic lives.

Change DNS Settings

Scroll to DNS server assignment and click on Edit. This will bring up a small window to input your DNS, so be ready.
Switch the toggle from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
Turn on IPv4 or IPv6 depending on what you want to change. Usually, you’re sticking with IPv4 first, but if your network supports IPv6, you might as well add those addresses too for completeness.
Input your preferred DNS addresses in the provided fields:

Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Or try OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

After inputting the DNS addresses, hit Save. If things go sideways afterwards, just revert to automatic or try different DNS addresses. Sometimes, the new DNS is a bit finicky on first try, or Windows needs a reboot to recognize it. You might also need to flush your DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt) if changes don’t seem to take effect immediately.

Test Your Connection and Reboot if Needed

After switching, test out a few sites to see if things feel snappier or more stable. Sometimes, you’ll notice an instant boost — other times, not so much. If it’s slow or flaky, a reboot or network reset can help. For a reset, go to Network & Internet, scroll down to Advanced network settings, and choose Network Reset. Expect to reconnect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet after that.

Option 2: Use Command Line for Faster Setup

If you like command lines, you can also set DNS via PowerShell or Command Prompt, which is quick but requires some familiarity. Here’s how: open PowerShell as administrator and run:

Netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Ethernet" static 8.8.8.8 primary

Replace "Ethernet" with your actual connection name, which you can find by typing Get-NetAdapter. Use the same for IPv6 if needed with:

Netsh interface ipv6 set dns name="Ethernet" static 2001:4860:4860::8888

This pretty much does the same thing but from the command line, and on some setups, it works faster doing it this way. Just gotta know your network adapter’s name, which can sometimes be a little hidden if you’ve renamed it or have multiple connections.

Tips for Choosing the Right DNS in Windows 11

Use trusted providers: Google DNS and Cloudflare are reliable and fast most of the time.
Test the speed: After switching, run an internet speed test or simply refresh your favorite sites to see if it feels snappier.
Backup your original DNS: Write down the default DNS if you ever want to go back quickly. You can just switch back to Automatic.
Mix IPv4 and IPv6: If your network supports IPv6, add those addresses, too. Usually, it’s 2001:4860:4860::8888 for Google or 2606:4700:4700::1111 for Cloudflare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does a DNS server do?

It’s pretty much like an address book for the internet — translating domain names like google.com into IP addresses your computer can understand. Without it, browsing would be a lot more painful.

Why bother changing my DNS — is it worth it?

Mostly, yes. It can improve browsing speed, give you more privacy, or help block certain websites. Plus, some DNS servers are more reliable or less likely to be hijacked by malicious actors.

Can I use any DNS address I want?

As long as it’s a real, reachable DNS server, yes. Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, Quad9 — they’re all options. Just be sure it’s trustworthy and not some shady freebie.

Will switching DNS help with my security?

It can, especially if you pick providers that block malicious sites or offer filtering options. But don’t rely solely on DNS for security — keep your system updated and use good antivirus.

How hard is it to switch back?

Not hard at all. Just go back into the settings, flip it to Automatic and save. Sometimes, a quick reboot or refreshing the DNS cache makes sure everything’s clean.

Summary

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
Choose your network and access Hardware Properties.
Change the DNS to a preferred address — like 8.8.8.8 for Google.
Test and see if things are running smoother.

Wrap-up

Changing your DNS isn’t some massive overhaul — it’s just a tiny tweak, but one that can be surprisingly effective. Whether you’re trying to speed things up or get a bit more privacy, it doesn’t hurt to give it a shot. Sometimes, switching DNS just makes everything feel snappier, or it might help dodge annoying redirects or blocks. Either way, a quick experiment with DNS settings is worth the effort. Hope this helps — fingers crossed it shaves off a few hours for someone, or at least makes browsing a little less frustrating.