How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dev, as an internet user, you must know the importance of a good DNS server. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating domain names like google.com into IP addresses that computers can understand. However, sometimes DNS servers can be slow or unreliable, causing slow internet speeds or even browsing issues. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to change DNS server in Windows 11.

Why Change DNS Server?

Before we go into the actual steps, let’s discuss the reasons why you might want to change your DNS server:

• Speed up your internet connection
• Improve your online security and privacy
• Bypass internet censorship and access geo-restricted content
• Resolve browsing issues or DNS errors

How to Change DNS Server in Windows 11

There are different ways to change DNS server in Windows 11, including using the Settings app, Control Panel, or Command Prompt. Here we will show you the easiest and most straightforward method using the Settings app:

Step 1: Open the Settings App

To open the Settings app, click on the Start menu, which is located at the bottom left corner of your screen, and then click on the gear icon. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Win key + I to open the Settings app directly.

Step 2: Go to Network & Internet Settings

Once you are in the Settings app, click on the Network & Internet option. This will take you to the Network & Internet settings page, where you can manage your network settings.

Step 3: Select the Network You Want to Change DNS Server For

If you have multiple networks, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or VPN connections, select the one you want to change the DNS server for. Click on the network name to open its settings.

Step 4: Open Advanced Network Settings

Scroll down the network settings page until you see the “Advanced network settings” option. Click on it to open the advanced network settings page.

Step 5: Set DNS Server to Manual

Under the “IP settings” section, you will see the “Edit” button next to the “DNS server” option. Click on it to open the DNS server settings.

By default, the DNS server is set to “Automatic”. To change it to manual, toggle the switch to the right and enter the DNS server addresses you want to use.

You can use any public DNS servers, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220), or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

Step 6: Save Changes and Test

After you have entered the DNS server addresses, click on the “Save” button to save the changes. Now, you can test if the new DNS server is working by opening a web browser and see if you can access websites normally.

FAQ

1. Can I Use DNS Servers Other Than Public DNS Servers?

Yes, you can use DNS servers provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), or even run your own DNS server if you have the knowledge and resources. The process of changing DNS servers is the same regardless of the type of DNS server you want to use.

2. Can I Use Different DNS Servers for Different Networks?

Yes, you can set different DNS servers for different networks. For example, you can use a different DNS server for your home Wi-Fi network and your office Ethernet network.

3. Do I Need to Restart My Computer After Changing DNS Servers?

No, you don’t need to restart your computer after changing DNS servers. However, you may need to flush the DNS cache to ensure that the new DNS settings take effect immediately. To flush the DNS cache, open the Command Prompt (as an administrator) and type “ipconfig /flushdns”.

Conclusion

Changing DNS server in Windows 11 is a simple process that can help you improve your internet speed, security, and privacy. By following the steps we have outlined in this article, you can easily switch to any DNS servers of your choice. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.