Change Your DNS In Windows 10/11

This guide explains how to change the DNS (Domain Name System) servers on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. Changing DNS can help with slow browsing, DNS errors, or reliability issues.

Step 1: Open Network Settings

1. Right-click the Network icon in the taskbar (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet symbol).
2. Click Open Network & Internet settings.
3. In Windows 10, click Change adapter options.
   In Windows 11, click Advanced network settings, then More network adapter options.

Step 2: Open Adapter Properties

1. In the Network Connections window, find your active connection:
   • Wi‑Fi if you are using wireless
   • Ethernet if you are using a cable
2. Right-click the active connection and click Properties.

Step 3: Edit IPv4 DNS Settings

1. In the list, find and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
2. Click Properties.
3. In the new window, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
4. Enter the DNS addresses you want to use. Examples:
   • Cloudflare DNS:
     Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
     Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
   • Google DNS:
     Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
     Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK to save your changes.

Step 4: (Optional) Edit IPv6 DNS Settings

1. Back in the adapter properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
2. Click Properties.
3. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
4. Enter the IPv6 DNS addresses if needed (optional for most users).
5. Click OK.

Step 5: Restart the Connection

1. Click Close on the adapter properties window.
2. You can disable and re-enable the adapter, or simply restart your PC to ensure the new DNS settings are applied.

How to Revert to Automatic DNS

1. Repeat the steps to open the IPv4 (and IPv6) properties.
2. Select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
3. Click OK and close all windows.

Changing DNS can improve reliability and sometimes speed, especially if your default DNS is slow or unreliable.