How to Change DNS Servers in Windows 10 and 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that converts user-friendly website names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use for communication. By default, Windows uses the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP), but they are not always optimal. Switching to public DNS servers, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, can significantly speed up webpage loading, improve security (by blocking phishing and malicious sites), and bypass certain geographic restrictions. In this guide, you will learn how to change DNS settings in Windows 10 and 11 using two methods: through the classic Control Panel and through the modern Settings app.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• Administrator privileges on your computer, as changing network settings requires elevated permissions.
• An active internet connection to verify functionality after configuration.
• DNS addresses you want to use. Here are popular options:
  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (preferred) and 8.8.4.4 (alternate)
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
  • Or your ISP's DNS addresses (check with them).
• Access to Control Panel or the Settings app in Windows.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Through Control Panel (Universal Method)

This method works on all versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, and is suitable if you prefer the classic interface.

Step 1: Open the "Network Connections" window

Press the Win + R key combination, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. Alternatively, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.

Step 2: Select the network adapter

In the opened "Network Connections" window, you will see a list of active and inactive connections. For a wired internet connection, select Local Area Connection (Ethernet); for Wi-Fi, select Wireless Network Connection (Wi-Fi). Right-click the desired connection and select Properties.

Step 3: Configure DNS servers for IPv4

In the adapter properties window, under "This connection uses the following items", find and highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.

In the new window:

• If the "Obtain DNS server address automatically" option is selected, switch to "Use the following DNS server addresses".
• In the "Preferred DNS server" field, enter the primary DNS address (e.g., 8.8.8.8).
• In the "Alternate DNS server" field, enter the secondary address (e.g., 8.8.4.4).
• Click OK to close the IPv4 properties window.

Step 4: Apply the changes

Click OK in the adapter properties window, then close the "Network Connections" window. To apply changes immediately, disable and re-enable the network adapter: right-click the adapter in the "Network Connections" window and select Disable, wait a few seconds, then Enable. If that doesn't work, restart your computer.

Method 2: Through the Settings App (Windows 10 and 11)

This method uses the modern Windows 10 and 11 interface and is more convenient for everyday use.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Press Win + I or open the Start menu and select the gear icon Settings. In the opened window, go to the Network & Internet section.

Step 2: Select the connection type

In the left menu, select Ethernet for a wired connection or Wi-Fi for wireless. Then, on the right, click the name of the active connection (e.g., "Ethernet" or your Wi-Fi network name).

Step 3: Change DNS settings

In the connection properties window, scroll down to the "IP assignment" section and click the "Edit" button under "DNS server assignment".

In the dialog that appears:

• From the dropdown list, select Manual.
• Toggle the IPv4 switch to On (if it is off).
• In the "Preferred DNS" field, enter the primary DNS address (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
• In the "Alternate DNS" field, enter the secondary address (e.g., 1.0.0.1).
• Click the Save button.

Step 4: Restart the network adapter

Changes usually apply instantly, but for reliability, you can disable and re-enable the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. For Wi-Fi: click the network icon in the system tray, select your network, and click "Disconnect", then reconnect. For Ethernet: temporarily unplug the cable or use the command netsh interface set interface "Ethernet" admin=disable in an administrative Command Prompt, then admin=enable.

Verifying the Result

After configuring DNS, ensure your computer is using the servers you specified.

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell (Win + R, type cmd or powershell, press Enter).
2. Enter the command:

   ipconfig /all
   

3. Find your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) in the output and check the "DNS Servers" line. It should display the addresses you entered (e.g., 8.8.8.8).

You can also test DNS functionality by opening several websites. For a more thorough check, use online tools:

• DNS Leak Test — shows which DNS servers are visible from your network.
• Google DNS Test — checks Google DNS response speed.

If websites load faster and you see no "Server not found" errors, the configuration was successful.

Potential Issues

Internet Stopped Working After Changing DNS

⚠️ Important: Don't panic—you can easily revert to automatic settings.

• Cause: Incorrect DNS addresses were entered or the DNS server is temporarily unavailable.
• Solution:
  1. Return to the IPv4 properties (as described in Step 3) and select "Obtain DNS server address automatically".
  2. Click OK and restart the network adapter or computer.
  3. If the problem persists, verify you entered the addresses correctly (no spaces, with dots). Try other public DNS servers, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

Access Error When Opening Adapter Properties

⚠️ Administrator privileges are required.

• Cause: You are logged in with a standard user account without administrator rights.
• Solution:
  • Close the current window and open Control Panel or Settings as an administrator: press Win + R, type control or ms-settings:network, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  • Or log in with an account that has administrator privileges.

DNS Queries Still Using Old Servers

• Cause: The DNS cache on your computer or router stores old records.
• Solution:
  1. Clear the local DNS cache: in an administrative Command Prompt, run:

     ipconfig /flushdns
     

  2. If DNS is configured in your router settings, access its web interface (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), change the DNS there, and reboot the router.
  3. Wait a few minutes and check again with ipconfig /all.

How to Choose DNS for Maximum Speed?

💡 Tip: DNS speed depends on your geographic location and server status. Test several public DNS servers using utilities like namebench or online tests to find the fastest option for you. Cloudflare and Google are generally good starting points.