Changing DNS in Windows 11 can help you improve internet speed, security, and privacy. Whether you’re using WiFi, Ethernet, Control Panel, IPv6, or want to switch to a custom DNS like 1.1.1.1, this guide covers all methods in simple steps.

How to change DNS Windows 11 step-by-step guide

You will also learn:

What is DNS?
What is IP Address?
What is Alternate DNS?
Difference between DHCP and Manual IP
All ways to change DNS in Windows 11

🔍 What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) converts domain names like google.com into IP addresses that computers understand.
Without DNS, you would have to type long IP numbers instead of website names.

🔍 What is IP Address?

An IP Address is a unique number assigned to your device when it connects to a network or internet.
Example: 192.168.1.1, 8.8.8.8

It helps identify your device on the internet.

🔍 What is Alternate DNS?

Alternate DNS is a backup DNS server used when the primary DNS fails.
Example:
Primary: 1.1.1.1
Alternate: 1.0.0.1

🔍 Difference Between DHCP and Manual IP

Feature	DHCP	Manual IP
Assignment	Automatically assigns IP	User enters IP manually
Ease of use	Easy	Requires network knowledge
Best for	Home users	Static networks, servers
DNS	Set automatically	User can enter custom DNS

If you want custom DNS for speed or privacy → Manual setup is better.

🟦 How to Change DNS Windows 11

Follow these steps:

Open Settings
Go to Network & Internet
Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Click Hardware properties
Click Edit DNS settings
Switch from Automatic (DHCP) → Manual
Turn on IPv4 / IPv6
Enter your DNS
- For example (Cloudflare):
  - Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
  - Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
Click Save

🟦 How to Change DNS Windows 11 Control Panel

Open Control Panel
Go to Network and Sharing Center
Click Change adapter settings
Right-click Wi-Fi / Ethernet → Properties
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
Click Properties
Check: Use the following DNS server addresses
Enter DNS
Click OK

🟦 How to Change DNS Windows 11 Ethernet

Open Settings
Go to Network & Internet
Click Ethernet
Select DNS server assignment → Edit
Change to Manual
Enter your DNS
Save settings

🟦 How to Change DNS Windows 11 IPv6

If you use IPv6:

Cloudflare IPv6 DNS:

Preferred DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
Alternate DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001

Steps:

Open Settings
Go to Network & Internet
Choose Wi-Fi / Ethernet
Click Hardware properties
Edit DNS Settings → Manual
Enable IPv6
Enter IPv6 DNS
Save

🟦 How to Change DNS Windows 11 WiFi

Open Settings
Network & Internet → Wi-Fi
Select your connected WiFi network
Scroll to DNS Server Assignment
Click Edit
Switch to Manual
Enter DNS
Save

🟦 How to Change DNS Windows 11 1.1.1.1

To use Cloudflare DNS:

Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1

These DNS servers improve:

Speed
Privacy
Security

Follow the same steps mentioned above and enter the Cloudflare DNS.

🔗 Internal Links (as requested)

You may also find these guides helpful:

❓ FAQs – How to Change DNS in Windows 11

1. Does changing DNS improve internet speed?

Yes, DNS like 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 can boost loading speed and reduce lag.

2. Is changing DNS safe?

Yes, using trusted DNS like Cloudflare or Google DNS is safe.

3. Which DNS is best for Windows 11?

Top recommended DNS:

1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) – Fastest
8.8.8.8 (Google) – Reliable
9.9.9.9 (Quad9) – Security focused

4. Can I use custom DNS for WiFi only?

Yes, Windows 11 allows DNS changes separately for WiFi and Ethernet.

5. What happens if DNS fails?

Your internet may stop working until the backup (Alternate DNS) responds.

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⭐ How to Change DNS Windows 11 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)