How to Change DNS Server in Windows 10 and 11
Change your DNS to Cloudflare, Google, or custom servers in Windows using Settings, Control Panel, and PowerShell. Includes DNS benchmark tips and privacy-focused options.
Your ISP's default DNS is often slow and logs your queries. Switching to a faster, more private DNS takes two minutes and can noticeably speed up browsing.
Method 1: Settings (Windows 11)
Win + I → Network & Internet → click your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Hardware properties → DNS server assignment → Edit → change to Manual
Enable IPv4, enter:
- Preferred DNS:
1.1.1.1 - Alternate DNS:
1.0.0.1
Click Save.
Method 2: Control Panel (Windows 10 and 11)
Win + R → ncpa.cpl → right-click your connection → Properties → select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties
Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter your preferred DNS.
Method 3: PowerShell
# Get interface name
Get-NetAdapter | Select-Object Name, Status
# Set DNS (replace "Wi-Fi" with your interface name)
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses ("1.1.1.1", "1.0.0.1")
# Verify
Get-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi"
Popular DNS Options
| Provider | Primary | Secondary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
Fastest, privacy-focused |
8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
Reliable, slightly slower | |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 |
149.112.112.112 |
Blocks malicious domains |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 |
208.67.220.220 |
Parental controls available |
| Cloudflare (no malware) | 1.1.1.2 |
1.0.0.2 |
Blocks malware domains |
Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
Standard DNS is unencrypted — your ISP can see every domain you visit. DNS over HTTPS encrypts these queries.
Windows 11:
Settings → Network & Internet → your connection → Hardware properties → DNS server assignment → Edit → set DNS, then change DNS over HTTPS dropdown to On (automatic template)
Via PowerShell:
# Enable DoH for Cloudflare
Set-DnsClientDohServerAddress -ServerAddress 1.1.1.1 -DohTemplate "https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query" -AllowFallbackToUdp $false -AutoUpgrade $true
Flush DNS Cache After Changing
ipconfig /flushdns
This clears cached DNS entries so all new requests use your new server immediately.
Benchmark Your DNS
Different DNS servers perform differently depending on your location. Use DNS Benchmark (free, from grc.com) or namebench to test which server is fastest from your network.
Generally: Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is fastest for most of Europe and North America. Google (8.8.8.8) is more consistent globally.
Revert to Automatic DNS
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ResetServerAddresses
Or in Settings/Control Panel: set back to Obtain DNS server address automatically.
Summary
Switch to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) for the best combination of speed and privacy. Enable DNS over HTTPS if you're on Windows 11. Flush DNS cache after changing. Run a benchmark if you want to find the fastest server for your specific location.