DNS is a crucial aspect when it comes to internet connectivity and access. While most users rely on default DNS servers provided by ISPs, it may not always be the best choice. Slow DNS servers can negatively impact your internet connection, or worse, cause disconnections. It's important to use fast and reliable DNS servers to ensure stable connections. If you're not familiar with what DNS is and how to change DNS on Windows 11, how to switch to another network transmission, Mytour will provide you with all the necessary information right here.
Guide to Changing DNS Address on Windows 11
I. What is DNS and Why Change DNS?
II. How to Change DNS on Windows 11.
1. Changing DNS via Settings on Win 11.
2. Changing DNS from Control Panel on Windows 11.
I - What is DNS and Why Change DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which maps domain names to IP addresses, allowing you to use names for websites such as 'google.com' while all connected computers use IP addresses to locate the website you want to visit using a web browser.
This function of DNS is activated through DNS servers, which are specialized machines that respond to DNS queries. Simply put, you can think of DNS as the phone book of the Internet, helping users remember names instead of complex numbers to access a website on the Internet.
Typically, the default DNS servers provided by ISPs will perform their job well. However, if you encounter errors like DNS server not responding or server DNS could not be found when attempting to connect to the Internet, it's time to switch to a better DNS provider.
There are numerous free, reliable, secure, and publicly available DNS servers provided by some tech giants to assist users in browsing the web safely and securely. Some DNS servers also offer parental control rights for parents to filter out inappropriate content on the devices their children may be using.
Below are some reliable DNS servers:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
II - Changing DNS Settings on Windows 11
1. Changing DNS on Windows 11 via Settings
Step 1: Click on the Windows icon on the Taskbar and select Settings, or press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet in the left panel.
Step 3: Then, click on the Ethernet option in the right panel.
Step 4: Identify the DNS server assignment field and click on the Edit button next to it.
Step 5: In the Edit DNS settings dialog box, click on the dropdown menu and select Manual.
Step 6: Next, toggle on IPv4 by switching the toggle button below to the right. Then, enter the new DNS address into the Preferred DNS field. Now, click on the dropdown menu under the Preferred DNS encryption section and select Encrypted preferred, unencrypted allowed.
Step 7: You can also choose an alternate DNS address in case the primary address encounters issues. To do so, enter the alternate address into the Alternate DNS field. Once you've set everything according to your preferences, click the Save button to save changes and close the window.
2. Changing DNS on Windows 11 from Control Panel
Step 1: Enter the keyword Control Panel in Windows Search and click on the corresponding search result.
Step 2: In the Control Panel window, select Network and Sharing Center.
Step 3: Choose Change adapter settings from the left-hand panel.
Step 4: Right-click on the desired network connection and select Properties from the context menu.
Step 5: From the Properties window, locate and double-click on the option Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP4).
Step 6: In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP) Properties window, click on the option Use the following DNS server addresses. Then, enter the desired DNS addresses in the Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server fields below. Finally, click OK to save changes.
The article has shared with you some essential information about DNS, some reliable DNS servers, and how to change DNS on Windows 11. Simply follow one of the two methods shared in the article, and you will switch to faster and more reliable DNS servers. Additionally, you can also set up a static IP on Windows 11 to facilitate easier file sharing in LAN networks.
- Read more: Setting up a Static IP on Windows 11
Moreover, you can adjust the screen lock timeout on Win 11 to better suit your preferences.
- Learn more: How to change screen lock timeout in Windows 11