How to change your DNS server on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Why this happens

Your router normally hands out your ISP’s DNS servers. Public resolvers such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8) and Quad9 (9.9.9.9) are often more reliable, and Windows 11 can encrypt lookups to them.

Changing DNS on the PC affects only that PC; changing it in the router affects every device on the network.

What you'll see

• Frequent DNS_PROBE or NAME_NOT_RESOLVED errors.
• “DNS server isn't responding” from the troubleshooter.
• You want faster or more private name lookups.

Common causes

• Unreliable ISP DNS servers.
• Router DNS proxy problems.

How to fix it

1. Open adapter DNS settingsSettings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → click your network's properties (for Ethernet: Ethernet → your connection) → next to DNS server assignment click Edit.
2. Set manual DNSChoose Manual, turn on IPv4, enter Preferred 1.1.1.1 and Alternate 1.0.0.1 (or Google's 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4).
3. Enable encryption (optional)Set DNS over HTTPS to On (automatic template) for supported providers.
4. IPv6 (optional)Turn on IPv6 and use 2606:4700:4700::1111 / 2606:4700:4700::1001 (Cloudflare) or 2001:4860:4860::8888 / ::8844 (Google).
5. Windows 10 / Control Panel methodncpa.cpl → right-click adapter → Properties → IPv4 → Use the following DNS server addresses.
6. Flush DNSRun ipconfig /flushdns afterwards.

Command

netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 1.1.1.1
netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" 1.0.0.1 index=2
ipconfig /flushdns

Elevated Command Prompt. Replace "Wi-Fi" with your adapter name from ncpa.cpl (e.g. "Ethernet"). To go back: netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" dhcp

Stop it happening again

Write down your previous settings, and switch back to automatic (DHCP) if you move the laptop to networks that require their own DNS.