How to change DNS servers in Windows 11 (Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, etc.).

Would you like Enjoy greater privacy, security, and speed while browsing the internetWho hasn't! Well, a simple and effective way to achieve this is by changing your DNS servers. If you don't know how to do this on your Windows computer, you'll find everything you need below. Let's see how to change DNS servers in Windows 11 and use those offered by Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and others.

What are DNS servers and why change them?

You probably already know that the acronym DNS stands for Domain Name System (Domain Name SystemThis system works like an internet phone book. pairing domain names with IP addressesWhen you type a web address like www.tecnobits.com, the DNS translates that name into an IP address that your computer can understand to connect to the correct server.

Default, Windows 11 uses the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider. (ISPs). The problem with these is that they don't always offer a secure, private, and fast connection. Some are slower than normal; others lack protection against malicious sites, and some even log your web activity. And this is where we need to know how to change DNS servers in Windows 11.

Changing your DNS servers to public ones can greatly improve your browsing experience. For example, some resolve internet queries much more efficiently. speedOthers have access to features such as parental controls or content filteringFurthermore, almost all of them have protección against dangerous sites and protection of personal information.

Changing DNS servers in Windows 11: The best public servers

If you're thinking about changing the DNS servers in Windows 11, you have several options. public alternatives to choose fromBefore we look at how to do it, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the available options and what they offer. These are the best:

• Google DNS:
  • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternative DNS: 8.8.4.4
  • Advantages: Very fast and reliable, with a global infrastructure
• Cloudflare DNS:
  • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
  • Alternative DNS: 1.0.0.1
  • Advantages: Focused on privacy (it promises not to record your data) and considered the fastest in many tests. (See the topic) What is Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS and how can it speed up your internet?).
• OpenDNS (from Cisco):
  • Preferred DNS: 208.67.222.222
  • Alternative DNS: 208.67.220.220
  • Advantages: Excellent for its filtering options and free parental controls. (See the topic) OpenDNS: What it is, how it works and benefits of using this DNS service).
• Quad9:
  • Preferred DNS: 9.9.9.9
  • Alternative DNS: 149.112.112.112
  • Advantages: Robust focus on security, automatically blocking known malicious websites.

Depending on your needs and priorities, you can change the DNS servers in Windows 11 to one of these alternatives. They are all free and safeSome stand out for their speed, customization, and security. So how do you make the switch on a Windows computer? The process is simple and doesn't require advanced knowledge, so you can do it without any problems. Let's see how.

How to change DNS servers in Windows 11: Step by step

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to change DNS servers in Windows 11. We'll see two ways to do it: from Network Settings and from the Control PanelNext, you'll learn a simple trick to check that the applied server is working correctly.

From the Network Settings

Changing DNS servers in Windows 11 from Network Settings is the recommended method. Start by going to Settings from the Start button or by pressing the Windows key + I. Then, in the left-hand menu, select Network and InternetOnce there, click on Ethernet if you are connected by cable, and Wi-Fi if you are using a wireless connection.

Now it's time to edit the properties of the network you're using. To do this, click on the name of your active network and scroll down until you find the option DNS server mappingOn the right, you'll see the button. To edit. Click on it and a window will appear titled Edit Network DNS Settings. Expand the tab and change Automatic to Manual.

Next, you'll see the switches for IPv4 and IPv6. For most users, configuring IPv4 is sufficient, but you can configure both. flip the switches and the fields for preferred DNS and alternate DNS will be displayed. Enter the addresses you have chosenFor example, for OpenDNS:

• Preferred DNS: 208.67.222.222
• Alternative DNS: 208.67.220.220

Once you have entered the addresses, simply click on Save And that's it. The changes will be applied automatically. Another way to change DNS servers in Windows 11 is by using the Control Panel. Let's see how.

From the Control Panel

You can also change the DNS server address from the Windows 11 Control Panel. The process is simple; Be careful to follow the steps exactly as described. below:

1. Write Control panel in the Windows search engine and open it.
2. Go to Center network and sharing.
3. Click on Change adapter settings.
4. Now, right-click on your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties
5. In the following list, choose Internet Protocol version 4 (TPC/IPv4) and click Properties
6. Now check the box Use the following DNS server addresses.
7. Enter the desired DNS in the corresponding field.
8. Finally, click on Accept and then Close. Done.

How to verify that the DNS is working

As you can see, changing DNS servers in Windows 11 is easy. But, How can we tell if the change was effective? To verify that the chosen DNS servers are working correctly, follow these steps:

1. Open the Symbol of the system or Windows PowerShell (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Write the command ipconfig / all and hit Enter.
3. Now look for the section corresponding to your network adapter (WiFi or Ethernet).
4. Find the line that says DNS serversThe IP addresses you just configured should appear.

In conclusion, we have seen Two effective ways to change DNS servers in Windows 11And here's a simple trick to check that the change is working. Don't hesitate to switch servers if you have a slow connection or feel you need to improve your privacy and security. It's a simple process, but it can significantly improve your browsing experience.