Every time you type a website address, your device asks a DNS server to look up the corresponding IP address before loading the page. Your ISP assigns a DNS server by default, but their servers can be slow or occasionally go down. Switching to a well-maintained public DNS server is free, takes about two minutes, and can noticeably improve browsing responsiveness.

Common Public DNS Options

  • Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Often the fastest globally. Primary: 1.1.1.1 / Secondary: 1.0.0.1.
  • Google (8.8.8.8): Very reliable and widely used. Primary: 8.8.8.8 / Secondary: 8.8.4.4.

Change DNS in Windows 10 or 11

  1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window.
  2. Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Properties.
  3. Scroll down in the list and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  5. In the Preferred DNS server box, type 1.1.1.1.
  6. In the Alternate DNS server box, type 1.0.0.1 (or use 8.8.8.8 if you prefer Google).
  7. Click OK twice.

Change DNS in Windows 11 via Settings

  1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
  2. Click your connection, then scroll to DNS server assignment and click Edit.
  3. Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
  4. Turn on IPv4, enter 1.1.1.1 as the preferred DNS and 1.0.0.1 as the alternate.
  5. Click Save.

Change DNS on Your Router (Recommended)

Changing DNS on the router applies the new servers to every device on your network automatically. Log into your router admin page, go to the DHCP or Internet settings section, and look for Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields. Enter the same values and save.

Verify the Change Worked

Open Command Prompt and type nslookup example.com. The output should show your new DNS server address (1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) in the “Server” line. If you run into trouble, ask us.