4 Ways to Change DNS Server in Windows 11

In Windows 11, a DNS server is a server that translates domain names into an IP address. In this way, computers (servers) can access the internet with a browser and vice versa.

A DNS server is assigned to the internet settings by default by your internet provider. As soon as you receive an IP address from your internet provider, the DNS server is also set up. The same applies to the internet settings in Windows 11.

If you connect directly to the internet via your Windows 11 computer, you will see the external DNS server addresses in the settings. If you connect via a router, you will see the DNS settings on the router and Windows 11 will receive internal DNS server IP addresses from the router. You can also adjust these internal DNS server IP addresses.

4 Ways to Change DNS Server in Windows 11

Change DNS Server via Command Prompt

The first way is a technical way to change the DNS server address, namely via the Command Prompt.

Open the Command Prompt as administrator.

In the Command Prompt type the command:

ipconfig /all

Then write down the name of the network adapter. In this case “Ethernet”.

Then type the following command to change the DNS server settings. Note this is an example with the interface name “Ethernet” and static DNS IP: 8.8.8.8.

netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet" static 8.8.8.8

To set up an alternative DNS server, change the command with “index2” after it.

netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet" static 8.8.4.4 index=2

Change DNS Server via PowerShell

The second way to change a DNS server in Windows 11 is through PowerShell. This is also quite technical.

Right-click on the Start button. In the menu click on Windows Terminal (administrator) or PowerShell (Admin).

In PowerShell, you must first query the interface index. You can do this by entering the following command:

get-netipconfiguration

Then make a note of the “InterfaceIndex” of the network adapter whose DNS server(s) you want to change.

Then enter the following command to change the DNS Server settings via PowerShell.

Make sure that you adjust the interface index and that you enter both DNS servers, so adjust the command below:

set-dnsclientserveraddress -interfaceindex 15 -serveraddresses 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4.

Change DNS Server via Settings (recommended)

The settings in Windows 11 is where you can most easily adjust the DNS Server settings.

Right-click the Start button and click Settings in the menu. In the settings, click on Network and internet on the left.

Then click on the type of internet connection you are using. This can be “Ethernet” via cable or “Wi-Fi” wireless.

Then click the “Edit” button next to “DNS server assignment” and “IPv4 DNS servers”.

Change the DNS Server settings to Automatic or Manual, depending on your needs.

Enter the preferred and alternative DNS server addresses under “Manual” and click Save.

Change DNS Server via Control Panel

The old-fashioned way is to set the DNS Servers via the Control Panel.

Open Control Panel. Then click on “Network and Internet” and then on “Network and Sharing Center”.

Then click on the left on “Change adapter settings” and then right-click on the active adapter “Ethernet” for cable connection or “Wi-Fi” for wireless.

In the menu, click Properties.

Then click on “Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4)” and then on the Properties button.

Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred and alternate DNS servers. Then click OK to confirm.

I hope this has helped you change the DNS servers in Windows 11. Thank you for reading!

Also read:

• DNS Server not responding error message?
• Enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11.