If you’re looking to enhance your internet browsing speed, privacy, or security, changing your DNS (Domain Name System) server is an effective step. Windows 11 offers two simple ways to do this, and in this guide, I’ll show you how to change your DNS server settings using Cloudflare or Google DNS addresses.
Why Choose Cloudflare or Google DNS?
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to choose a reliable DNS provider. Both Cloudflare and Google are renowned for their performance, security, and reliability. Below are the DNS addresses for both services:
Find all Clouldflare DNS addresses (IPV4 and IPV6) at this link.
Find all Google DNS addresses (IPV4 and IPV6) at this link.
| Provider | Protocol | Preferred Address | Alternate Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | IPv4 | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| IPv6 | 2606:4700:4700::1111 | 2606:4700:4700::1001 | |
| IPv4 | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | |
| IPv6 | 2001:4860:4860::8888 | 2001:4860:4860::8844 |
Method 1: Using the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel
- Click the Search bar and type “Control Panel.” Open the Control Panel application.
- Navigate to Network Settings
- Set the view mode to Category.
- Click on Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left, click Change adapter settings.
- Select Your Network Adapter
- Identify your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet).
- Right-click on the active adapter and select Properties.
- Update IPv4 DNS Settings
- In the list, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Change the setting to Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter the following DNS addresses:
- For Cloudflare:
- Preferred:
1.1.1.1 - Alternate:
1.0.0.1
- Preferred:
- For Google:
- Preferred:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate:
8.8.4.4
- Preferred:
- For Cloudflare:
- Click OK to save.
- Update IPv6 DNS Settings
- Back in the adapter properties, select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click Properties.
- Enter the following DNS addresses:
- For Cloudflare:
- Preferred:
2606:4700:4700::1111 - Alternate:
2606:4700:4700::1001
- Preferred:
- For Google:
- Preferred:
2001:4860:4860::8888 - Alternate:
2001:4860:4860::8844
- Preferred:
- For Cloudflare:
- Click OK to save.
Method 2: Using the Settings App
- Open Network Settings
- Click the Search bar, type “Settings,” and open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Select Your Connection Type
- If connected via WiFi:
- Click WiFi, then Hardware properties.
- If connected via Ethernet:
- Click Ethernet, then Edit under DNS Server Assignment.
- If connected via WiFi:
- Edit DNS Settings
- In the Edit DNS Settings menu, select Manual and toggle IPv4 and/or IPv6 to On.
- Enter the DNS addresses:
- For Cloudflare:
- IPv4 Preferred:
1.1.1.1, Alternate:1.0.0.1 - IPv6 Preferred:
2606:4700:4700::1111, Alternate:2606:4700:4700::1001
- IPv4 Preferred:
- For Google:
- IPv4 Preferred:
8.8.8.8, Alternate:8.8.4.4 - IPv6 Preferred:
2001:4860:4860::8888, Alternate:2001:4860:4860::8844
- IPv4 Preferred:
- For Cloudflare:
- Click Save.
Final Step: Verify the Changes
To ensure the changes are applied:
- Open Command Prompt (Search for “cmd”).
- Type
ipconfig /alland press Enter. - Check the DNS Servers listed under your active network connection.
By following these steps, you can easily change the DNS settings on your Windows 11 device to either Cloudflare or Google DNS, improving your browsing experience with faster and more secure connections.
