How to change DNS servers in Windows

Custom DNS servers can improve name resolution reliability, reduce lookup latency, or route internal hostnames to the correct addresses on managed networks. Incorrect DNS settings can make websites and internal services appear offline even when the network connection itself is working.

On Windows 11, DNS servers are configured per network adapter. The adapter typically receives DNS servers automatically from DHCP, but switching the DNS server assignment to manual overrides those values without changing the IP address configuration.

DNS changes apply only to the selected adapter, so wired and wireless connections can resolve names differently. Some VPN clients, endpoint security tools, or Group Policy settings can replace or lock DNS entries, and public resolvers may not work on networks that require internal DNS for split-horizon zones.

1. Sign in to Windows 11 with an account allowed to change network settings.
2. Open Settings using Win + I.
3. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
4. Open the connected network properties page for Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
5. Click Edit next to DNS server assignment.
6. Select Manual in the Edit DNS settings dialog.

   Select Automatic (DHCP) to revert to DNS provided by DHCP.

   Manual DNS overrides the DHCP DNS list for the adapter. Incorrect servers prevent hostname resolution.

7. Enable the IPv4 toggle.
8. Enter the Preferred DNS server address for IPv4.

   Use DNS servers approved by the network administrator.

9. Enter the Alternate DNS server address for IPv4.
10. Enable the IPv6 toggle when required by the network.

    Leave IPv6 disabled when the network does not provide IPv6 connectivity.

11. Enter the Preferred DNS server address for IPv6 when enabled.
12. Enter the Alternate DNS server address for IPv6 when enabled.
13. Click Save.
14. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
15. Clear the DNS resolver cache when lookups still resolve to old addresses.

    C:\> ipconfig /flushdns
    Windows IP Configuration
    
    Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

    Related: How to flush DNS cache in Windows

16. Confirm the configured DNS servers with ipconfig /all.

    C:\> ipconfig /all
    
    Windows IP Configuration
    
       Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : workstation
       Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . .  : example.invalid
    ##### snipped #####
    
    Ethernet adapter Ethernet:
    
       Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . : example.invalid
       DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.0.2.53
                                           192.0.2.54
    ##### snipped #####

17. Run nslookup to confirm the DNS server answering queries.

    C:\> nslookup www.example.com
    Server:  UnKnown
    Address: 192.0.2.53
    
    Non-authoritative answer:
    Name:    www.example.com
    Address: 93.184.216.34