How to Change DNS on Windows to 1.1.1.1

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Switching your DNS (Domain Name System — the service that translates website names into addresses) to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 can improve your browsing speed and security.

Before you start

You need a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.
You need administrator access on that computer.

Method 1: Change DNS via Control Panel

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter to open Network Connections.
Right-click your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
In the Networking tab, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
Enter 1.1.1.1 as the Preferred DNS server and 1.0.0.1 as the Alternate DNS server.
Click OK, then close all open windows.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Change DNS via Windows Settings (Windows 10/11)

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet, then select Status.
Click Change adapter options under Advanced network settings.
Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter 1.1.1.1 as the Preferred DNS server and 1.0.0.1 as the Alternate DNS server.
Click OK, then close all open windows.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Use Secure DNS in Chrome

Open Google Chrome.
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
Click Privacy and security in the left menu.
Click Security.
Scroll to Use secure DNS and turn it on.
Select With from the dropdown and choose Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) from the list.
Close the Settings tab.

If something goes wrong

Verify the change worked

Open your browser and go to DNS Leak Test.
Click Standard test.
Wait for the results — they should show Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) as your DNS provider.