In recent years, Google and Microsoft have prioritized enhancing user privacy, particularly following Apple’s emphasis on the topic. Google introduced system-wide DNS settings customization with Android 9, while Microsoft integrated this feature into Windows 10 in 2020. Mozilla has also adopted DNS over HTTPS as the default setting in its web browser. To safeguard your online privacy, activate DNS over HTTPS on Windows 11. This system-wide toggle encrypts all communication between your PC and the DNS server. Let’s explore what it entails and how to activate it without delay.
Activating DNS over HTTPS on Windows 11 (2021)
This article outlines the steps to activate DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Windows 11, accompanied by an overview of DoH and its significance.
Understanding DNS over HTTPS and Its Benefits for Windows 11
If you’re unfamiliar with DNS over HTTPS, fear not. Here, we provide a concise explanation of DoH and advocate for its activation.
When accessing a website, your computer lacks the domain name (e.g., google.com) knowledge. It queries a DNS server using the website’s domain/IP address (e.g., 142.250.196.78 for google.com) to resolve and retrieve the correct domain name. Traditionally, this interaction between your computer and the DNS server has remained unencrypted. However, this is evolving.
In any online activity, such as browsing or transactions, encryption persists on HTTPS websites. This ensures that your actions remain private, shielded even from your ISP. However, DNS queries lack this encryption, exposing your visited websites to your ISP or local network.
To address this vulnerability, DNS over HTTPS encrypts your queries, safeguarding them as they retrieve domain names from DNS servers.
With system-wide DNS over HTTPS, all apps and programs on Windows 11 will use DoH for DNS communication. Not just web browsers, but your entire PC will be protected. To enable DNS over HTTPS on your Windows 11 PC, follow these steps:
How to Turn On DNS over HTTPS on Windows 11 [Easiest Method]
1. Open the Settings app and go to “Network & internet”. Click on “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” depending on your internet connection.
2. Move to “Hardware properties”.
3. Click on “Edit” next to “DNS server assignment”.
4. Choose “Manual” from the drop-down menu at the top, and enable “IPv4”.
5. In the Preferred and Alternative DNS fields, input your preferred DNS. You can refer to our list of recommended DNS servers in the linked article. Google’s DNS server, 8.8.8.8 and alternate DNS 8.8.4.4, is commonly used, along with alternatives like Cloudflare and OpenDNS.
6. To enable DNS over HTTPS on Windows 11, select “Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS)” from the drop-down menu under “Preferred DNS encryption”. Repeat the same process for “Alternative DNS encryption”. No action is required for IPv6.
7. Click “Save” to apply the changes, and you’re finished.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully enabled DNS over HTTPS on your Windows 11 PC. From now on, all communication between your computer and the DNS server will be encrypted, ensuring the security of your DNS queries.
Enhancing Web Security on Windows 11 with DNS over HTTPS
That’s how you enable DNS over HTTPS on Windows 11, encrypting your computer’s DNS queries. Web surveillance is increasingly prevalent, making it crucial for users to protect their privacy, especially regarding something as fundamental as a DNS query. That concludes our guide. If you encounter network discovery issues on Windows 11, refer to our linked guide for immediate solutions. For any inquiries, please comment below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
