4 Ways to Check Which DNS Server You’re Using in Windows 11

If your internet feels slow or you’re troubleshooting a connection issue, one of the first things you might want to check is which DNS (Domain Name System) server your computer is using. DNS servers translate website names into IP addresses. A slow or misconfigured DNS server can cause major browsing delays.

Here are four simple ways to find out which DNS server you’re using on a Windows 11 machine:

1. Using Command Prompt

This is one of the quickest ways to check your DNS server.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and hit Enter.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /all
3. Look under your active network adapter. Find the line labeled DNS Servers. It will show the IP addresses of the DNS servers your computer is currently using.

2. Using Windows Settings

For a graphical interface, you can check through the Settings app.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet, depending on your connection).
3. Click on your active network.
4. Scroll down to DNS server assignment. If it says “Automatic (DHCP),” click Edit to see the current DNS addresses.

3. Using PowerShell

PowerShell gives you more control and can display details cleanly.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Type the following command: Get-DnsClientServerAddress
3. This will show the DNS server(s) used by each network adapter.

4. Using the Control Panel

The old-school method still works.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active connection and select Status.
3. Click Details….
4. Look for the line labeled IPv4 DNS Server — that’s your DNS.

Final Tip: Why DNS Matters

Knowing your DNS server can help you switch to faster or more secure options, like Google DNS (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS. Better DNS = faster browsing and more protection.

Need help changing your DNS settings? Stay tuned — a how-to guide is coming next.