DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing protocol that encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your internet service provider (ISP) and other potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. This guide provides a detailed explanation of DoH, its benefits, and how to implement it on your Windows 10 machine.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website address (like www.example.com) into your browser, your computer uses DNS to translate that human-readable name into a machine-readable IP address, allowing your browser to connect to the server hosting the website. Traditionally, DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them vulnerable to interception and manipulation.
DoH solves this by encrypting DNS queries using HTTPS, the same protocol used for secure web browsing. This encryption prevents third parties from seeing your DNS requests, thus protecting your privacy and enhancing your security.
There are several ways to enable DoH on Windows 10:
Many modern browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, now offer built-in support for DoH. Check your browser's settings to see if DoH is enabled or if you can configure a specific DoH provider.
You can manually configure your Windows 10 network settings to use a DNS server that supports DoH. This method requires knowing the specific DoH address of your chosen provider. Popular options include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), but they do not inherently use DoH unless specifically configured. To use them with DoH, you'll typically need to use their DoH endpoints, which are often provided as URLs, like https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query.
Note: Simply changing your DNS server to Cloudflare or Google's standard addresses will *not* automatically enable DoH.
Several third-party DNS clients offer enhanced control and features, including support for DoH. These often provide easier management of DoH settings than manual configuration.
When selecting a DoH provider, consider factors like privacy policy, performance, and security features. Research different providers and choose one that aligns with your needs and priorities.
If you encounter issues after enabling DoH, such as inability to access websites, try the following:
Implementing DNS over HTTPS is a straightforward way to significantly improve your online privacy and security on Windows 10. By encrypting your DNS queries, you protect your browsing activity from unwanted surveillance. Choose a reputable DoH provider and follow the instructions carefully for a secure and private internet experience.