DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Windows 11: Should You Enable or Disable It?

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing protocol that encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your internet service provider (ISP) and potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. Windows 11 offers built-in support for DoH, but the decision of whether to enable or disable it is a nuanced one, depending on your priorities and technical understanding.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

Normally, your computer sends DNS queries (requests for website addresses) in plain text. This means anyone monitoring your network traffic can see which websites you're accessing. DoH encrypts these queries, hiding them from prying eyes. It uses HTTPS, the same protocol that secures your web browsing, to transmit DNS requests to a DoH-enabled DNS resolver.

Benefits of Enabling DoH on Windows 11

• Enhanced Privacy: This is the primary benefit. Your ISP and others on your network cannot see your browsing activity.
• Improved Security: DoH can help protect against DNS spoofing and other attacks that manipulate DNS responses.
• Potentially Faster Resolution: Some DoH providers offer faster DNS resolution times than traditional DNS servers.
• Censorship Resistance: In regions with internet censorship, DoH can help bypass restrictions by using a resolver outside of the censored network.

Drawbacks of Enabling DoH on Windows 11

• Potential for Tracking: While DoH protects against your ISP seeing your queries, it doesn't inherently prevent the DoH provider itself from logging your activity. Choose a reputable provider with a strong privacy policy.
• Compatibility Issues: Some older or poorly configured networks may have trouble with DoH. You might experience connectivity problems if your network doesn't support it properly.
• Parental Control Conflicts: If you use parental control software that relies on DNS filtering, enabling DoH might interfere with its functionality.
• Network Management Challenges: For network administrators, DoH can make it more difficult to monitor and manage network traffic.

How to Enable or Disable DoH on Windows 11

Windows 11 doesn't have a simple on/off switch for DoH in the settings. Instead, it's configured through your network adapter's properties. The precise steps may vary slightly depending on your network configuration, but generally, you'll need to:

1. Open Network and Internet settings.
2. Click on Change adapter options.
3. Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and click Properties.
5. To enable DoH, you'll usually need to specify a custom DNS server address that supports DoH (e.g., Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 or Quad9). You might need to find the appropriate DoH address for your chosen provider. Check the documentation of your selected provider for specific instructions.
6. To disable DoH, simply use your ISP's default DNS server addresses or use a different DNS service that doesn't support DoH.

Choosing a DoH Provider

When enabling DoH, selecting a reputable provider is crucial. Consider factors like their privacy policy, security practices, and location. Some popular options include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS, and Quad9. Research each provider carefully before making a decision.

Conclusion

The decision of whether to use DoH on Windows 11 is a personal one. Weigh the privacy benefits against the potential drawbacks and compatibility issues. If you value privacy and are comfortable with the potential complexities, enabling DoH can be a worthwhile step. However, if you're unsure or have concerns about compatibility, sticking with your ISP's default DNS might be the better option.