Enabling DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) enhances your online privacy and security by encrypting your DNS queries. Instead of sending your DNS requests in plain text (which can be intercepted), DoH sends them over HTTPS, the same secure protocol used for websites. This makes it more difficult for network eavesdroppers to track your browsing activity.

Why Use DNS over HTTPS?

Enhanced Privacy: Prevents your ISP and other network observers from seeing your DNS queries.
Increased Security: Protects against DNS spoofing and other attacks that manipulate DNS responses.
Improved Performance: Some DoH providers offer faster query times and caching.
Censorship Resistance: DoH can help bypass some forms of network censorship.

Methods for Enabling DoH on Windows 11

Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn't have a built-in setting to directly enable DoH. However, you can achieve this through several methods:

1. Using Your Router's DoH Settings

The easiest and most comprehensive way is to configure DoH at your router level. This applies the DoH setting to all devices connected to your network. Check your router's documentation for instructions on how to enable DoH. Popular router manufacturers often support popular DoH providers like Cloudflare (https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query), Google Public DNS (https://dns.google/dns-query), or Quad9 (https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query).

2. Modifying Your Network Adapter's Properties (Less Reliable)

This method involves manually changing your DNS server settings. It's less reliable because it requires careful configuration and may not work consistently across all applications. This approach is generally discouraged in favor of using a router's DoH settings or a dedicated DoH client.

Note: This method doesn't truly enable DoH, but it can redirect your DNS queries through a DoH-enabled DNS resolver.

Open Network and Internet Settings.
Click on Change adapter options.
Right-click on your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), depending on your network setup.
Click Properties.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
Enter the DoH provider's IP address (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare, 8.8.8.8 for Google). This is **not** the DoH URL; these are the IP addresses that often support DoH. You won't see encryption benefits here.
Click OK on all open windows.

Warning: This method is not a true DoH implementation and offers limited privacy benefits compared to proper DoH configuration at the router level or via a dedicated DoH client.

3. Using a Dedicated DoH Client (Recommended)

A dedicated DoH client offers the best control and reliability. These clients typically sit between your applications and your DNS server, handling the encryption and ensuring that your DNS queries are sent over HTTPS. Several open-source and commercial DoH clients are available for Windows 11. Research and choose one that meets your needs and security preferences.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, ensure you've entered the correct DoH server addresses. Check your network configuration and firewall settings to make sure they aren't blocking DoH traffic. Restart your computer or router after making changes.

Conclusion

Enabling DoH on Windows 11 enhances your online privacy and security. While Windows 11 doesn't natively support it, using your router's settings or a dedicated DoH client offers effective solutions. Remember to carefully choose a reputable DoH provider and consider the trade-offs involved before implementing DoH.