Securing Your Browsing with Microsoft Edge's DNS over HTTPS (DoH): A Comprehensive Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing technology that encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your internet service provider (ISP) and potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. Microsoft Edge, like many modern browsers, supports DoH, offering a significant boost to your online security and privacy. This guide will delve into the intricacies of DoH in Edge, explaining how it works, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to configure it.

How Does DNS over HTTPS Work in Microsoft Edge?

Traditionally, DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them easily intercepted. DoH changes this by encrypting these queries using HTTPS, the same protocol that secures your web browsing. When you type a website address into Edge, the browser sends an encrypted DNS query to a DoH resolver – a specialized server that translates domain names into IP addresses. The resolver responds with the IP address, also encrypted, allowing Edge to connect to the website without revealing your browsing activity to intermediaries.

Benefits of Using DoH in Microsoft Edge

• Enhanced Privacy: DoH hides your browsing history from your ISP and other network observers, protecting your online privacy.
• Improved Security: Encryption prevents man-in-the-middle attacks, where malicious actors could redirect you to fake websites.
• Faster DNS Resolution (Potentially): Some DoH resolvers are optimized for speed, leading to quicker website loading times. However, this depends on various factors including your location and the resolver used.
• Censorship Resistance: DoH can help bypass some forms of internet censorship by making it more difficult for authorities to block access to specific websites.

Potential Drawbacks of DoH

• Potential for Tracking: While DoH protects against ISP tracking, the chosen DoH resolver itself could potentially log your DNS queries. It's crucial to choose a reputable resolver with a strong privacy policy.
• Compatibility Issues (Rare): Although rare, some network configurations might not be fully compatible with DoH, leading to connectivity problems.
• Increased Complexity: Managing DoH settings can be slightly more complex than relying on the default DNS settings provided by your ISP.

Configuring DNS over HTTPS in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge typically automatically detects and uses DoH if it's enabled by your system or network administrator. However, you can manually configure it for more control. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your Edge version, but generally, the process is straightforward and doesn't require any advanced technical knowledge.

Note: The settings may be found under Settings & more (three dots) > Settings > Privacy and services > Manage security and permissions > DNS settings. You may then find options to either enable DoH automatically or to select a specific DoH provider.

Choosing a DoH Resolver

Several reputable DoH resolvers are available. Some popular options include Cloudflare (https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query), Google Public DNS (https://dns.google/dns-query), and Quad9 (https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query). Each has its own privacy policy and performance characteristics. Researching different providers and selecting one that aligns with your privacy preferences is recommended.

Troubleshooting DNS over HTTPS in Microsoft Edge

If you experience issues after enabling DoH, ensure that your network allows HTTPS traffic on the port used by your chosen resolver. If problems persist, temporarily disabling DoH can help determine if it's the cause of the connectivity issues. Check your network configuration and firewall settings to ensure that they don't interfere with DoH functionality.

Conclusion

DNS over HTTPS is a valuable tool for enhancing your online privacy and security when using Microsoft Edge. By encrypting your DNS queries, you reduce your vulnerability to various online threats. Understanding how DoH works, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to configure it in Edge empowers you to make informed decisions about protecting your digital footprint.