How to Enable secure DNS in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
Secure DNS in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 hides the website addresses you visit from snoops on your Wi-Fi network by encrypting your web traffic. This built-in privacy feature stops third parties from seeing what sites you open.
You can turn on this protection in just a few clicks inside the Edge privacy settings.
Open Microsoft Edge, go to Settings , then Privacy, search, and services. Scroll to the Security section and toggle “Use secure DNS” to On.
Step 1Open Edge’s Settings
Launch Microsoft Edge and click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Select Settings from the bottom of the dropdown list.
- Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
- Look for the three dots icon (
...) in the top-right corner of the browser window. This is the “Settings and more” menu. Click it. - A menu will drop down. Scroll down and click on Settings.
edge://settings into the address bar and press Enter to jump straight to the configuration panel.
Step 2Go to Privacy and Security Settings
The main menu displays a navigation sidebar on the left. Click Privacy, search, and services to access the relevant category.
- In the left sidebar of the Settings page, click on Privacy, search, and services. This is where Edge keeps its privacy features.
- Scroll down the page until you find the Security section. It is usually near the bottom of the main area on the right.
Warning: Numerous privacy controls populate this screen. Focus exclusively on the DNS configuration settings outlined below.
Step 3Turn on Secure DNS
Scroll down to the Security section to locate the setting for encrypted lookups.
Activate the feature using the following steps:
- In the Security section, find the option that says "Use secure DNS to specify how to lookup the network address for websites."
- Click the switch next to it to turn it On.
Summary
Enabling secure DNS in Microsoft Edge fortifies online privacy. It encrypts DNS requests (the directory lookups that translate website names into server IP addresses), hiding your browsing destinations from local network observers.
What happens when done? Encrypted requests add a defensive layer against tracking. Internet service providers and network sniffers can no longer inspect unencrypted hostname queries.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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