How to Enable or Disable DNR in Windows 11
Discovery of Network-designated Resolvers (DNR) in Windows 11 is a built-in privacy setting that helps your computer automatically find and use secure DNS servers on your network. Turning on DNR keeps your web browsing private by stopping internet service providers from tracking the websites you visit. Windows 11 includes this feature natively to secure your internet traffic without needing extra software.
Enable or disable DNR in Windows 11 by editing the Registry Editor. Navigate to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesDnscacheParameters, find or create the EnableDnr DWORD value, and set it to 1 to enable or 0 to disable, then restart your computer.
What is DNR?
DNR sends online requests through protected channels, making internet use more private. This capability remains exclusive to Windows Insider Preview program participants for now.
How to Turn On DNR in 🪟 Windows 11
Members of the Windows Insider Preview program can apply these steps:
Step 1Open the Registry Editor
- Press
Windows + Ron your keyboard. - Type
regeditand press Enter. - ⚠️ Admin Required: If a message appears asking for permission, click Yes.
Step 2Go to the DNS Cache Location
- Navigate to this location in the Registry Editor:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters
Step 3Find or Create the EnableDnr Setting
Controlling this feature requires editing the Windows Registry, a central database for system configurations. Locate `EnableDnr` on the right side, then double-click it. Setting the `EnableDnr` value to 1 turns DNR on, and 0 turns DNR off. Missing entries require creating a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Look for
EnableDnrin the right pane. - Double-click it.
- Change the value to
1to turn on DNR. - Change the value to
0to turn it off.
If `EnableDnr` is missing:
- Right-click on an empty space in the right pane.
- Choose
New → DWORD (32-bit) Value. - Name it
EnableDnr. - Double-click it and set its value to
1to enable.
Step 4Restart Your Computer
- Close Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Windows 11 automatically utilizes encrypted DNS servers for heightened security. DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) hides online activity from eavesdroppers, safeguarding personal information.
More About DNR
DNR encrypts internet traffic by automatically locating secure DNS servers. Modern security standards like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) keep online activity private. Availability remains restricted to Windows Insider Preview program participants.
Participation requires enrollment in the Windows Insider Preview program. Readers seeking access can review this guide: How to Get Windows 11 Insider Preview.
Helpful Links and References
Summary
DNR in Windows 11 helps computers automatically find secure DNS servers, improving online privacy. Encrypting DNS requests makes browsing safer. System configurations manage this feature across Windows 11 Insider Preview builds.
- DNR helps your PC find and use secure DNS servers automatically.
- This improves your online privacy by encrypting DNS requests.
- It's only available in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds for now.
- You can turn DNR on or off by editing a simple setting in the Windows Registry.
- If you want safer browsing and are part of the Insider program, turning on DNR is a great step!
What is DNR domain name resolution?
Domain Name Resolution, or DNR, is how computers determine website addresses for navigation.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 collect your data?
Privacy-conscious users often wonder how Microsoft handles background data collection. While adjusting system privacy settings helps limit data sharing, telemetry services remain active across Windows 11.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
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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