How to Enable or Disable DNR in Windows 11
Want to boost your online privacy and security in Windows 11? This guide shows you how to enable or disable DNR (Discovery of Network-designated Resolvers).
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?
In Windows 11, DNR helps your computer automatically find and use secure DNS servers, improving your online privacy. This feature sends your online requests through protected channels, making your internet use more private. DNR is a new feature currently available only to Windows Insider Preview program participants.
How to Turn On DNR in 🪟 Windows 11
If you’re in the Windows Insider Preview program, follow 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
You control DNR in Windows 11 by finding or creating the `EnableDnr` setting within the Registry Editor (a tool for modifying Windows settings). Locate `EnableDnr` on the right side, then double-click it. Setting the `EnableDnr` value to 1 turns DNR on, and 0 turns DNR off. If you do not see `EnableDnr`, you must create it as 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 4 Restart Your Computer
- Close Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Windows 11 automatically uses encrypted DNS servers for more secure internet use. This is known as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), and it hides your online activity from eavesdroppers, protecting your personal information.
More About DNR
DNR encrypts your internet traffic by automatically finding secure DNS servers. The DNR feature uses modern security standards like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) to keep your online activity private. This DNR feature is new and available only to Windows Insider Preview program participants.
Remember, this feature is still new and only works if you’re part of the Windows Insider Preview program. If you want to join, check out this guide: How to Get Windows 11 Insider Preview.
Helpful Links and References
Summary
DNR in Windows 11 helps your computer automatically find and use secure DNS servers, improving your online privacy. It encrypts your DNS requests to make your internet use safer. This feature is currently only for Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, and you can manage it by editing a setting in your system.
- 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 your computer figures out the address for a website so you can visit it.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 collect your data?
They share and can adjust their privacy settings. But data collection i.e telemetry is a big problem now Windows 11. And other Microsoft. Products collect telemetry data which includes.
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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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