How to Enforce DNS settings on Windows

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Tech Lockdown Team
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Updated September 30, 2024

If your Windows PC is connected to a content filtering services using DNS settings, you've probably wondered if there's a way to prevent someone from overriding these settings to ensure that the PC stays connected to the filter. This is a common question we get from Tech Lockdown customers, who are concerned with blocking unwanted and harmful content. In order to control for loopholes in a content blocking system for PC, protecting DNS settings is crucial. 

When it comes to blocking porn on PC , some users will discover that they can modify DNS settings to point away from a content filter that is protecting the computer. This content filter might be configured on the router and inherited by the PC connected to the home internet connection or it might be configured manually on the Windows device to work on any internet connection. Here are some strategies you can utilize to protect DNS settings.  

Which DNS Addresses Should I Use on My Computer?

Change DNS Settings on Windows 11

To point your Windows machine's DNS to your Content Policy:

Preferred DNS:

172.64.36.1

Alternate DNS:

172.64.36.2

You can also enter your DoH (DNS over HTTPS) address. This uses a more secure protocol 

Change DNS Settings on Windows 10

Windows 10 is slightly different than Windows 11.

First, open the Start Menu and open Settings

172.64.36.1
172.64.36.2

Lock DNS Settings

If you want to prevent yourself from changing DNS settings later, we recommend locking Windows settings

guide

How to Lock Settings on Windows

Learn how to lock your Windows computer's connection to your Content Policy

Read More

Configure Your Browser to Use Encrypted DNS

Another step you can take is to change your browser's DNS to use your Content Policy.

The information you'll want to have ready first is your DoH or DoT address listed on the Tech Lockdown dashboard. This can be found under Connect Devices > Config.

Note
Your DoH and DoT addresses will unique to your account.

Next, you'll need to navigate to the section for Secure DNS on your browser.

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome
  2. Select More in the top right corner
  3. Select Settings
  4. Select Privacy and security on the left
  5. Select Security
  6. Under Advanced, turn Use Secure DNS on
  7. Choose "Add custom DNS service provider"
  8. Copy/paste the DoH or DoT address listed on your Tech Lockdown dashboard into the Secure DNS address field

Microsoft Edge

  1. Select the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Edge
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select Privacy, search, and services
  4. Scroll down to Security
  5. Toggle on Use secure DNS to specify how to lookup the network address for websites
  6. Select Choose a service provider
  7. Enter the DoH address listed on your Tech Lockdown dashboard
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