What is a DNS?

Let’s start at the beginning. DNS stands for Domain Name System. Its mission is to translate domain names into associated binary identifiers or IP addresses. In other words, DNS allows you to type the name of a network (example: osradar.com) when in reality you would have to access an IP address. Imagine how cumbersome it would be to have to memorize the IPs of the websites you want to access. In short, DNS translates domain names thanks to a distributed and hierarchical database.

There is no single DNS. We generally use the DNS provided by the operator. However, there are alternative DNS from Google, Cloudfare and others. The different options have additions such as more speed, security or more reliability. And these DNS are what we need to know when activating the DoH function in Windows 11. Our provider offers a default DNS configuration. However, we can change it for other alternatives. Furthermore, these other options give more speed, reliability, stability and more security. Some allow access to parental control, allow skipping blocking of some websites, or even offer protection against phishing. There are many options to choose from. Consequently, we just need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each provider.

Some popular DNS are:

• Google (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4).
• Cloudflare (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1)
• OpenDNS Home (208.67.222.222/208.67.220.220)

However, there are many other options. You can consult a list of the best DNS for Windows here.

How to Enable DoH in browsers

We can easily activate DoH in browsers. Either in Firefox, Chrome, or Edge. With Windows 11, we will also be able to activate it in the web browser. As a result, we will surf the Internet with more privacy and security. Regarding Chrome and Edge, the steps are simple: just type chrome://flags/#dns-over-https in the browser’s search bar, and it will automatically take us to the Flags section. Once there, you will see a series of enabled and disabled options. Just look for the one that says Secure DNS lookups. Next to it, a drop-down menu where we will have to choose Enabled to activate DNS over HTTPS.

How to Enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11

As we have seen previously, we can activate it from the different browsers. However, it is more convenient to activate it by default. That is to say, that it is a unique and general configuration for any installed browser. In this way, we will not only improve the security and privacy of connections in web browsers. In fact, we will also increase this aspect in the connections of the computer connected to the network. Let’s take a look at the steps to follow.

• Press the Win+I combination to go to Windows Settings. Once there, click on Network & Internet.

• Next, click on the type of network you are currently connected to. In my case, I connect via wireless, so I click on Wi-Fi. However, depending on your situation, you could also click on Ethernet.

• Consequently, we will see a series of sections related to the available networks. In fact, from here we will be able to manage the networks. However, the option that interests us is Wi-Fi Properties. Just click there.

Editing DNS values

In this new window, we will see the properties of the specific connected network. We will also be able to modify aspects such as IP assignment or manage the network type. However, the option that interests us is the DNS server assignment. Consequently, click on Edit.

In the new screen, please change the setting from automatic to manual.

As you can see, there are a couple of switches corresponding to IPV4 and IPV6. Therefore, you have to activate them to start the configuration. Now you just have to fill in the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS values. At this point, you just have to choose one from the list we referred to above. You can apply the parameters to both connection types.

However, the step that interests us is the one related to DoH. Well, we have to edit the preferred DNS encryption field. You must select Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS).

Back to the previous screen, you can see the new values already set.

How to change it in Windows 10

If you have Windows 10 the steps are also elementary. In the same way, they are done from Windows Settings, specifically from the Wi-Fi or Ethernet section.

• We open the configuration of our computer
• Go to the Settings, Network, and Internet section.
• In the menu on the left, choose Status
• Here you will see your current network you are connected to.
• You will see the Properties button and Data usage.
• Click on Properties.

You will access a window with general information about the network. In fact, we will see information about the network profile, the metered usage connection, etc. Please click on the IP Configuration. From here on, just repeat the steps mentioned above. That is, in the same way as for Windows 11.

Okay, so ultimately we have seen how to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11. Privacy and security is a major concern for many users. Consequently, you can take these tips to increase it. See you soon!

The post How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11 appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

How to activate DoH in Google Chrome

To use DoH in the Chrome browser, put this in the URL field:

chrome://flags

The advanced configuration options for Chrome will be displayed immediately. Please, inside the search engine enter DNS and then select Secure DNS Lookup. Then change the option to Enabled. Finally, restart the browser to set the changes.

How to activate DoH on Microsoft Edge

The new version of Microsoft Edge uses Chromium, which is the same engine as Chrome. Well, to enable this technology in this browser, please enter the following text in the navigation bar:

edge://flags/#dns-over-https 

Select the option highlighted in yellow. And in the menu on the right, enable DoH.

How to activate DoH in Mozilla Firefox

To activate this protocol in Mozilla Firefox it is necessary to enter the browser options. With this intention, please enter the following text in the navigation bar:

about:preferences

Once there, scroll down to the Network Settings.

A new window with all the network options will be displayed immediately. Please scroll down until you get to the DoH related option. Please check the box to enable it, and then select the DNS provider. Again, restart the browser to set the changes.

Conclusion

Ultimately we have seen how to enable DoH in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. This way providers will not be able to know which web you visit. This represents a breakthrough in privacy and security. This is all for now before I say goodbye I invite you to see our post about how to free ram memory in Windows 10. Bye!

The post How to activate DoH in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge appeared first on Linux Windows and android Tutorials.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

This is a new security and privacy standard for encrypting DNS requests that run inside the browser. When entering a website, the browser makes a request over the Internet to get the site’s IP address. This is the standard procedure, the problem is that this request is made through a non-encrypted connection. Consequently, an attacker could intercept it and view the website you visit. And what is worse, get the data you are entering causing a security hole for the user. Under those circumstances, is developed, DNS over HTTPS. This is a new security and privacy standard for encrypting DNS requests that run inside the browser. The protocol ensures that the domain name sent to the DNS server makes use of an encrypted HTTPS connection, thus replacing the plain text connection. This prevents an intruder from seeing the sites we are visiting.

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Google Chrome

Please note that this feature is not yet officially available in Chrome. So it may suffer errors. However, it is possible to enable it on an experimental basis. With this in mind, please copy the following text and paste it into the search bar:

chrome://flags 

In the search field, please enter DNS and then select Secure DNS Lookup.

As you can see the Default value is set. In this case, it means that the protocol is disabled. What we are going to do is modify this value and change it to Enabled.

To make the changes effective, please press the Relaunch button. Once restarted Chrome you can see that DNS over HTTPS has been enabled:

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Google Chrome by editing the shortcut

Another method that Google Chrome offers us to activate DoH is by editing the shortcut. With this in mind, select the shortcut on the desktop and right-click the mouse to enter the properties:

In the displayed window we go to the tab Direct access and in the field Target we go to the end of the text, leave a space and paste the following:

--enable-features="dns-over-https<DoHTrial" --force-fieldtrials="DoHTrial/Group1" --force-fieldtrial-params="DoHTrial.Group1:server/https%3A%2F%2F1.1.1.1%2Fdns-query/method/POST 

Now, click on Apply and OK to set the changes.

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Microsoft Edge Beta

The procedure in Edge Beta is very similar to the procedure in Chrome. The first thing you have to do is go to the browser search bar and add the next text:

edge://flags  

From this point on you only have to repeat the same steps as above. For that reason I only attach the corresponding images:

In this way, we have enabled DNS over HTTPS in Edge Beta and Chrome. Now we will be able to use this protocol and surf more securely on the internet. In this globalized world, any additional security measure is very useful. This is all for the moments, before saying goodbye I invite you to see our post about MySQL in Windows 10.

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