Mastering TCP/IP Settings on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever unraveled the mystery behind that little string of numbers connecting your devices to the vast vortex of the internet? Ah, the TCP/IP settings—a digital passport that determines how your Windows machine communicates on the network stage! Whether you're troubleshooting connectivity issues, setting up a private server, or configuring secure DNS access, knowing how to manage your TCP/IP settings puts you in the driver's seat of your network experience.
This guide dives into the nitty-gritty of customizing IP, DNS, and other network settings on different versions of Windows, while also exploring some of the technologies involved, like DHCP and DNS-over-HTTPS. Stick around, because networking never gets more accessible than this!

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Understanding TCP/IP: The Backbone of Communication​

Before you wave your cursor over the "Settings" option, let’s understand the beast you’re taming. TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Simply put, it's the communication language between computers over the internet and local networks.
Here's what’s significant about it:

• TCP ensures that data packets are delivered accurately.
• IP deals with the addressing and routing to ensure that these packets arrive at the correct destination.

Your PC’s TCP/IP configuration controls how it talks to other devices, either through:

• Dynamic IP assignment (DHCP): IP addresses are automatically handed out by a network device like a router.
• Static IP settings: Here, you manually assign a specific set of IP configurations.

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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): The Auto-Pilot of Networking​

Windows recommends using DHCP for a reason; it’s the "plug-and-play" of IP management. DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network, meaning no manual configuration headaches. Move your device to another location or network? Simply connect, and DHCP will handle the legwork of reconfiguring IP settings.
However, there are instances where manual configurations may be necessary:

• Hosting a server.
• Dealing with devices that require consistent, static IPs.
• Seeking advanced control over DNS queries (hello, DNS-over-HTTPS!).

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How to Change TCP/IP Settings on Windows​

The steps to tweak your TCP/IP settings depend on your Windows version. Here's the lowdown:

Windows 10 & 11​

• Open Settings, then go to Network & internet.
• For Wi-Fi: Select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, pick your network, and click Properties.
• For Ethernet: Select Ethernet, then your network.
• Locate the IP assignment option and select Edit.
• Choose between:
• Automatic (DHCP): Default automatic IP assignment.
• Manual: Enter your custom settings (IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway).

In manual mode, enable options like:

• IPv4 (Internet Protocol v4): The standard Internet address format.
• IPv6 (Internet Protocol v6): The newer, lengthier addressing system.
• To ensure secure browsing, toggle DNS over HTTPS (DoH):
• On: Encrypts DNS queries for privacy.
• Off: DNS queries are plaintext (less secure).
• Save your changes and reconnect to the network.

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Windows 8.1 and 7​

• Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
• Select Change Adapter Settings on the left.
• Right-click your network and choose Properties.
• Under This connection uses the following items, select:
• IPv4: To enable or adjust the standard IPv4 settings.
• IPv6: If you prefer IPv6 for future-proof connectivity.
• Under Properties, select:
• Obtain an IP address automatically: To use DHCP.
• Use the following IP address: To enter settings manually for IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS servers.

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All About DNS and DNS over HTTPS​

Here’s where things get interesting. DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names (like windowsforum.com) into their respective IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1).

What’s DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)?​

DoH encrypts these DNS queries to keep prying eyes at bay. Without it, your DNS queries broadcast in plaintext, potentially exposing your browsing habits to ISPs or hackers. With DoH, you're encrypting this data, ensuring a more private internet experience. Configuration options include:

• Automatic Template: Uses default encrypted settings.
• Manual Template: Enter your specific encryption preferences.

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Manually Configuring Advanced Settings​

Once you're knee-deep in network configurations, here are advanced options you might come across:

1. IP Address Settings​

When assigning a static IP, you need values like:

• IP Address: Unique identifier for your device on a network.
• Subnet Mask: Divides your IP address into the network and host portions.
• Default Gateway: Pathway to access devices on other networks.

2. DNS Servers​

Whether static or dynamic, DNS settings you configure affect how your PC resolves website names into IPs:

• Preferred DNS: Your primary DNS server (try Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1).
• Alternate DNS: A fallback server.

3. IPv4 vs. IPv6​

• IPv4: Still the most widely used but limited in address range.
• IPv6: Offers practically unlimited addresses for the modern web.

Bonus: Installing IPv4​

Command-line power users can restore IPv4 functionality if it’s missing:

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The Wrap-Up​

Making sense of IP addressing and TCP/IP settings can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s an empowering skill that puts you in control of your network. Windows' support for both user-friendly DHCP and customizable manual settings ensures you have the flexibility to adapt your configuration to your needs.
If you're facing issues like websites not resolving properly or unexplained connection drops, tweaking your TCP/IP settlings (and maybe enabling that snazzy DNS-over-HTTPS) could be your ticket to uninterrupted browsing!
So, give these options a spin, learn the lingo, and master your network—your router and your future self will thank you. Have you ventured into advanced TCP/IP customization? Share your tips and experiences in the forum below!

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Source: Microsoft Support Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows - Microsoft Support