How to Check and Fix DNS Leaks on Windows 11/10 (Tested & Working)

For many people, their first encounter with DNS leak detection usually happens only “after something has already gone wrong,” such as accounts suddenly being risk-controlled, websites repeatedly verifying the environment, or being identified again even after switching setups. Under Windows 11/10 systems, this issue is especially common.

Default system settings, browser behavior, and incomplete proxy configurations can easily cause DNS requests to bypass the proxy and connect directly to the local network. The IP may look fine, but the real network information has already been exposed.

Next, let’s talk about: how to perform DNS leak detection, how to fix DNS leaks, and how to work together with the ToDetect browser fingerprint detection tool to thoroughly check your environment.

I. What Is a DNS Leak? Why Must You Care?

A DNS leak means the websites you visit know your real network origin

Even if you use a proxy or IP tool, if during website access DNS requests still go through your local ISP (such as telecom carriers), it is essentially exposing your real background.

Common risks include:

• Cross-border platforms identifying your real region through risk control

• Multiple accounts being flagged as linked

• Privacy exposure and precise ad tracking

• Combined with browser fingerprint detection, leading to a “hard confirmation”

Therefore, DNS leak detection + DNS leak protection must be part of a complete network environment.

II. How to Perform DNS Leak Detection on Windows 11/10?

Method 1: Online DNS Leak Test (Easiest)

You can directly use third-party testing websites, such as:

• DNS Leak Test

• IP / DNS comprehensive testing sites

Use them together with the ToDetect fingerprint query tool for better results. Focus on two key points during testing:

• Country/region of the DNS server

• Whether the DNS is provided by an ISP

If you are physically in China but see the DNS showing a local ISP, it is basically a DNS leak.

Method 2: Combine with Browser Fingerprint Detection (Advanced)

Many people overlook this point: DNS leaks are often used together with browser fingerprint detection.

When performing DNS leak detection, it is recommended to simultaneously use the ToDetect browser fingerprint detection tool, focusing on:

• DNS region

• IP region

• Timezone and language

• WebRTC status

If the DNS and IP regions do not match, the risk remains high.

III. Common Causes of DNS Leaks on Windows 11/10

In practice, the most common failure scenarios include:

• System default DNS (ISP)

• Browser WebRTC enabled

• Proxy tools that only proxy traffic but not DNS

• IPv6 enabled but not handled by the proxy

• Improper browser DNS over HTTPS settings

Many people clearly “enable a proxy,” yet DNS still connects directly through the system. This situation is extremely common.

IV. Windows 11/10 DNS Leak Fix Solutions (Practical)

Solution 1: Manually Change System DNS (Basic but Effective)

Steps:

Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Change adapter options
Select the current network → Properties → IPv4 → Manually set DNS

Common secure DNS (examples):

• 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1

• 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4

After setup, be sure to run DNS leak detection again.

Solution 2: Disable or Restrict IPv6 (Very Important)

Many DNS leaks are actually caused by IPv6 silently connecting directly.

Recommendation: If IPv6 is not required, disable it directly, or ensure that your proxy tool fully supports IPv6. This step is especially important on Windows 11.

Solution 3: Browser-Level DNS Protection

Taking Chrome / Edge as an example: Settings → Privacy and security → Enable “Secure DNS (DNS over HTTPS)”

Manually specify a trusted DNS service, and also consider:

• Disabling WebRTC

• Or using anti-leak extensions

• Repeated verification with browser fingerprint detection tools

Solution 4: Enable DNS Handling in Proxy Tools (Advanced)

If you are using a professional proxy tool:

• Make sure DNS over Proxy is enabled

• Avoid mixing “system DNS + proxy traffic”

This is the most stable approach for DNS leak protection.

V. After Fixing, How to Confirm Everything Is Really Secure?

A complete self-check process is recommended as follows:

1. Enable the proxy

2. Clear browser cache

3. Use the ToDetect fingerprint query tool

4. Perform DNS leak detection

5. Perform browser fingerprint detection

6. Confirm that DNS, IP, timezone, and language are logically consistent

As long as any single point looks unreasonable, further adjustments are recommended.

Final Words: DNS Leaks Are Not a Minor Issue

Ultimately, DNS leaks are not complicated technically, but they are extremely easy to overlook.

Many people spend a lot of time researching IPs, nodes, and environments, only to fail at the DNS step and not even realize where the problem lies.

Whether you are running cross-border operations, managing multiple accounts, or are highly sensitive to network privacy, using ToDetect tools and treating DNS leak protection as a routine check can truly save you from many unnecessary troubles.