How to Enable DNS Over HTTPS (Doh) in Edge?

DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) is a technology that encrypts your DNS requests, significantly enhancing your online privacy and security. To ensure your browser is protected, it’s essential to verify whether DoH support is enabled in your Microsoft Edge browser. This section provides a step-by-step guide to check your DoH settings in Edge.

1. Open Microsoft Edge. Launch your browser and ensure you are using the latest version to access the most recent security features.
2. Access Settings. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window and select Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy & Security. In the Settings menu, click on Privacy, search, and services.
4. Check for Secure DNS Settings. Scroll down to the Security section and locate the Use secure DNS option. If this box is checked, DoH support is active or available.
5. Verify Current Configuration. Next to Use secure DNS, see if it is set to Automatic or a specific provider like Google or Cloudflare. If so, your browser supports DoH.

Additional Tips

• If you do not find the Use secure DNS option, update your Edge browser to the latest version via Microsoft Edge download page.
• Older Edge versions may not support DoH. Ensuring your browser is up to date improves security and compatibility.
• Enabling DoH might cause issues with some local network setups. If problems occur, consider disabling it temporarily to troubleshoot.
• Test DoH functionality by visiting a DNS leak test website like dnsleaktest.com. Verify if your DNS requests are encrypted and showing your intended provider.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Solution
DoH option missing from settings	Update your Edge browser. If still missing, consider reinstalling or resetting browser settings.
DoH enabled but privacy issues persist	Check if your network or security software overrides browser settings. Consult your network administrator if on a corporate network.
DNS leaks despite DoH enabled	Switch DNS providers or disable other DNS-related features to troubleshoot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable DoH in Edge Settings

Enabling DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) in Microsoft Edge is straightforward. Follow these steps to activate DoH and improve your browsing privacy:

1. Open Microsoft Edge. Launch the browser from your desktop or taskbar.
2. Access Settings. Click on the three dots (…) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy, Search, and Services. In the sidebar, click on Privacy, search, and services.
4. Locate DNS Settings. Scroll down to the Security section and find the option labeled Use secure DNS to specify how to look up the web address.
5. Activate DoH. Toggle the switch next to Use secure DNS to the On position. When enabled, additional options will appear.
6. Choose a Provider. Select a trusted DNS over HTTPS provider such as Cloudflare (https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query) or Google (https://dns.google/dns-query). If your preferred provider isn’t listed, you can enter a custom URL.
7. Enter a Custom Provider (Optional). Click on Choose a different provider and input the server URL supporting DoH.
8. Restart Edge. Close and reopen your browser to ensure the settings are applied.

Once enabled, your Edge browser will encrypt DNS queries using DoH, ensuring better privacy. If you experience issues with certain websites, you can disable DoH by reverting these steps. Choosing a reputable DNS provider like Cloudflare or Google enhances your security and browsing experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Setup

While setting up DNS over HTTPS (DoH), various obstacles may arise. Below are common problems and their solutions to help you troubleshoot effectively:

1. Check Your Network Connection. Ensure your device has a stable and active internet connection. Restart your router if necessary and verify other devices can connect properly.
2. Verify DoH Compatibility. Confirm that your browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge) and operating system are updated to support DoH. Updates often include essential support and security fixes.
3. Review DoH Server Settings. If using a custom DoH server, double-check the URL for typos or errors. Inaccessible or invalid servers may prevent setup.
4. Check Firewall or Security Software. Firewalls or VPNs may block DoH traffic. Temporarily disable them to see if DoH activates. Adjust their settings if needed.
5. Clear Cache and Reset Settings. Clear your browser cache or reset DNS and network settings. Restart the browser afterward.
6. Test Your DoH Setup. Use tools like DNS Leak Test or BrowserLeaks DNS Test to verify DoH functionality.
7. Seek Support. Consult support documents from your browser or DNS provider if issues persist. Community forums may also offer solutions.

Addressing these common problems can resolve most setup issues quickly. Patience and careful checks often lead to a secure, encrypted browsing environment with DoH enabled.

Tips for Optimizing DoH Performance in Edge

To get the most out of DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Microsoft Edge, consider implementing these best practices for better performance and reliability:

1. Select a Fast, Reliable DNS Provider. Use well-known, high-uptime providers like Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9 to reduce latency.
2. Enable DNS Prefetching. Make sure DNS prefetching is active to load DNS data ahead of time, leading to faster browsing.
3. Keep Edge Updated. Regularly update your browser for performance improvements and security patches related to network features.
4. Use Robust Network Connections. Prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi, or ensure your Wi-Fi has a strong signal to maintain consistent speeds.
5. Disable Unnecessary Extensions. Extensions can interfere with network requests. Disable or remove those not needed.
6. Configure DNS Properly. Set DNS servers directly in your network adapter settings for optimal speed, ideally pointing to high-performance providers like 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8.
7. Regularly Clear Cache. Clear your browser’s cache and run ipconfig /flushdns to remove outdated DNS info, ensuring quick responses.
8. Monitor Network Usage. Limit bandwidth-heavy activities during browsing sessions to avoid delays and improve DNS resolution times.

Implementing these tips helps maintain fast, secure access to websites via DoH. Reliable DNS providers, updated software, and a clean network setup contribute to an optimal browsing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About DNS Over HTTPS in Edge

DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) in Microsoft Edge is a powerful feature for encrypting your DNS requests. Here are answers to common questions to help you understand and manage DoH effectively:

1. What is DNS Over HTTPS and why should I use it in Edge?

   It encrypts your DNS queries, preventing outsiders from seeing which websites you visit. Normally, DNS requests are unencrypted and can be monitored. Enabling DoH in Edge enhances privacy, security against attacks, and can even help in accessing blocked content.

2. How do I enable DNS Over HTTPS in Microsoft Edge?

   Follow these steps:

   1. Open Edge, click the menu (three dots), and select Settings.
   2. Go to Privacy, search, and services.
   3. Scroll to the Security section and toggle Use secure DNS to On.
   4. Select a provider or enter a custom DoH server URL.
3. Can I use my own DNS provider for DoH?

   Yes. You can specify your preferred provider or even add your own custom server URL supporting DoH.

4. Will enabling DoH cause internet disconnections?

   Typically, no. It usually enhances security without affecting connection stability. However, some networks depend on specific DNS settings. If problems occur, disable DoH or switch providers.

5. What if DoH isn’t working after setup?

   Ensure the server URL is correct, update your browser, disable conflicting extensions, or try changing DNS providers. Use testing tools to verify proper functioning.

6. Does DoH affect browsing speed?

   Most users see minimal impact. It can sometimes improve load times through faster DNS resolution if a reliable provider is used.

7. Is DoH compatible everywhere?

   Most modern websites work well with DoH, but some enterprise networks may block or restrict it. If you notice connectivity issues, consider disabling DoH temporarily.

Managing DNS Over HTTPS effectively allows you to enhance your privacy without sacrificing usability. These FAQs help clarify how to configure, troubleshoot, and optimize DoH in Edge.

Expert Tips for Effective DoH Configuration and Security

Implementing DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is an excellent step to protect your privacy, but proper setup and security practices are vital. Here are expert recommendations to ensure your DoH setup is both secure and efficient:

1. Select a reputable DoH provider. Prioritize providers with strong privacy policies, transparent data handling, and high security, such as Cloudflare, NextDNS, or Google.
2. Configure DoH properly. Depending on your device or browser, follow official instructions:
   • On Windows, adjust network settings or use third-party tools.
   • In Firefox, enable DoH in network settings and select your provider.
   • In routers, update DNS server settings to support DoH, following manufacturer guidelines.
3. Enable DNSSEC validation. If supported by your provider, activate DNSSEC to add an extra layer of security against DNS spoofing.
4. Use local security tools. Combining DoH with tools like Pi-hole or DNS filtering adds additional domain-level protection against malicious sites.
5. Stay updated. Keep your system, browser, and router firmware current. Regular updates include security enhancements and compatibility improvements.
6. Review privacy policies. Trustworthy providers with strict no-logs policies offer better privacy. Be cautious of free or unknown providers that could track your queries.
7. Test your configuration. Use online tools such as DNSLeakTest.com or Cloudflare’s Security Check to verify encryption and correct routing of DNS queries.
8. Establish fallback options. Prepare alternative DNS settings or secondary DoH providers in case your primary provider experiences downtime.

Following these expert tips helps optimize your DoH setup for maximum security and privacy. Regularly review and update your configuration to stay protected in an evolving online environment.