Table of Contents
Introduction:
Why Your Windows 11 Experience is Full of Ads (and How to Fix It)
If you’ve spent any time on Windows 11 recently, you know the feeling. You open the Start menu, and there’s a “recommended” app that’s actually an ad. You browse your favorite news site, and the content is buried under a mountain of flashing banners. Even for gamers, high-latency ads can ruin a perfect session.
At ITCS, we talk to small business owners and privacy-conscious users every day who are frustrated by this digital clutter. The good news? You don’t need a degree in computer science to clean up your connection. One of the simplest, most effective, and best of all free ways to reclaim your digital space is by changing your DNS settings.
What is DNS, and How Does It Block Ads?
Think of a Domain Name System (DNS) as the “phonebook” of the internet. When you type google.com, your computer asks a DNS server for the specific IP address (the actual numbers) where that site lives.
Standard DNS servers (like the ones your ISP gives you) just connect you to everything—including the servers that deliver ads and trackers. An ad-blocking DNS, however, acts like a smart filter. When a website tries to load an ad , the DNS server simply says, “I don’t know where that is,” and the ad never loads.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best dns servers for ad blocking windows 11 in 2026. We’ll also dive into the wider Windows ecosystem—covering everything from windows vps servers to free ftp servers for windows—to help you build a faster, more secure setup.
The Best DNS Servers for Ad Blocking on Windows 11 in 2026
Choosing the right DNS depends on whether you want “set it and forget it” simplicity or granular control. Here are the top contenders we recommend at ITCS for 2026:
1. NextDNS (The Pro Choice)
NextDNS remains a favorite for power users and small businesses. It offers a modern dashboard where you can toggle specific blocklists (like the famous EasyList) and even block specific apps like TikTok or Facebook with one click.
Ad-Block Effectiveness: 10/10 (highly customizable).
Privacy: Excellent (logs can be turned off entirely).
Best for: People who want to see exactly what is being blocked.
2. AdGuard DNS (The Reliable Classic)
AdGuard is perhaps the most famous name in ad blocking. Their public DNS is incredibly easy to use and very effective at stopping trackers and pop-ups without breaking websites.
Primary IP:
94.140.14.14Secondary IP:
94.140.15.15Best for: Everyday users who want a clean experience with zero configuration.
3. Control D (The Speed Demon)
Control D offers a unique unfiltered speed profile and various filtered profiles. It’s built by the same team behind Windscribe VPN, so privacy is in its DNA. It’s particularly popular for 2026 because of its lightning-fast resolution times in the South Asian region.
Best for: Gamers and streaming enthusiasts on Windows 11.
4. Cloudflare (1.1.1.2 & 1.1.1.3)
While the standard 1.1.1.1 is just for speed, Cloudflare offers special versions for security.
1.1.1.2: Blocks Malware.
1.1.1.3: Blocks Malware + Adult Content (Family Shield).
Best for: Users who prioritize security and speed over aggressive ad blocking.
5. Mullvad DNS
Originally a VPN provider, Mullvad now offers free public DNS with specific Ad & Tracker blocking profiles. They are widely considered the gold standard for no-logs privacy.
How to Change DNS on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ready to flip the switch? Here is the easiest way to update your settings using the modern Windows 11 interface:
Open Settings: Press
Win + Ion your keyboard.Network & Internet: Click this on the left sidebar.
Choose Your Connection: Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet (whichever you are currently using).
Hardware Properties: Look for DNS server assignment and click Edit.
Manual Mode: Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
Toggle IPv4 to ON: Enter your chosen DNS addresses.
Example (AdGuard): Preferred DNS:
94.140.14.14| Alternate DNS:94.140.15.15.
DNS over HTTPS (Optional but Recommended): For better privacy, set “DNS encryption” to Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) if the provider supports it.
Save: Click save and restart your browser.
Linux Servers vs Windows Servers – Which Is Better for Hosting DNS or Ad-Blocking?
If you are an IT hobbyist or a business owner looking to host your own private ad-blocking DNS (like Pi-hole or AdGuard Home), you’ll face the classic debate: linux servers vs windows servers.
| Feature | Linux Servers | Windows Servers |
| Resource Usage | Lightweight (can run on a tiny VPS). | Heavier (requires more RAM/CPU). |
| Ease of Use | Command-line heavy. | Familiar “Point and Click” GUI. |
| Compatibility | Native home for most DNS tools. | Better for Active Directory/Office 365. |
| Cost | Usually cheaper (no license fee). | Licensing costs (included in ITCS plans). |
For a dedicated DNS blocker, Linux is usually the winner because it’s incredibly stable and uses very little RAM. However, if your business already relies on windows servers for file sharing and user management, it often makes more sense to stay within the Windows ecosystem for better integration.
Windows VPS Servers vs Windows Dedicated Servers – What Should You Choose in 2026?
When you’re ready to move your apps or websites to the cloud, choosing the right hosting is critical. At ITCS, we offer both, but they serve different needs.
Windows VPS Servers
A Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) is like owning a high-end apartment in a secure building. You have your own private space and resources, but you share the building (physical server) with others.
Best for: Small businesses, hosting a private DNS, or running 24/7 trading bots.
Why choose it? It’s affordable and scales instantly as you grow.
Windows Dedicated Servers
A Windows Dedicated Server is like owning the entire building. Every ounce of power (CPU, RAM, Disk) belongs to you.
Best for: High-traffic websites, large databases, and intensive gaming servers.
Why choose it? Maximum performance, total hardware control, and top-tier security.
Free FTP Servers for Windows – Good Options in 2026
If you need to move files between your PC and your windows servers, you’ll need an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) solution. Here are the best free ftp servers for windows in 2026:
FileZilla Server: Open-source and incredibly popular. It’s easy to set up and supports encrypted transfers (FTPS).
Wing FTP Server (Free Edition): Offers a nice web-based interface for administration.
Core FTP Server: A very “light” version that is perfect for quick, temporary setups.
IIS (Internet Information Services): Don’t forget—Windows actually has a built-in FTP server! It’s part of the IIS role and is highly secure for professional environments.
Claude Code, Windows Install & MCP Servers – Quick Explainer
2026 has brought AI directly to our desktops. Many developers are now asking about the claude code windows install mcp servers process.
Claude Code is a command-line tool that lets Claude (the AI) interact directly with your local files. To make it work on Windows, you usually need to install MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers. These servers act as “bridges” that allow the AI to safely read your local database or your Google Drive.
If you are using windows vps servers for development, setting up an MCP server can allow an AI assistant to help you manage your server code in real-time. It sounds like sci-fi, but it’s the new standard for Windows administration!
Conclusion
Choosing the best dns servers for ad blocking windows 11 is the single fastest way to speed up your web browsing and protect your privacy in 2026. Whether you go with the simple power of AdGuard, the customization of NextDNS, or the security of Cloudflare, you’re taking a major step toward a cleaner internet.
However, remember that DNS blocking is just the first layer of defense. For a truly “bulletproof” setup—especially for a business—you should combine a good DNS with a solid firewall, up-to-date antivirus, and perhaps even a dedicated hardware blocker like a Pi-hole.
At ITCS, we specialize in making the complex world of IT feel simple. From setting up secure windows servers to managing high-performance windows dedicated servers, our team is here to ensure your technology works for you, not against you.
Ready to upgrade your server setup or need professional help configuring your network? Contact ITCS today for a free consultation!