Are you tired of sluggish speeds and worried about privacy? Cloudflare WARP can make everyday browsing feel snappier while encrypting traffic from your PC to Cloudflare’s network. This beginner-friendly guide shows how to install and enable WARP on Windows 11 or Windows 10, how to use DNS-only mode, and when to choose alternatives like Secure DNS (DoH).
Want a deeper background first? See our intro post: Cloudflare WARP. Prefer a DoH-only setup or other tools? Our Windows DNS guide compares free DNS changers and explains Secure DNS clearly.
What is Cloudflare WARP?
Cloudflare WARP is a lightweight network tool from Cloudflare that routes your device’s traffic over its global network to improve real-world performance and add transport-level encryption. The WARP app has two modes: full WARP (encrypts all your device’s traffic to Cloudflare) and 1.1.1.1 (DNS-only) if you only want fast, private Secure DNS.
Why Would a Beginner Use Cloudflare WARP?
- Speed & reliability: Cloudflare’s network can bypass congested routes and improve page load consistency.
- Privacy: Your device’s connection to Cloudflare is encrypted; DNS queries can be protected with DoH/DoT.
- One-click simplicity: A single toggle enables or disables protection.
- DNS-only option: You can use only the 1.1.1.1 resolver if you just want Secure DNS.
Main Features of Cloudflare WARP
- Two modes: WARP (full device tunnel) and 1.1.1.1 (DNS-only).
- Global Anycast network: Your traffic enters Cloudflare at the nearest data center to reduce latency.
- Optional WARP+: Uses Cloudflare’s premium routing (Argo-powered) to seek even faster paths.
How to Enable and Use Cloudflare WARP in Windows 11 or 10
Follow these steps to turn on WARP in Windows:
Step 1. Download the Windows installer from the official sources: Cloudflare WARP stable releases or the consumer site 1.1.1.1 with WARP.
Step 2. Run the installer file.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions and accept the license terms.
Step 4. After installation, the Cloudflare WARP app opens automatically. If it doesn’t, launch “Cloudflare WARP” from Start.
Step 5. In the WARP window, click the big toggle to turn WARP On. You’ll see the status change to “Connected.”
Step 6. Check your system tray for the Cloudflare icon to confirm it’s running. You can click it anytime to connect/disconnect or open Settings.
Use DNS-Only Mode (1.1.1.1) Instead of Full WARP
If you prefer a lighter setup that only encrypts DNS and keeps all other traffic direct, switch the app to 1.1.1.1 (DNS-only):
Step 1. Open the WARP app and click the gear icon (Settings).
Step 2. Find Mode and change it from WARP to 1.1.1.1.
Step 3. Turn the main toggle On again. Now, only DNS is routed privately via Cloudflare. For a complete DoH walkthrough on Windows (including built-in Secure DNS), see our Windows DNS guide or try the portable QuickSetDNS.
Explore Cloudflare WARP+ (Optional)
- WARP+ upgrades routing using Cloudflare’s premium paths for potential latency reductions and smoother performance.
- The Windows app makes it easy to activate WARP+ if you need the most consistent speeds.
Safe Use Tips for Beginners
- Know the difference: WARP improves privacy and performance, but it’s not designed for anonymity or location-spoofing. If you need classic VPN features (e.g., geo-unblocking), check our free VPN roundup.
- Local network access: WARP generally excludes private RFC1918 local networks. If you can’t reach a printer/NAS while connected, temporarily disconnect WARP or review the app’s split-tunnel/exclusions.
- DNS-only for compatibility: If a site/app misbehaves, try switching to 1.1.1.1 (DNS-only) mode or toggle WARP off for that task.
- Keep it updated: Update the WARP client regularly for bug fixes and performance improvements.
When Cloudflare WARP Can Help You
- Everyday browsing feels slow due to congested routes—WARP can find cleaner paths.
- You want simple privacy between your device and Cloudflare’s edge without managing complex VPN settings.
- You only want Secure DNS via 1.1.1.1 (DoH/DoT) and to leave the rest of your traffic as-is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloudflare WARP
Is Cloudflare WARP a VPN?
It behaves like a VPN client for connectivity and encryption, but it is not designed for anonymity or changing your apparent country. If you need region switching, check a traditional VPN from our free VPN guide.
Will websites still see my real IP?
When connected, sites generally see a Cloudflare IP that reflects your approximate location, not your raw ISP IP.
Can I just use Cloudflare for DNS (DoH/DoT) without tunneling all traffic?
Yes. Switch the app’s mode to 1.1.1.1 to use DNS-only. You can also configure DoH in Windows directly—see our beginner-safe Secure DNS guide and consider DNS Jumper for fast profile switching.
Why can’t I reach my printer or NAS while WARP is on?
WARP prioritizes secure routing and may require exclusions for some local network ranges. Temporarily disconnect WARP or adjust split-tunnel settings if needed.
Conclusion
Enabling Cloudflare WARP on Windows 11/10 is quick and can noticeably improve real-world responsiveness while keeping your connection private to Cloudflare’s edge. Whether you use full WARP or 1.1.1.1 (DNS-only), you get simple controls and sensible defaults. If you ever need classic VPN features like location choice, explore our free VPN guide; otherwise, WARP and Secure DNS are excellent everyday upgrades.