(windows 10 pro)

I have spectrum internet and use their router because I don’t feel like dealing with replacing routers. Meaning the router config isn’t that in depth compared to having your 3rd party router. I use windscribe VPN, how do I get pihole to block all ads and allow me to windscribe on my devices?

Thanks

    • PM_Your_Nudes_Please@lemmy.world
      1·
      6 months ago

      You’re correct; A VPN will route all of your DNS traffic through itself, to avoid your ISP snooping on your traffic. Because if the ISP can see your DNS traffic, they can see which sites you’re requesting. Which defeats the entire purpose of the VPN in the first place.

      But this also means that a DNS-based adblocker like a pihole will stop working when connected to your VPN, because your device isn’t using the pihole for DNS when it’s connected to the VPN.

      See if Windscribe has a way to set your own DNS within the VPN. It’ll probably tell you this is insecure, because they’re imagining a scenario where someone uses something like google or CloudFlare servers (which, again, would allow those DNS servers to see which sites you’re visiting.) This could potentially allow you to point your DNS traffic at your pihole, even while using your VPN. You could also see if Windscribe offers their own adblocking services; Many VPNs do, for exactly the scenario you’re in. They basically run their own version of DNS adblocking, so you’d just need to go enable it in the settings if it’s available.

    • LoKout@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      Yes, windscribe vpn sends your DNS traffic to its own servers to prevent your ISP from spying on your traffic. They claim to be able to block ads so why are you also trying to run a pi-hole box?

        • tyrant@lemmy.world
          1·
          6 months ago

          As others have said, if your computer is running the VPN it’s going to bypass the DNS service that your router is trying to use BUT if the pi is set up properly and your router is aimed at it for DNS it should still work to block ads for things like your Xbox or Smart TV or whatever.

      • bobs_monkey@lemm.ee
        1·
        6 months ago

        What sharpiemaker said is your workaround ticket. Configure each device in their network settings to resolve DNS to your local pihole address will scoot all queries to the pihole before windscribe even has the option to make its own decisions.