Symptoms
By default, Windows uses the connection with the lowest assigned metric value. To force Windows to use a specific network connection, assign a metric value to each connection, giving the lowest value to the wanted connection.
Cause
Not applicable
Resolution
Windows Operating System
- Windows 7
- Windows 8/8.1
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Open the Network Connections folder:
- For Windows 7, 8/8.1 and 10 click Start, choose Run, type
ncpa.cpl and then press Enter. - For Windows 11 click Start, choose Search
ncpa.cpl
- Right-click the wanted connection.
- Click Properties and then click on Internet Protocol Version 4.
- Click Properties and then click on Advanced.
- Uncheck "Automatic metric."
- Enter a value of 1 for the Ethernet adapter and 1000 for the Wireless adapter.
- Repeat this procedure for the other connection.
- Reboot the computerthen test after applying this to both the Ethernet and Wireless adapters.
To see the current metrics run netsh int ip show config in command prompt and you see the value as it isset under interfaceMetric
Note: You might still see the Wireless icon still connected, but you can check your routing table. In the command prompt type "route print" then, press the enter key. Look for the X.X.X.X route with the lowest metric, and the interface columntells you the IP address of the interface it is using.
FAQs
Go to View Network Connections or Control Panel\ All Control Panel Items\ Network and Sharing Center > click on 'Change adapter settings' then use the alt button to show menus and select Advanced Settings... Under Connections section, select Ethernet, and use the arrows to the right to move Ethernet above WiFi.
How do I make my computer use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi? ›
To connect your computer to Ethernet instead of WiFi, you'll need an Ethernet cable. Simply plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other end into a compatible Ethernet port on your router or modem. This establishes a wired connection, bypassing WiFi for internet access.
How do I force Windows 11 to use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi? ›
Open Settings, click on Network & Internet in the left-hand panel, and select Advanced network settings at the bottom of the right-hand panel. On the Advanced network settings panel, Enable Ethernet and disable WiFi. This will force it to use the wired connection.
How do I prioritize my Wi-Fi connection over Ethernet? ›
In the Advanced Settings window you will see the Adapters and Bindings tab and under Connections you will see the order they are in. You can use the arrows to the side to move the Wireless Network Connection priority up for this example. Traffic will go over the adapter with the highest priority first (when connected).
How to make wired connection priority over wireless Windows 10? ›
Replies (4)
- Press the Windows Key + X and select Network Connections from the menu.
- Press the ALT key, click Advanced and then Advanced Settings.
- Select the network connection and click the arrows to give priority to the network connection.
When both wireless and Ethernet connections are available, Windows automatically gives the Ethernet connection a higher priority. However, when you move your laptop in and out of a docking station, you may find that the wireless connection takes priority even when Ethernet is available.
How do I prioritize network connections in Windows 11? ›
How to Set Internet Priority on Windows 11?
- Press Win + R > type “ncpa. cpl” > Enter.
- Right-click “Wi-Fi” or Ethernet > select “Properties.”
- Double-click on IPv4 or IPv6 > Click “Advanced.”
- Uncheck Automatic Metric > Enter 1 (or your desired number) > Click OK.
Things You Should Know. Connect an Ethernet cable to the modem/router in the port labeled "LAN" or "Ethernet". Connect the other end into your computer. On Windows, go to "Start" → "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "Ethernet" → check for "Connected".
How do I force a network adapter to enable? ›
Windows 10 instructions
- Right-click the Start menu button at the bottom left corner of your Desktop screen.
- Select Device Manager. ...
- Select Network Adapters. ...
- Right-click on this driver and you will be presented with a list of options, including Properties, Enable or Disable, and Update.
When you reach the “Let's connect you to a network” screen with the grayed-out Next button, press Shift + F10 to launch a command prompt. 3. In the command prompt, run the following command: oobe\BypassNR O This will execute the OOBE BypassNRO command, bypassing the network requirement during Windows 11 setup. 4.
Check the Ethernet cable and connection.
Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into the Ethernet port on both your router and Windows 10 PC. On your router, make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged into the correct Ethernet port—not the Internet port that's used to connect your modem and router.
Can you prioritize Ethernet connection? ›
How do I set my computer as a priority on my router? Set your computer as a priority within your router's QoS settings. Typically, you can do this by choosing the corresponding Ethernet LAN port the computer is plugged into or by manually entering the IP or MAC address into the required fields.
How do I set Ethernet as my default connection Windows 10? ›
In Windows 10, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. In the list of network connections that opens, select the connection you are using to connect to your ISP (wireless or LAN).
Why is Ethernet preferred over WiFi? ›
Ethernet gives you better speed, lower latency, and a more reliable connection. Wi-Fi is more convenient for mobile devices, but is prone to interference. Deciding which one is better depends on what you want to do; so let's help you decide with some key comparisons.
Can Windows allow WiFi and Ethernet at the same time? ›
You can configure the network adapter on your computer to use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection simultaneously. While it has many advantages, it won't increase your Internet speed. Instead, you'll need multiple Internet connections powering your Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks to see increased speed.
