Changing the network connection priority in Windows 11 can be crucial, especially if you’re connected to multiple networks and want to make sure your computer always chooses the best one. Whether it’s for optimizing your internet speed or simply ensuring a stable connection, adjusting the priority of networks is relatively simple. In this article, we’ll go over the process step-by-step, focusing on how to change the network connection priority in Windows 11.
Why Change Network Connection Priority?
In Windows 11, your device may connect to multiple networks like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or mobile hotspots. By default, Windows automatically selects a network based on various factors, such as signal strength. However, this automatic selection may not always provide the fastest or most reliable connection. For instance, you might prefer your Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi because it’s more stable and offers higher speeds. Learning how to change the network connection priority in Windows 11 ensures that your preferred network is chosen first.
Steps to Change Network Connection Priority in Windows 11
- Open the Control Panel
- Though Windows Settings is the go-to for most system changes, for network priority adjustments, the Control Panel is still the best option.
- Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and click on it.
- Navigate to Network and Sharing Center
- Once inside the Control Panel, find Network and Sharing Center under the “Network and Internet” section. Here, you can manage all your network connections.
- Access Adapter Settings
- On the left side, click on Change adapter settings. This will bring up all your network adapters, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and others.
- Set Network Priorities
- Here’s where the magic happens. Right-click on the network you want to prioritize, such as your Ethernet connection.
- Select Properties, and then highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), followed by clicking Properties.
- Inside this menu, click on Advanced.
- You will see an option to uncheck Automatic Metric and manually assign a metric to your network connection. The lower the metric, the higher the priority.
- Adjust Metrics for Other Networks
- Repeat the process for other network connections, making sure to assign lower numbers (higher priority) to the network you want to use primarily and higher numbers to secondary networks. For example, set Ethernet to 10 and Wi-Fi to 20, ensuring Ethernet is chosen first whenever it’s available.
Verifying Your Changes
After adjusting the priority, restart your computer or disconnect/reconnect the networks to see the changes in action. Your preferred network should automatically connect when available, without you having to manually switch between connections.
User Experiences on Forums and Websites
Many users on forums have shared positive experiences after changing their network connection priorities in Windows 11. One user stated, “I always had to manually switch to Ethernet after every reboot because my Wi-Fi would connect first. Now that I changed the priority, Windows automatically connects to Ethernet when it’s available.” Another user shared their frustration about network interruptions until they learned how to change the network connection priority in Windows 11, commenting, “Once I set Ethernet as the main connection, I stopped experiencing random Wi-Fi dropouts.”
However, a few users found it tricky to locate the Automatic Metric option in the Advanced TCP/IP settings, but overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
