How to Switch from Wifi to Ethernet Windows 10

Are you struggling with slow Internet speed or a lag in your online activities? In today’s world, where everything happens online, a speedy and uninterrupted internet connection is a necessity. Most modern laptops come with an in-built Wi-Fi connection, which works well for everyday use. However, many users prefer a wired Ethernet connection for demanding tasks like downloading large files, online gaming, or streaming high-quality videos. In this article, we will learn how to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10

Wi-Fi connections are convenient, as you can use them anywhere without worrying about being tied to a wired connection. However, Wi-Fi signals can be unstable, affected by factors like wall thickness, distance, and interference from other electronic devices. Ethernet connections, on the other hand, provide faster and more reliable internet speeds by connecting directly to your router via a wired cable. Ethernet is especially useful if you are into online gaming, video streaming, large file downloads, or conducting business meetings and presentations online.

Method 1: Through Settings

To switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet using the Windows 10 settings, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Windows key on your keyboard or the Windows icon on your screen.
  2. Select the Settings option (gear icon).
  3. Click on the Network & Internet option from the list.
  4. Select Ethernet from the left-hand side navigation menu.
  5. In the Ethernet settings page, toggle the switch to turn on the Ethernet connection (if it is not already connected).
  6. Once the Ethernet connection is on, click on the Wi-Fi tab.
  7. Toggle the switch to turn off the Wi-Fi connection.

Pros:

  • Simple to execute.
  • No installation of extra software needed.
  • Suitable for people who are not tech-savvy.

Cons:

  • You may experience minor difficulties while switching if for some reason Windows fails to recognize the Ethernet connection.

Method 2: Using Control Panel

To switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet connection through the Control Panel, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Windows key on your keyboard or the Windows icon on your screen.
  2. Type ‘Control Panel’ in the search bar and select the Control Panel app.
  3. Once the Control Panel window opens, click on ‘Network and Internet.’
  4. Click on ‘Network and Sharing Center.’
  5. On the right-hand side of the screen, click on ‘Change adapter settings.’
  6. Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select ‘Set as default.’
  7. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select ‘Disable.’

Pros:

  • A simple and quick method, even if you’re not the most tech-savvy.
  • It gives you control over which network adapters you want to enable or disable.

Cons:

  • If you’re a new Windows 10 user, you may find the Control Panel a bit difficult to navigate.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

To switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet connection using Command Prompt, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Windows key on your keyboard or the Windows icon on your screen.
  2. Type ‘cmd’ in the search bar and select ‘Run as administrator.’
  3. Type ‘ipconfig /all ‘in the command prompt.
  4. Find the ‘Wi-Fi’ or ‘Wireless LAN Adapter Wi-Fi’ entry and take note of the router’s IP address (IPv4 address).
  5. Find the ‘Ethernet Adapter Ethernet’ or ‘Local Area Connection’ entry, depending on what your system has. Once you find it, note the adapter’s MAC address.
  6. Type ‘netsh interface O install’ to create a new interface.
  7. Type ‘netsh interface ipv4 set interface "Wi-Fi" disabled’ to disable the Wi-Fi connection and ‘netsh interface ipv4 set interface "Ethernet" enable’ to enable the Ethernet adapter.
  8. Type ‘exit’ to close the command prompt.

Pros:

  • This method gives you precise control over which Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter to enable or disable.
  • You don’t need to install any additional software.

Cons:

  • If you are not familiar with Command Prompt, this method can be difficult.

What to Do If You Can’t Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10

If you can’t switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10 using the above methods, try these fixes:

  1. Restart your computer and try again to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix many technical issues.
  2. Check and confirm that Ethernet cables are properly connected to your computer and the router.
  3. Turn off your computer and router, then wait a few minutes and restart them.
  4. Update your network adapter drivers. To do this, right-click on the start menu, select Device Manager, click on ‘Network Adapters,’ select your network adapter and right-click on it, and select ‘Update driver.’
  5. Try switching to a different Ethernet cable or making sure that the Ethernet cable you are using is working correctly.
  6. Check your computer’s network settings and confirm that everything is set up correctly.

Bonus Tip

To monitor your internet speed and performance, you can use free online tools like Speedtest.net, Ookla, or Fast.com. Use these tools to compare your internet speeds with or without the Ethernet connection.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can I use Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time on Windows 10?

A: Yes, you can use both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections simultaneously, but it is not recommended. Instead, you should disable one or the other so that your computer can prioritize a single connection for better performance.

Q2: Why should I use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

A: Ethernet offers a more stable and faster internet connection for downloading large files, gaming, or streaming high-quality videos. It also provides greater security than Wi-Fi, which can be affected by signal interference or hacking attempts.

Q3: Do I need to purchase any additional software or adapter to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet?

A: No, you don’t need to buy any additional software or an adapter to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. You may, however, need an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router.

Q4: Why am I unable to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10?

A: This issue may occur for various reasons, including faulty hardware, poor network settings, or outdated drivers. Follow the troubleshooting measures mentioned above, and if the problem persists, it’s best to seek professional help.

Q5: How to troubleshoot Ethernet connection issues on Windows 10?

A: Some common solutions to Ethernet connection issues are to disable and re-enable the adapter, checking Ethernet cables, resetting the modem and router, updating network drivers, disabling antivirus or firewall, and more.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you understand how to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10, and the reasons why you might prefer Ethernet for certain tasks. With the above methods, you can switch back and forth between Wi-Fi and Ethernet with ease, depending on the situation. Remember to run frequent Internet speed tests and monitor your connection to ensure smooth and speedy performance.