Changing the network connection priority in Windows 10 is a handy trick to make sure your computer connects to the preferred network first. To do this, you’ll need to adjust the network adapter settings using the Command Prompt. Don’t worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to do it.
How to Change the Network Connection Priority in Windows 10
Changing the network connection priority in Windows 10 ensures that your PC connects to the preferred network first. Below are the steps to accomplish this.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
Open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.
To do this, type "cmd" in the search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator." This will give you the necessary permissions to change network settings.
Step 2: List All Network Interfaces
Type the command netsh interface show interface and press Enter.
This command will display all the network interfaces available on your computer. Note the names of the interfaces you want to prioritize.
Step 3: Change the Interface Metric
Type the command netsh interface ipv4 set interface "Interface Name" metric=Value and press Enter.
Replace "Interface Name" with the name of your network interface and "Value" with a lower number to set a higher priority. The network with the lowest metric value will be prioritized.
Step 4: Verify the Changes
Type netsh interface ipv4 show interface and press Enter.
This command will display the current metrics for each network interface, confirming whether your changes have been applied correctly.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to apply the changes fully.
Rebooting your computer ensures that the new network priorities take effect.
After you complete these steps, your computer will always try to connect to the network you prioritized first. This can be especially useful if you have multiple networks at home or work and want to ensure you’re always on the fastest or most reliable one.
Tips for Changing the Network Connection Priority in Windows 10
- Always double-check the names of your network interfaces before making changes.
- Assign a metric value that reflects the priority you desire; lower numbers mean higher priority.
- Restart your computer after making changes to ensure they take effect.
- Be cautious when running the Command Prompt as an administrator to avoid unintended changes.
- Regularly review your network settings, especially if you frequently connect to new networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is network connection priority?
Network connection priority determines which network your computer will connect to first when multiple networks are available.
Why do I need to change the network connection priority?
Changing the priority ensures that your computer connects to the preferred network, which can be faster or more stable.
Can I change the priority back?
Yes, simply follow the same steps and adjust the metric values as needed.
Do I need to be an administrator to change the network priority?
Yes, you must run the Command Prompt as an administrator to make these changes.
What happens if two networks have the same metric?
If two networks have the same metric, Windows will choose the one that was most recently connected to.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- List All Network Interfaces.
- Change the Interface Metric.
- Verify the Changes.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
So there you have it! We’ve walked through how to change the network connection priority in Windows 10. It might seem a bit techy at first, but by following these steps, you can make sure your device always connects to the best available network. This can save you a lot of hassle, especially if you work from home or need a reliable connection for streaming and gaming.
Don’t forget to review your network settings periodically. Technology keeps evolving, and new networks or devices might come into play. Keep this guide handy for future reference and share it with anyone who might find it helpful. If you want to dive deeper, explore more about network settings and optimizations to keep your system running smoothly. Happy surfing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.