How to Get Windows 11 to Prefer the Right Network Connection
Ever noticed how your device just seems to pick whichever network is available first? It can be a bit frustrating, especially when you’ve got a decent Ethernet connection plugged in but it still defaults to slow Wi-Fi from next door. Prioritising network connections can make a big difference, ensuring your Windows 11 device always connects to the best available network. It helps streamline your online experience — no more buffering when you’re streaming or working. And the best part? It’s pretty straightforward; just a few tweaks in the settings.
Heads up: sometimes, Windows doesn’t update immediately, so you might need to try a reboot or a couple of attempts to see the changes take effect.
Getting Started with the Control Panel
First, open the Windows search bar (Windows + S), type “Control Panel,” and select the app. It’s the main hub for adjusting many system settings, including your network configurations. Once open, you’ll be ready to start changing your connection preferences.
Navigate to the Network and Sharing Centre
Look for “Network and Sharing Centre” under Network and Internet. This is where you can see all your active connections at a glance. Think of it as a snapshot of what’s happening with your networks. You’ll need this to make your necessary adjustments.
Access Adapter Settings
Click on Change adapter settings on the left sidebar. Here, all your network interfaces — whether active or not — are displayed. This is where the real fun begins — time to set which network gets top priority.
Modify Properties of Your Selected Network
Right-click on the network connection you want to prioritise (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then choose Properties. This is where you can dive into the details of how Windows interacts with that network.
Set Your Connection Priority
In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click Properties, then click Advanced. Uncheck “Automatic metric.” This allows you to set a manual priority. Assign a lower metric to the network you want to prioritise — remember, lower numbers mean higher priority. If you use IPv6, repeat these steps for it too.
Pro tip: Instead of navigating through menus, you can also use PowerShell to adjust metrics directly. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run commands like:
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -InterfaceMetric 10
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -InterfaceMetric 20
Update “Wi-Fi” and “Ethernet” with your specific network names to save some hassle.
Note: On some setups, it might take a reboot or two for changes to stick. If it doesn’t work immediately, give it a restart.
Once set, your device will prefer connecting to the designated network by default. This is especially handy in places like cafes or homes with multiple Wi-Fi routers, to keep your connection stable and fast.
Quick Tips for Smooth Networking
Always run these adjustments as an administrator to avoid hiccups. Knowing your network names (SSID for Wi-Fi) helps during setup — avoid confusion. You can also prioritise a wired Ethernet connection the same way — just assign it a low metric.
Remember to keep your network drivers updated via Device Manager > Network adapters. Up-to-date drivers can prevent many connectivity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Network Priority
Why bother setting network priorities?
It ensures your device connects to the fastest or most reliable network, preventing frustrating slowdowns. Especially in busy areas with multiple overlapping networks, proper prioritisation makes your internet much smoother.
What if the priorities aren’t working right?
If your device keeps sticking to a slower or less secure connection, it’s time to check your settings. Correct priority setup keeps things running smoothly without unexpected lag.
Can I revert to automatic prioritisation easily?
Absolutely. Just re-enable “Automatic metric” in the advanced properties. Or, in PowerShell, run:
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -AutomaticMetric $true
This will let Windows handle the prioritisation as it normally does.
Is any third-party software needed?
Nope! Windows 11 has all the tools you need built in to manage network priorities — no extra software required.
Will tweaking these settings improve my internet speed?
Most likely, yes. With correct prioritisation, you should notice a better connection speed and more stability. Just keep an eye on your settings to ensure you’re connected to the right network.
Wrapping up on Network Priorities
Getting your network connections sorted in Windows 11 isn’t just a minor tweak — it can seriously boost your online experience. Use these settings to ensure you’re always on the best network, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home. It’s a small change with potential for a big impact.
So, take a moment to give your network settings a tidy-up, and you might save yourself some headaches and time in the long run. This guide has worked on multiple machines — hopefully, it helps you too!
- The Control Panel is your good mate — open it to start.
- Check the Network and Sharing Centre for a snapshot of connections.
- Change adapter settings to view and manage all network interfaces.
- Edit network properties to set prioritisation.
- Set a lower metric in TCP/IPv4 for your preferred network.