How to Seamlessly Transition from WiFi to Ethernet in Windows 11- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Switch from WiFi to Ethernet in Windows 11

In today’s digital age, a stable and reliable internet connection is essential for both personal and professional use. While WiFi offers the convenience of wireless connectivity, sometimes a wired Ethernet connection can provide faster speeds and a more stable connection. If you’re a Windows 11 user and want to switch from WiFi to Ethernet, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the transition smoothly.

Step 1: Check for Ethernet Adapter

Before you can connect to an Ethernet network, ensure that your computer has an Ethernet adapter. Most modern laptops and desktops come with an Ethernet port, but some ultra-thin laptops may not have one. To check if your computer has an Ethernet adapter, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Type “Device Manager” in the search bar and press Enter.
3. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network adapters” category.
4. Look for an Ethernet adapter in the list. If you don’t see one, you may need to purchase an external Ethernet adapter.

Step 2: Connect the Ethernet Cable

Once you’ve confirmed that your computer has an Ethernet adapter, connect the Ethernet cable to the adapter on your computer and the Ethernet port on your router or modem.

Step 3: Disable WiFi

To ensure that your computer connects to the Ethernet network and not the WiFi network, you need to disable the WiFi adapter. Here’s how to do it:

1. In the Device Manager window, right-click on the WiFi adapter and select “Disable device.”
2. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to disable the WiFi adapter.

Step 4: Enable Ethernet Adapter

Now that the WiFi adapter is disabled, you need to enable the Ethernet adapter to establish a connection. Follow these steps:

1. In the Device Manager window, right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select “Enable device.”
2. You should see a confirmation message indicating that the device is now enabled.

Step 5: Connect to the Ethernet Network

With the Ethernet adapter enabled, your computer should automatically connect to the Ethernet network. If it doesn’t, you may need to manually set up the connection:

1. Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Network & Internet” > “Wi-Fi.”
3. Click on “Manage known networks” on the left side of the window.
4. Find your Ethernet network in the list and click on it.
5. Click “Connect” to establish the connection.

Step 6: Verify the Connection

To ensure that your computer is connected to the Ethernet network, follow these steps:

1. Click on the network icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen).
2. You should see the name of your Ethernet network listed. If it’s connected, the icon will show a solid connection.

Congratulations! You have successfully switched from WiFi to Ethernet in Windows 11. Enjoy your faster and more stable internet connection.