Windows 10 with both Ethernet and WiFi – Is it Possible?

Windows 10 with both Ethernet and WiFi – Is it Possible?

Windows 10 is designed to work with both Ethernet and WiFi connections simultaneously. However, it is crucial to configure the network settings correctly to avoid any conflicts between the two connections. The goal is to prioritize Ethernet when connected directly to the home router while still being able to utilize WiFi to connect to other devices, such as single board computers used for development.

Understanding Network Adapters in Windows 10

Before diving into the configuration process, it is essential to understand network adapters in Windows 10. Network adapters are hardware components that allow devices to connect to a network. Windows 10 supports various types of network adapters, including Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular. Each network adapter has a unique MAC address and IP address, which are used to identify the device on the network.

Configuring Ethernet and WiFi Connections in Windows 10

To configure Ethernet and WiFi connections in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the computer’s Ethernet port and the home router’s Ethernet port.

2. Connect to the WiFi network using the computer’s WiFi adapter.

3. Open the “Settings” app and select “Network & Internet.”

4. Click on “Ethernet” and then select the Ethernet connection.

5. Turn on the “Set as metered connection” option to limit data usage.

6. Click on “WiFi” and then select the WiFi connection.

7. Turn off the “Connect automatically” option to prevent the computer from automatically connecting to the WiFi network when in range.

Configuring Network Adapter Priorities in Windows 10

To prioritize the Ethernet connection over the WiFi connection, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Control Panel” and select “Network and Sharing Center.”

2. Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side.

3. Press the “Alt” key to bring up the menu bar and select “Advanced” > “Advanced Settings.”

4. In the “Advanced Settings” window, select the “Ethernet” connection and click on the up arrow to move it to the top of the list.

5. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Disabling WiFi AutoConnect in Windows 10

To prevent the computer from automatically connecting to the WiFi network when in range, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Settings” app and select “Network & Internet.”

2. Click on “WiFi” and then select the WiFi connection.

3. Turn off the “Connect automatically” option.

4. Repeat this process for all WiFi networks that the computer should not automatically connect to.

Using Ethernet and WiFi Simultaneously in Windows 10

Once the Ethernet and WiFi connections are configured, Windows 10 will automatically prioritize the Ethernet connection over the WiFi connection. However, the computer can still use both connections simultaneously to access different networks.

For example, if the computer is connected to the home network via Ethernet, it can still connect to a single board computer via WiFi. In this scenario, the computer will use the Ethernet connection for internet access and the WiFi connection for the single board computer.

Conclusion

Configuring Ethernet and WiFi connections in Windows 10 can be challenging, but it is possible to prioritize Ethernet when connected directly to the home router while still being able to utilize WiFi to connect to other devices. By following the steps outlined in this article, Windows 10 users can configure their network adapters to avoid conflicts and use both connections simultaneously.

Yes, it is possible to configure Windows 10 to prioritize Ethernet over WiFi when both are connected. You can do this by going to the Network Connections settings in the Control Panel, right-clicking on the Ethernet connection, and selecting “Properties.” From there, you can select the “Configure” button for the network adapter, go to the “Advanced” tab, and set the “Value” for “Link Speed & Duplex” to “100 Mbps Full Duplex.” This will ensure that the Ethernet connection is given priority over the WiFi connection.

You can also set the wifi connection as metered to avoid automatic connection when the ethernet connection is active.

Additionally, you can use the command ‘netsh interface set interface “WiFi” admin=disable’ to disable the wifi connection when the ethernet is connected and use the command ‘netsh interface set interface “WiFi” admin=enable’ to enable the wifi connection when the ethernet is disconnected.

In order to prioritize your Ethernet Network adapter on Windows 10, you can follow the steps outlined in this WindowsCentral.com article.

On Windows 10, if you have a device with more than one network adapter
(such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi), each interface receives a priority value
automatically based on its network metric, which defines the primary
connection that your device will use to send and receive networking
traffic.

To change network adapter priorities using Control Panel
If you want to change the order in which Windows 10 uses network adapters, do
the following:

• Open Settings. Click on Network & Internet. Click on Status. Click the Change Adapter options item.
• Right-click the network adapter you want to prioritize, and select Properties.
• Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) item. Click the Properties button.
• In the “General” tab, click the Advanced button. Clear the Automatic metric option. In the “Interface metric” field assign a
  priority value for the adapter.

Quick Tip: The lower the metric number means higher priority, and a
higher number indicates lower priority.

• Click the OK button. Click the OK button again. Click the Close button.

Once you’ve completed the steps, Windows 10 will prioritize the network traffic depending on your configuration.

The only caveat using the Control Panel experience is that depending on your network setup, you may need to adjust the metric for the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) as well, if that’s the protocol you’re using. (Usually, you will be using the TCP/IPv4 protocol.)

At any time, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 9, make sure to check the Automatic metric option.

If this does not meet your needs, you may also want to consider using the Windows Firewall for additional control over your network connections. However, if you require further customization, additional information may be necessary.