Are you experiencing slow internet, connection drops, or need to configure your network manually? Knowing how to change network adapter settings in Windows 11 gives you full control over your connections, from IP addresses to DNS servers.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything — including viewing adapters, changing IP settings, enabling/disabling adapters, and troubleshooting network issues.
📌 Quick Summary
If you want the fastest approach:
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Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.
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Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
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Right-click the adapter → Select Properties.
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Modify settings like IP address, DNS, or enable/disable the adapter.
🖥️ Why Change Network Adapter Settings?
Adjusting network adapter settings can help you:
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Improve internet speed and connectivity.
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Set a static IP address for home or office networks.
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Troubleshoot connection problems.
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Configure advanced network features like IPv6 or DNS servers.
✅ Step 1: Open Network Adapter Settings
There are multiple ways to access network adapter settings:
Option A: Using Control Panel
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Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, press Enter.
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Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
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Click Change adapter settings on the left.
Option B: Using Settings App
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Network & internet → Advanced network settings → More network adapter options.
Both methods lead to the same Network Connections window.
✅ Step 2: View Available Network Adapters
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You’ll see all adapters: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VPNs, virtual adapters.
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Adapters with a red X are disconnected.
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Active adapters show green bars or “Connected” status.
✅ Step 3: Enable or Disable a Network Adapter
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Right-click the adapter → Select Disable to turn it off.
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To re-enable, right-click → Select Enable.
💡 Tip: Disabling and re-enabling can fix minor connectivity issues.
✅ Step 4: Change IP Address or DNS Settings
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Right-click your active adapter → Select Properties.
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Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Click Properties.
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You can:
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Obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP).
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Use the following IP address (static IP).
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For DNS settings:
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Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
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Enter preferred DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).
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Click OK to save changes.
For IPv6, select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and follow similar steps.
✅ Step 5: Rename a Network Adapter
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Right-click the adapter → Select Rename → Type a new name.
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Useful for identifying adapters in multi-network environments.
✅ Step 6: Configure Advanced Settings
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Right-click adapter → Properties → Configure.
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Go through tabs:
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Driver: Update, roll back, or uninstall drivers.
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Advanced: Configure speed, duplex, power management.
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Power Management: Allow Windows to turn off device to save power.
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✅ Step 7: Troubleshoot Network Adapter Issues
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Right-click the adapter → Select Diagnose → Follow Windows troubleshooter.
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Check Device Manager: Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Network adapters.
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Update drivers if the adapter malfunctions.
🔧 Common Network Adapter Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No internet access | Check cables, restart router, reset adapter |
| Limited connectivity | Run Windows Troubleshooter, check IP/DNS settings |
| Wi-Fi not connecting | Disable and re-enable Wi-Fi adapter |
| Driver issues | Update driver via Device Manager or manufacturer website |
| Slow connection | Change DNS server or disable power-saving features |
🧠 Pro Tips
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Backup your network settings before making major changes.
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Use static IP addresses for devices like printers and servers.
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Regularly update network adapter drivers for stability and performance.
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Consider renaming adapters for easier identification in multi-network setups.
✅ Conclusion
Changing network adapter settings in Windows 11 is straightforward and gives you control over connectivity, IP configuration, and troubleshooting. By following this step-by-step guide, you can fix network issues, optimize performance, and customize your PC’s networking setup to suit your needs.
📌 Key Takeaways
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Access network adapter settings via Control Panel or Settings → Advanced network settings.
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Enable, disable, rename, and configure adapters as needed.
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Set static IP addresses and custom DNS for better connectivity.
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Use the troubleshooter and update drivers to fix issues.
❓ FAQs About Network Adapter Settings in Windows 11
Q1: Can I change my IP address manually in Windows 11?
A1: Yes, via adapter properties → TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6 → Properties.
Q2: How do I disable a network adapter temporarily?
A2: Right-click the adapter → Select Disable, re-enable when needed.
Q3: What is the difference between TCP/IPv4 and TCP/IPv6?
A3: IPv4 is the traditional IP protocol; IPv6 is the newer standard with more address space.
Q4: Why is my network adapter not working after an update?
A4: Roll back the driver in Device Manager or reinstall the latest driver from the manufacturer.
Q5: Can I rename network adapters in Windows 11?
A5: Yes, right-click the adapter → Select Rename → Enter a new name.