Sometimes you may want to disable your Ethernet connection on Windows 11—maybe to troubleshoot internet issues, switch to Wi-Fi, save power, or prevent unauthorized network use. The good news? Disabling Ethernet is quick and easy, and you have multiple methods to do it.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to disable Ethernet in Windows 11 using Settings, Control Panel, Device Manager, and even Command Prompt.
Why Disable Ethernet in Windows 11?
Here are some common reasons people disable Ethernet:
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Switching networks – If you want to force your PC to use Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet.
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Troubleshooting – Helps identify whether Ethernet is causing network issues.
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Security – Temporarily cutting off wired internet access.
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System performance – Rare cases where drivers conflict with Wi-Fi.
Method 1: Disable Ethernet via Settings
The simplest way is through Windows Settings.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Network & internet.
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Click on Ethernet in the left panel.
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Toggle the switch Off to disable Ethernet.
👉 Your PC will immediately disconnect from the wired network.
Method 2: Disable Ethernet via Control Panel
If you prefer the classic method, Control Panel still works.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. -
This opens Network Connections.
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Right-click your Ethernet adapter.
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Select Disable.
To re-enable it later, just right-click and select Enable.
Method 3: Disable Ethernet via Device Manager
This method disables the Ethernet adapter at the driver level.
Steps:
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Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.
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Expand Network adapters.
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Right-click your Ethernet adapter (usually Intel or Realtek).
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Select Disable device.
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Confirm when prompted.
👉 This is useful if you don’t want Windows to reconnect automatically.
Method 4: Disable Ethernet via Command Prompt
For advanced users, Command Prompt offers a quick way.
Steps:
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Press Win + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
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Type the command:
(This lists all network interfaces).
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Find your Ethernet adapter name (e.g., Ethernet).
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Disable it with:
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To re-enable later:
Method 5: Disable Ethernet via PowerShell
Similar to Command Prompt, but using PowerShell.
Steps:
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Press Win + X, then select Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Type:
(This shows all adapters).
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Disable Ethernet with:
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Re-enable it with:
Pros and Cons of Disabling Ethernet
✅ Pros
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Forces PC to use Wi-Fi.
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Helps with troubleshooting.
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Enhances network security.
❌ Cons
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No internet if Wi-Fi isn’t available.
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Some apps may not work without Ethernet.
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Could cause confusion if you forget it’s disabled.
Conclusion
Disabling Ethernet on Windows 11 is easy, and you have several options—from simple Settings toggles to advanced Command Prompt or PowerShell commands.
If you just need a quick disconnect, Settings or Control Panel will do the job. For a more permanent block, Device Manager or command-line tools are the way to go.
FAQs
1. Does disabling Ethernet remove the driver?
No, it just disables the connection. You can re-enable it anytime.
2. Will Wi-Fi work if I disable Ethernet?
Yes, your PC will automatically switch to Wi-Fi if it’s available.
3. Can I disable Ethernet for specific apps only?
Not directly, but you can use a firewall to block apps from using Ethernet.
4. Is it better to disable Ethernet or unplug the cable?
Both work, but disabling via software ensures it won’t reconnect automatically.
5. Can I schedule Ethernet to disable automatically?
Yes, using a PowerShell script and Task Scheduler, you can automate it.