Properly configuring network priority in Windows can make a big difference in the performance, stability, and convenience of your daily experience. Although many people use the connection that the system automatically decides, the truth is that Know how to prioritize a WiFi or Ethernet network specific allows you to have control over which network your computer connects to.
It's quite common that, when there are several connection options available (Ethernet and Wi-Fi), Windows automatically decides which one to use based on its internal criteria, which don't always match what we're really interested in. This is where knowing how to set your preferred network in Windows comes into play: You can choose if you prefer stability and maximum speed with a cable or the versatility of Wi-Fi at any time and in any circumstance. In this article, we'll tell you how.
Benefits of adjusting network priority in Windows
Changing the priority of network connections is not just a matter of personal preference. Correctly manage which network should be used first It has very specific advantages in everyday life:
- Avoid unexpected disconnections: By setting a favorite network, your device will not switch connections or will be stuck in limbo when switching between Wi-Fi and cable.
- Optimize speed and bandwidth: You can prioritize the fastest connection based on your location or the tasks you're performing.
- Control traffic and safety: Assigning priorities allows you to decide which tasks should use a more secure connection (for example, your home connection) and which can use a public network.
- Solve congestion problemsIf multiple tasks are saturating a network, you can relegate downloads or streaming to lower-priority connections, reserving the best one for critical tasks.
- Avoid interference or driver problems: Adjusting the priority can be key when a network card (for example, a USB adapter) is experiencing stability issues.
Configuring this correctly provides greater control over your equipment's behavior and can make a difference in environments where connectivity is crucial.
How does Windows determine network priority?
The system uses the concept of "metrics" to decide which network to connect to first when there are several available. In other words, it decides which is the preferred network in Windows for us. The metric is a numerical value that Windows assigns to each network adapter.The lower this number, the higher the priority given to the corresponding network interface. By default, Windows manages this automatically, but you can adjust this metric to take control according to your needs.
In addition to the adapter metric, there's another priority related to stored Wi-Fi networks: the system gives preference to those that have been connected to before or are known, although you can also change this manually.
In short, if there are two active adapters (e.g. Ethernet and WiFi), Windows will select the one with the lowest metric. If you only have WiFi networks, the priority order of the saved networks will come into play (SSID or known network names).
Accessing network settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11
Before you start adjusting priorities, you'll need to know how to access the Windows network menus. The steps are very similar in Windows 10 and 11.
- Click on Home and search for “Settings.”
- Sign in Network and Internet.
In this section, you'll find multiple options: Status, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Data Usage, Advanced Network Settings, etc. From here, you can manage adapters, their properties, and other related settings.
You can also access it directly from the network icon in the taskbar (bottom right): right-click and select Network and Internet Settings.
How to change priority between Ethernet and WiFi (with graphical interface)
If you want your computer to prioritize Wi-Fi over Ethernet (or vice versa) without having to disconnect cables or disable anything, you can change the metric from the Windows graphical interface. Here's the step-by-step guide:
- Open the Configuration Windows and go to Network and Internet.
- Click on Change adapter options or search directly for the Control panel and enters Networks and shared resources -> Change adapter settings.
- You'll see a list of available network cards (WiFi, Ethernet, etc.). Right-click the one you want to prioritize and select Properties.
- Within the properties, search and select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP / IPv4) and click on the button Properties again.
- Press on Advanced (usually at the bottom right).
- Within this menu, you will see a box called Automatic metrics. Uncheck it.
- Enter a number in the "Interface Metric" field: the lower the number, the higher the priority. For example, enter "2" for the preferred connection.
- Repeat the process on the other adapter (for example, set Ethernet to “10” if you want it to take a backseat).
When you're done, accept and close the windows. These changes will take effect immediately.. This way our favorite network will be set as default in Windows.
Favorite Network in Windows: Prioritize Saved Wi-Fi Networks
Beyond choosing between WiFi and cable, many times the important thing is to decide which WiFi network your device connects to when there are several available. Maybe you have multiple networks at home (for example, a 2,4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, or a main network and a guest network), or you often travel to different locations (work, university, coffee shops, etc.)
By default, Windows prioritizes the Wi-Fi network with the strongest signal and the highest in the "known networks" list. However, What if you want it to always connect to the 5 GHz or home router first, even if it is further away or has less signal?
To modify this order there are several options:
Using the command line (CMD)
This method is very useful and fast, although it requires typing some commands:
- Open the Symbol of the system (CMD) as administrator.
- Type the following command to view the list of stored WiFi networks:
netsh wlan show profiles - To change the priority of a specific network (for example, your home WiFi), run:
netsh wlan set profileorder name="nombre_de_la_red" interface="Wi-Fi" priority=1Change “network_name” to the name of your network and “1” to the priority number you want (the lowest is the highest).
You can change the priority of other networks by changing the number at the end of the command. If you want to check the new order, run the first command again to see the updated list.
Using PowerShell to modify adapter priority
In addition to the classic CMD, PowerShell allows you to manage network adapter priorities with powerful commands:
- Opens PowerShell as administrator.
- To view the InterfaceMetric for all network adapters, run:
Get-NetIPInterface - To change the priority of a specific adapter, locate its InterfaceIndex and use the command:
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceIndex INDICE -InterfaceMetric NUMEROReplace “INDEX” with the adapter number and “NUMBER” with the priority (the lower the number, the higher the priority). - For example:
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceIndex 20 -InterfaceMetric 5 - To return to automatic metrics:
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceIndex 21 -AutomaticMetric enabled
These commands They are identical for Windows 10 and Windows 11 and allow for much more flexible management, especially on devices with many interfaces (cable, WiFi, VPN, virtual adapters, etc.).
Troubleshooting and resetting network settings
If, after adjusting the priorities, the connection isn't working as expected or unusual problems arise, there are several ways to restore your network settings to their original state. This is especially useful when you've tweaked several settings and want to start over.
Using a batch file of commands
You can create a .bat file to reset multiple network options, such as releasing the IP address, renewing it, clearing the DNS cache, resetting Winsock, etc. Some useful commands include:
- ipconfig / release
- ipconfig / renew
- arp -d *
- nbstat -R
- nbstat -RR
- ipconfig / flushdns
- ipconfig / registerdns
Save these commands in a file with extension . Beat and run it as administrator when you're having network problems. It's very useful for family members or friends who aren't comfortable with advanced settings.
Reset the network from the Windows menu
In both Windows 10 and 11 you can go to Configuration > Network and Internet > Advanced network settings and look for the option Network resetWhen you use it, the system will uninstall and reinstall all adapters, returning the settings to factory defaults. The device will restart, and you can reconfigure priorities as explained above.
Using the command prompt or PowerShell for specific cases
There are specific commands to reset the TCP/IP stack:
netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip resetnetsh advfirewall resetnetsh interface reset all
These commands can be used one by one to troubleshoot issues related to driver conflicts, misconfigurations, or even malware infections.
Other methods to disconnect or control network usage in Windows
Sometimes, beyond changing the priority, you may want to disconnect your computer from the network completely or restrict Internet use by certain applications. Windows offers several ways to do this:
- Disable the network adapter: Go into Control panel > Network and Internet > Center network and sharing > Change adapter settings, right-click and select “Disable.”
- Using the Windows Registry: From regedit You can create or modify keys to enable “Soft Disconnect” of connections, useful in professional environments.
- Group policy: Through gpedit.msc You can define rules to have Windows disconnect from the network entirely under certain conditions.
- Firewall: Configure Windows Firewall to block traffic or limit access to selective applications.
- Uninstall/reinstall network adapters: From Device Manager, you can remove the driver and reinstall it to fix deeper errors.
This offers even greater control, especially on shared computers or in businesses where network access and usage needs to be carefully managed.
Advantages of prioritizing certain WiFi networks
Many homes and offices have two or more Wi-Fi networks, often differentiated by frequency bands (2,4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) or by different SSIDs (main, guest, extender, etc.). By prioritizing the most convenient network, you can get the most out of your infrastructure:
- Always select the fastest bandIf your router offers both 2,4 and 5 GHz, prioritize the 5 GHz band for faster connections and less interference, unless coverage is poor.
- Prioritize secure networks over public networks: It's always a good idea to have your device connect to your trusted network by default whether you're at home or at work.
- Prevent attempts to connect to other protected networks: Windows may try to connect to more powerful networks that you don't have access to, slowing down your login and overall experience.
- Improve mobile experience: On laptops and devices that move around a lot, you can set it to always try your preferred network first.
Master the management of the network priority in Windows It provides an extra layer of control, performance, and security that may seem complicated at first, but becomes very simple once you understand the concepts and methods. Whether you're a home user or an IT professional, understanding these options will help you resolve most connection issues and optimize your digital experience day after day.