Unleashing the Power of Simultaneous Connectivity: Using Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the Same Time in Windows
So, you find yourself with a Windows computer equipped with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, and the question arises: “Can I use them both at the same time?” The answer is a resounding yes! You can harness the power of both Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously in your Windows environment. Here’s how you can achieve this. Windows typically utilizes a single network connection at any given moment. However, by configuring your network adapter settings, you can enable multiple network connections simultaneously. But why would you need this capability? Let’s delve into the reasons first.
Benefits of Using Wi-Fi and Ethernet Simultaneously in Windows
The advantages of using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet concurrently become evident when you have a local server. In such scenarios, your Windows computer can employ Wi-Fi to stay connected to the internet while using Ethernet to transfer data and access your local server. Another application arises when you possess two distinct internet connections – you can designate one as the primary connection while keeping the other as a backup. In the event that your primary source experiences an outage, your computer will maintain internet connectivity via the secondary connection. This approach ensures uninterrupted internet access, minimizing downtime as there is no need to switch connections unless both fail simultaneously.
Also read: How to Make Your Mic Sound Better on Windows
How to Use Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the Same Time in Windows
To utilize Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously, you’ll need to tweak your network adapter settings in Windows. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accomplish this:
- Open Control Panel: Access the Control Panel on your Windows computer. You can do this by pressing Windows + S, typing “Control Panel” in the search bar, and hitting Return.
- Navigate to Network and Internet: Click on “Network and Internet.”
- Access Network and Sharing Center: Open the “Network and Sharing Center,” which provides access to your currently active network connection settings.
- Explore Network Connections: Click on “Change adapter settings” to view all network connections on your Windows computer.
- Configure Ethernet Connection: Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select “Properties.”
- Access Advanced Settings: Click on “Configure.”
- Identify Priority & VLAN: Under the list of properties for your Ethernet adapter, locate “Priority & VLAN” and select it.
- Disable Priority & VLAN: In the “Value” drop-down menu, select “Priority & VLAN Disabled,” and then click “OK.”
- Reboot Your Computer: Restart your computer to ensure that your Windows machine will now simultaneously utilize multiple network connections. You can revert these settings at any time through the network connections.
Not sure how to access your network settings? Consult our guide to easily open network settings in Windows.
Setting Network Priority in Windows
Even when connected to two networks simultaneously, Windows continues to search for the best network for internet connectivity. However, you can specify network priority settings to instruct Windows to use a particular connection when multiple networks are available. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Run: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Enter ncpa.cpl: Type “ncpa.cpl” into the box and click “OK.”
- Prioritize a Network: Right-click the network you want to prioritize and go to “Properties.”
- Configure TCP/IPv4: Look for “Internet Version Protocol 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on it.
- Access Advanced Settings: Click on “Advanced” to open TCP/IP priority settings.
- Set Priority Value: Uncheck the “Automatic metric” box. This allows you to enter a value in “Interface Metric.”
- Specify Metric Value: Enter “5” in the box next to “Interface Metric,” and then click “OK.”
With these adjustments, your Windows computer is configured to use two connections simultaneously, along with a designated network priority between them.
Is It Useful to Use Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the Same Time?
Using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously can be quite advantageous in specific scenarios. If you have a local server or possess two separate internet connections, this capability offers convenience beyond the default single connection configuration in Windows. However, it’s important to note that simultaneously using Wi-Fi and Ethernet won’t instantly double your internet speeds. Even if you have two separate internet connections via Wi-Fi and Ethernet, Windows won’t employ both for internet connectivity simultaneously. Therefore, dual connections prove beneficial mainly in instances involving a local server or as a backup internet connection.
FAQs on Using Wi-Fi and Ethernet in Windows
1. Why is my internet not working when I attempt to use Wi-Fi and Ethernet together?
Ensure that the network you have designated as the priority network in the interface metrics has functioning internet connectivity. If not, you should switch priority to a different network.
2. Why isn’t Windows recognizing my selected network priority for internet connectivity?
This issue may arise if you are using the IPv6 protocol for internet connection. In such cases, replicate the network priority settings for “Internet Version Protocol 6 (TCP/IPv6),” which can be found just below IPv4 settings.
3. Can I connect my computer to two different Wi-Fi networks simultaneously?
No, you cannot directly connect your computer to two different Wi-Fi networks at the same time. To do so, you would need to use an external Wi-Fi adapter and bridge both connections through network settings. Even then, both Wi-Fi networks cannot be used for internet access simultaneously. This setup is primarily useful for connecting additional devices, such as printers or smart devices.
In summary, you can indeed connect your Windows computer to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously. However, internet connectivity can only be utilized via one connection at a time. This technique is particularly valuable for using Wi-Fi for internet access while dedicating the Ethernet connection to a server, printer, or LAN system.
