How to Change Adapter Settings in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 8, 2025

Ever had trouble connecting to the internet on your Windows 11 PC? Or maybe you needed to tweak your network for better performance? That’s where adapter settings come in.

Changing adapter settings in Windows 11 allows you to manage your Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN connections. Whether you want to enable/disable a network, set a static IP, or troubleshoot issues, this guide will walk you through everything step by step.

What Are Adapter Settings in Windows 11?

Think of adapter settings as the control panel for your network connections. Every network connection—Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN—has an adapter. These adapters let your PC talk to the internet or other devices.

By adjusting these settings, you can:

  • Enable or disable connections.

  • Change IP addresses and DNS servers.

  • Fix connectivity problems.

  • Prioritize certain networks.

Why Change Adapter Settings?

You might want to change adapter settings in Windows 11 for several reasons:

  • To fix Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity issues.

  • To set up a static IP address for gaming or servers.

  • To use custom DNS servers for faster browsing.

  • To enable/disable adapters you don’t use.

  • To configure advanced settings like MAC address filtering.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

  1. Click the Start menu (Windows logo).

  2. Select Settings (gear icon).

  3. Or, use the shortcut Windows + I.

This is your gateway to network settings.

Step 2: Go to Network & Internet

  1. In Settings, look at the left sidebar.

  2. Click Network & internet.

  3. You’ll now see all your network options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, etc.).

Step 3: Open Advanced Network Settings

  1. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.

  2. Here you’ll see all available adapters listed under Network adapters.

Each one represents a different connection—Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or virtual adapters.

Step 4: Manage Your Adapters

From this screen, you can:

  • Enable/disable an adapter by clicking it and selecting the option.

  • View adapter properties to see details like MAC address, link speed, and status.

  • Run troubleshooters if you’re facing issues.

Step 5: Open More Adapter Options (Classic View)

Sometimes you need the traditional Network Connections window. Here’s how to access it:

  1. In Advanced network settings, scroll down.

  2. Under Related settings, click More network adapter options.

  3. This opens the classic Network Connections panel from Control Panel.

This view gives you deeper control over your adapters.

Step 6: Change Adapter Properties

  1. Right-click your chosen adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

  2. Select Properties.

  3. Here, you can configure different items like:

    • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

    • Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)

    • Client for Microsoft Networks

This is where the real customization begins.

Step 7: Set a Static IP Address

Want a fixed IP for better stability? Here’s how:

  1. In adapter properties, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

  2. Select Use the following IP address.

  3. Enter:

    • IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

    • Subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0)

    • Default gateway (your router’s IP, e.g., 192.168.1.1)

  4. Click OK.

Now your PC always uses the same IP—great for gaming or servers.

Step 8: Change DNS Settings

Want faster browsing or better privacy? Switch to a custom DNS:

  1. In the same IPv4 window, select Use the following DNS server addresses.

  2. Enter public DNS servers, like:

    • Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

    • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

    • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

  3. Click OK.

Your PC will now use your chosen DNS servers.

Step 9: Enable or Disable Network Adapters

Sometimes you just want to turn off Wi-Fi or Ethernet without unplugging.

  1. In Network Connections, right-click the adapter.

  2. Select Disable.

  3. To re-enable, right-click again and choose Enable.

Step 10: Prioritize Network Adapters

If you use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, you may want one to take priority.

  1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.

  2. Click Change adapter settings.

  3. Press Alt, then select Advanced > Advanced Settings.

  4. Move your preferred adapter to the top.

Now Windows will always use that network first.

Step 11: Troubleshoot Adapter Issues

If your internet still doesn’t work:

  1. Right-click the adapter.

  2. Select Diagnose.

  3. Windows will run a troubleshooter to detect and fix problems.

Alternative Way: Access via Command Prompt

Tech-savvy? Try this method:

  1. Search Command Prompt and run as Administrator.

  2. Type:

    ncpa.cpl

    Press Enter—this opens the Network Connections panel instantly.

Alternative Way: Access via Run Command

Another quick trick:

  1. Press Windows + R.

  2. Type:

    ncpa.cpl

  3. Hit Enter.

Boom—you’re in!

How to Reset Adapter Settings in Windows 11

If things get really messy, you can reset everything:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

  2. Scroll down and select Network reset.

  3. Click Reset now.

This will reinstall all adapters and restore default settings.

Pros of Changing Adapter Settings

  • Fixes network problems.

  • Gives you more control over connections.

  • Improves speed and reliability with custom DNS/IP.

  • Helps prioritize stable connections.

Cons of Changing Adapter Settings

  • Incorrect settings can break your internet.

  • Requires admin rights.

  • Advanced options may confuse beginners.

Tips for Safely Changing Adapter Settings

  • Always note down default settings before making changes.

  • Use automatic settings unless you know what you’re doing.

  • If something breaks, try Network Reset to start fresh.

  • Update your network drivers regularly.

Final Thoughts

Changing adapter settings in Windows 11 might sound intimidating at first, but it’s actually straightforward once you know where to look. From simple tweaks like enabling/disabling Wi-Fi to advanced changes like setting a static IP or custom DNS, these steps give you full control over your PC’s internet connection.

Remember: a small change in adapter settings can make a big difference in speed, security, and reliability.

FAQs

Q1: Can I access adapter settings without going through Settings?
Yes, you can open them directly by typing ncpa.cpl in Run or Command Prompt.

Q2: Will changing adapter settings affect all users on my PC?
Yes, changes apply system-wide, not just to your account.

Q3: How do I restore default adapter settings?
Use the Network reset option in Advanced network settings.

Q4: Can I delete a network adapter?
Yes, but it will reinstall after a restart if it’s built-in. External adapters can be uninstalled.

Q5: Should I use manual or automatic IP settings?
Automatic works for most users. Manual (static IP) is useful for gaming, servers, or troubleshooting.

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