Integrating Wi-Fi with Ethernet: The Windows Approach

You can have your Windows computer connected to Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously, but the system won’t use both connections at the same. Windows automatically configures the network adapter order priority to provide the best Internet connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

However, if you have multiple ISP connections or have a local media server, you can configure your Windows laptop to use Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously. To do this, you must disable packet priority for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet network adapter.

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Why You May Need to Use Both the Wi-Fi and Ethernet Connections Simultaneously

While you may not get an additional speed advantage when using the same ISP for your Wi-Fi and Ethernet, you can have both connections up and running as a backup for critical Internet-dependent services. Also, if you have access to multiple ISP connections, you canmerge multiple connections to increase your internet speed .

Additionally, it is also useful if you have a local server and want to be connected to both the Internet and the local server simultaneously. You can connect to the local media server via Ethernet and access the internet over Wi-Fi without dropping the connection.

On the flip side, there are chances of packet loss due to duplicate packets being transmitted via both the Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection. Lower-end routers may also notice decreased speed due to increased load on your network device. This is part of the reasonswhy you may want to replace your ISP’s router .

How to Configure Windows to Use Wi-Fi and Ethernet Connections Simultaneously

Since Windows automatically prioritizes the network adapter to use only one adapter at a time, you’ll need to disable the packet priority option in the network adapter’s network configuration. Doing so will allow Windows to use multiple connections simultaneously.

To disable packet priority and VLAN on Windows:

1. PressWin + R to openRun .
2. Typecontrol and clickOK to openControl Panel .
3. Next, go toNetwork and Internet and click onNetwork and Sharing Center.
   
4. In the left pane, click onChange adapter settings.

5. Right-click on yourEthernet network adapter and selectProperties . Alternatively, double-click on theEthernet adapter and then click onProperties .
   

6. In theNetworking tab, click theConfigure button.

7. Next, open theAdvanced tab.

8. SelectPriority and VLAN under theProperty section.

9. Click the drop-down underValue .
   

10. SelectPriority and VLAN Disabled.

11. ClickOK to save the changes.

12. Next, you need to repeat the steps for your Wi-Fi adapter. So, open Properties for your Wi-Fi adapter and set itsPriority and VLAN value toPriority & VLAN Disabled .

13. ClickOK to save the changes.

With the network adapter priority option disabled, Windows will now use both network connections simultaneously.

How to Set the Network Priority for Wi-Fi or Ethernet Using Interface Metric

By default, Windows uses an automatic metric to detect and use the best network connectivity option available. However, if you need, you can manually set network priority to force Windows to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi as the preferred connectivity option.

To change network priority on Windows:

1. PressWin + R to openRun .
2. Typencpa.cpl and clickOK .
   
3. Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and selectProperties . If you want to prioritize your Wi-Fi adapter, choose that instead.

4. Next, selectInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click onProperties .
   
5. Click theAdvanced button in theProperties dialog.

6. Next, uncheckAutomatic metric and type5 in theInterface metric field.
7. ClickOK on all the open windows to save the changes.
8. Note that if you use Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) protocol, you’ll need to assign an interface metric for it as well.

With the changes saved, Windows will prioritize your preference when multiple network adapters are connected to your computer. To undo the changes, openAdvanced TCP/IP Settings and check theAutomatic metric option. Then, clickOK to save the changes.

Make Your Computer Use Your Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the Same Time

You can configure the network adapter on your computer to use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection simultaneously. While it has many advantages, it won’t increase your Internet speed. Instead, you’ll need multiple Internet connections powering your Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks to see increased speed.

Alternatively, if you have multiple Wi-Fi connections at home or office, you can configure your Windows computer to automatically switch to the strongest Wi-Fi network available when you move around.

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