How to make Wi-Fi default instead of ethernet?

Ditch the Cable: Making Wi-Fi Your Default Connection

We live in a wireless world, yet sometimes our computers stubbornly cling to wired connections. If you’re tired of your computer defaulting to Ethernet even when a perfectly good Wi-Fi network is available, there’s a simple solution: adjusting the Interface Metric. This hidden setting allows you to prioritize your network connections, ensuring your computer chooses Wi-Fi first.

While disconnecting the Ethernet cable is a quick fix, it’s not a permanent solution. The Interface Metric provides a more elegant way to manage your network preferences. This value essentially assigns a priority level to each network adapter. Lower numbers signify higher priority. By assigning a lower metric to your Wi-Fi adapter than your Ethernet adapter, you instruct your computer to prefer the wireless connection.

Here’s how to make Wi-Fi your default connection by adjusting the Interface Metric:

1. Open Network Connections: Search for “View network connections” in the Windows search bar and select the corresponding result. Alternatively, you can access it through the Control Panel (Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings).

2. Identify Your Adapters: Locate your Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters in the list. They will likely be labeled “Wi-Fi” or something similar, and “Ethernet” or “Local Area Connection.”

3. Access Properties: Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Properties.”

4. Configure IPv4/IPv6: In the Networking tab, find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” depending on your network configuration. Select it and click “Properties.” Note: You may need to adjust the metric for both IPv4 and IPv6.

5. Adjust the Metric: Click the “Advanced…” button. Uncheck the “Automatic metric” box. In the “Interface metric” field, enter a low number, such as “1”. Click “OK” on all open windows to save the changes.

6. Repeat for Ethernet: Repeat steps 3-5 for your Ethernet adapter. This time, assign a higher metric, such as “10” or higher. This ensures that even if both connections are active, Wi-Fi remains the preferred choice.

7. Test Your Connection: Disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network to verify the changes. Your computer should now automatically connect to Wi-Fi and prioritize it over the Ethernet connection.

By following these simple steps, you can take control of your network connections and enjoy the freedom of wireless connectivity without the hassle of constantly managing cables. No more accidental reliance on a wired connection when you’d rather be untethered! This tweak provides a seamless and permanent solution for prioritizing your Wi-Fi connection.