A network adapter is required if you want to connect to a Wi-Fi or Wired network. A wireless adapter will connect to a wireless network and a wired adapter will connect to a wired network. Whichever adapter you have installed on your Windows computer, disabling it can be done with a few clicks, and the steps below show you how to do that. There are many reasons why one may want to disable a network adapter in Windows. If your Windows device has multiple network adapters, you can disable the ones you will not be using. You may also temporarily disable a network adapter to troubleshoot issues with it. When you’re ready, continue below.
How to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11 via the Settings app
As mentioned above, one can disable a network adapter in Windows with a few clicks. If you ever wanted to disable a network adapter in Windows 11, the steps below should come in handy. Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its Settings app. To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below: Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it. Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Network & internet tile to expand it. On the Network & internet settings pane, select the Advanced network settings tile at the bottom to expand it. On the Advanced network settings pane, under Network adapters, select the network adapter name you want to disable. Then click the Disable button as shown below to disable the network adapter. Do this to all the adapters you want to disable in Windows. That should do it. You can now exit the Settings app.
How to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11 via Control Panel
One can also use the Control Panel to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11. To use the Control Panel, go to the Start button, then search for Control Panel. Under Best match, select the Control Panel app to open. In the Control Panel app, go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. In the Network Connections window, right-click on the adapter you want to disable. Then select Disable on the context menu. That should do it!
How to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11 via Device Manager
Users can also use the Device Manager to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11. To use the Device Manager, go to the Start button, then search for Device Manager. Under Best match, select the Device Manager app to open. In the Device Manager app, expand the Network adapter sub-group, then right-click on the adapter you want to disable and select Disable device.
How to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11 via Command Prompt
Another way one can disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11 is to use the Command Prompt. To use the Command Prompt, go to the Start button, then search for Command Prompt. Under Best match, right-click and select the Command Prompt app, and click Run as administrator. Once the Command Prompt opens, run the commands below to enable or disable a network adapter. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to disable or enable a network adapter in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
