Modern users are increasingly faced with the need to ditch wired connections in favor of wireless technologies. Switching from cable to Wi-Fi can occur when moving furniture, renovating, or simply wanting to get rid of excess cables cluttering the workspace.
The process of transition to wireless network Requires not only disconnecting the physical cable but also properly configuring the hardware software. Many users mistakenly believe that simply unplugging the cable is sufficient, but without first configuring the adapter, the computer may lose access to the global network.
In this article, we'll cover every step of the migration in detail, from hardware testing to fine-tuning connection priorities in the operating system. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure stable data transfer speeds.
Checking hardware and compatibility
The first step before switching to Wi-Fi is to ensure you have the necessary equipment. Unlike desktop computers, laptops typically come with a built-in module, but PCs often require an external one. USB adapter or an internal PCIe card.
Make sure your router supports current communication standards such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax, which provide high speed. If your router is old, it may become a bottleneck, and you won't notice the difference between a cable and a wireless signal.
It's also worth checking the device drivers. Open Task Manager and make sure the network adapter is working properly, without any yellow exclamation marks. If necessary, download the latest software from the manufacturer's website.
⚠️ Attention: If you're using an older adapter that only supports the 2.4 GHz band, your speed in an apartment building may be low due to congestion in the airwaves from neighboring routers.
- 📡 Check that the antennas are present on the router and that they are securely attached.
- 💻 Make sure that the Wi-Fi module is installed and enabled on your computer.
- 🔌 Prepare a free USB port for an external adapter if there is no built-in one.
- 📶 Find out your network name (SSID) and access password.
Physically disconnecting the Ethernet cable
Although operating systems can automatically prioritize connections, physically removing the Ethernet cable is the most reliable way to force the computer to search for a wireless network. Wired connections have a higher default priority metric in Windows and Linux.
Simply remove the RJ-45 connector from the network port on your motherboard or laptop. Pay attention to the indicators next to the port: when the cable is disconnected, the LEDs should go out, indicating a break in physical contact.
If you don't want to completely remove the cable, for example, if it's installed in a wall, you can programmatically disable the port. To do this, right-click the network icon in the system tray, select Network and Internet settings, then Configuring adapter settingsFind the Local Area Connection, right-click and select Disable.
☑️ Preparing to switch to Wi-Fi
After disconnecting the cable, the system may search for alternative access paths for a few seconds. During this time, the network icon in the system tray will change from a monitor image to radio waves.
Setting up a connection in Windows 10 and 11
The wireless network setup interface in modern versions of Windows is unified and easy to navigate, even for beginners. To get started, click the globe or Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the screen, next to the clock.
In the menu that opens, make sure the Wi-Fi button is enabled (highlighted blue). If the slider is disabled, tap it. The system will immediately begin scanning for available access points within range of your adapter.
Find the name of your home network in the list. It should match the name on the sticker on the bottom of the router, unless you've changed it previously. Click on the name and press the button. Connect.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Network type | Public | Change to "Private" for home |
| Random MAC addresses | Included | Disable for stability |
| Security protocol | WPA2/WPA3 | Leave unchanged |
| IP address | Automatic (DHCP) | Leave it automatic |
Enter the Wi-Fi network password. Be careful with case, as the system distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase characters. After successfully verifying your credentials, Windows will save your profile and connect automatically when a signal appears.
What to do if the network is not found?
If your network doesn't appear in the list, it may be hidden. In this case, select the "Hidden Network" option, enter the exact name (SSID) manually, and then enter the password. Also, check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled, which could block new devices.
Setting up a wireless connection on Smart TV
TV owners often wonder how to switch their Smart TV from cable to Wi-Fi to free up ports or relocate the panel. The process is similar to a computer, but the interface may differ depending on the operating system (Tizen, WebOS, Android TV).
Go to the main menu of your TV and find the section Settings. It is usually marked with a gear. Next, go to the section Net or ConnectionHere you will see the current status: "Connected via cable" or "Disconnected".
Select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" as the connection type. The TV will scan the air and display a list of available networks. Select yours, enter the password using the remote (using the on-screen cursor or the numeric keypad), and wait for confirmation.
⚠️ Attention: Some older Smart TV models may not support modern WPA3 encryption standards. If your TV isn't detecting the network, try temporarily enabling mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode or a separate guest network with the older protocol in your router settings.
- 📺 On Samsung (Tizen): Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Wireless.
- 📺 On LG (WebOS): Settings (gear) → Network → Wi-Fi Connection.
- 📺 On Android TV: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
- 📺 On Sony: Settings → Network → Network setup → Simple → Wi-Fi.
After connecting, the TV may prompt you to update its software. We recommend accepting this request, as new firmware often includes improvements to the Wi-Fi module's stability.
Changing the priority of network connections
When both a cable and Wi-Fi connection are simultaneously connected, Windows may ignore the wireless network. To force the internet connection to switch to Wi-Fi, you need to change the interface metric. This will force the system to prioritize the wireless connection.
Open Command Prompt as administrator or use the graphical interface. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter. Find your wireless connection, right-click and select Properties.
In the list of components, find Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4), select it and press PropertiesIn the window that opens, click the button AdditionallyUncheck the "Automatically assign metric" box and enter the value in the "Interface metric" field. 10.
netsh interface ipv4 show interfacesThis command in the command line will display the current metrics of all interfaces. For cable (Ethernet), the metric value is usually higher by default (e.g., 25 or 50), making it a priority. By decreasing the number for Wi-Fi, you'll increase its priority.
For an Ethernet connection, follow the same steps but set the metric to 100After applying the settings, restart your computer. The system will now prioritize the wireless channel, even if a cable is connected.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting
If you can't switch from cable to Wi-Fi, or the connection is unstable, you need to run diagnostics. A common issue is an IP address conflict or an outdated adapter driver.
Try resetting your network settings. In Windows 10 and 11, you can do this via Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network resetThe computer will restart and all network components will be reinstalled.
It's also worth checking the frequency range. If your router is dual-band, try switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz. This band is less crowded and offers faster speeds, although it has a shorter range.
⚠️ Attention: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly updated. The layout of menu items may differ from that described in the instructions. Always consult the latest documentation from your device manufacturer.