Wi-Fi Priority on a Laptop: How to Force the System to Use the Wireless Network First

When the laptop is simultaneously connected to Wi-Fi And Ethernet (or multiple wireless networks), Windows automatically selects the network with the "most reliable" connection based on internal criteria. Most often, priority is given to a wired connection—even if its speed is lower, and Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E could provide better performance. As a result, you lose download speed, connection stability, or the ability to use specific router features (e.g., Mesh-network or guest access).

This problem is relevant for gamers, streamers, remote workers and anyone who depends on low ping or specific router settingsFortunately, network priorities can be changed manually, both at the operating system level and through adapter settings. In this article, we'll look at All working methods for Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux, including hidden parameters that are not described in standard instructions.

Why does Windows select the wrong network?

The operating system assigns a network address to each network connection. interface metrics — a numerical value that determines its priority. Than less The higher the metric, the higher the priority. Default:

• 🔌 Ethernet (wired connection) - metric 10–20.
• 📶 Wi-Fi — metric 25–50 (depending on the driver version and protocol).
• 🌐 Mobile Internet (4G/5G) — metric 35–70.

In addition to the metric, the choice of network is influenced by:

• 🔄 Group Network Policy (if the laptop is on the company domain).
• ⚡ Response speed (If Ethernet responds faster than Wi-Fi, the system will select it).
• 🔒 Energy saving settings (In battery mode, Windows may force you to switch to wired mode).

If you need a laptop Always used Wi-Fi (for example, to connect to a corporate VPN (or game server), you'll have to manually change the metric or disable automatic selection. Below are all the working methods, from simple to complex.

Method 1: Disabling Ethernet via Network Connections (quick and easy)

The most obvious but effective way is physically disconnect the wire or disable the network adapter. This will force the system to automatically switch to Wi-Fi.

How to do it:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Find a connection Ethernet (commonly called "Local Area Connection" or "Ethernet").
3. Right click and select "Disable".

✅ Pros: Works instantly, no reboot required.

❌ Cons: You will have to repeat the action every time you connect the cable.

Method 2: Change network priority in Windows Settings

Windows 10 and 11 allow you to manually configure the network usage order. This method doesn't change the metric, but it forces the system ignore Ethernet, if available Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Managing Known Networks.
3. Choose yours Wi-Fi-network and click "Properties".
4. Enable the option Connect automatically And "Priority when connecting to multiple networks" (if any).

🔹 For Windows 11: Please check the section additionally Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet and disable the option "Let Windows manage connections".

Method 3: Manually changing the interface metrics (for experienced users)

This method allows force priority For Wi-Fi, changing the adapter metric. This is compatible with Windows 10/11 and requires administrator rights.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select on the left Change adapter settings.
3. Right click on Wi-Fi-adapter → "Properties".
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and press "Properties".
5. Click "Additionally" → uncheck the box Automatic metric assignment.
6. In the field Interface Metrics enter value 1 (or any number lessthan Ethernet).
7. Repeat the steps for IPv6 (if used).

📌 Important: After changing the metric, restart your laptop. To revert everything back, simply enable the option. Automatic metric assignment.

Make sure Wi-Fi is connected|Open Command Prompt (cmd)|Enter route print and check the column Metric for your Wi-Fi|If the metric hasn't changed, repeat the steps with administrator rights

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Method 4: Using PowerShell to Force Priority

If the graphical interface does not help, you can change the priority via PowerShellThis method is suitable for automation (for example, in scripts).

Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

Get-NetIPInterface | Where-Object {$_.InterfaceAlias -like "Wi-Fi"} | Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceMetric 1

To return to automatic mode:

Get-NetIPInterface | Where-Object {$_.InterfaceAlias -like "Wi-Fi"} | Set-NetIPInterface -AutomaticMetric enabled

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect PowerShell commands can disrupt network settings. Before running them, check the name of your adapter with the command Get-NetAdapter.

Method 5: Setting Priority on macOS and Linux

On macOS And Linux The network priority logic is different from Windows. It uses the concept "service order" (service order).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Network.
2. Click on the ⚙️ (gear) → Location Settings.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Edit Service Order.
4. Drag and drop Wi-Fi to the top of the list.

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

1. Open the file /etc/network/interfaces with superuser rights:

sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces

2. Add a line metric 100 For Wi-Fi (the lower the number, the higher the priority).
3. Restart the network:

sudo systemctl restart networking

Common problems and solutions

Even after changing the settings Wi-Fi may not become a priority. Let's look at typical reasons and how to resolve them.

Problem 1: The metric is reset after reboot.
Solution: Check if the metric is reset adapter driver or antivirus (For example, Kaspersky or Avast may block changes). Update the driver via device Manager.

Problem 2: Windows ignores the settings and chooses anyway Ethernet.
Solution: Disable the service WLAN Auto Configuration (WlanSvc) or check the group network policies (gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network).

Problem 3: On macOS After the update the order of networks is lost.
Solution: Reset network settings via System Preferences → Network → Manage Locations (delete the current one and create a new one).

⚠️ Attention: If you are connected to a corporate network with 802.1X authenticationChanging the metric may disrupt access to company resources. Before making any changes, check with your IT department's policy.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

route add 192.168.1.100 mask 255.255.255.255 192.168.1.1 if 11