Disabling Wi-Fi and Ethernet Network Adapters in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

• On Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings. Click the “Disable” button to turn off the network adapter or the “Enable” button to re-enable it.
• You can also manage network adapters using Device Manager and Control Panel.
• If you prefer command-line interfaces, you can control Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters using Command Prompt and PowerShell.

In Windows 11, it’s straightforward to enable or disable network adapters (both Wi-Fi and Ethernet) directly from the Settings app. However, you may also utilize Control Panel, Device Manager, Command Prompt, or PowerShell for this task.

Although frequent management of network adapters isn’t necessary, you might need to enable or disable them for troubleshooting connectivity problems. Additionally, disabling unused adapters can help improve organization, enhance security, or conserve energy.

No matter your reason, you can effectively manage the network adapters on your Windows 11 device using various methods, including the Settings app, Device Manager, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

This guide will detail how to enable or disable network adapters in Windows 11.

• Disable network adapter on Windows 11
• Disable network adapter from Device Manager
• Disable network adapter from Control Panel
• Disable network adapter from Command Prompt
• Disable network adapter from PowerShell

Disable Network Adapter on Windows 11

To disable a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network adapter on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Windows 11 PC.

2. Select Network & Internet.

3. Click on the Advanced network settings tab on the right.

   

4. In the “Network adapters” section, hit the Disable button to turn off the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter on Windows 11.

   

The network adapter will be disabled once you finish these steps, preventing any connections. If you are resolving a connectivity issue, you can follow the steps below to re-enable it.

Enable Network Adapter

To enable a network adapter on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select Network & Internet.

3. Click on the Advanced network settings tab on the right side.

   

4. In the “Network adapters” section, click the Enable button to turn on the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network adapter on Windows 11.

   

After completing these steps, the wireless or wired network adapter will be activated, allowing it to accept connections on Windows 11.

Disable Network Adapter from Device Manager

To enable or disable a network adapter from Device Manager on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to launch the app.

3. Expand the Network adapters category.

4. To disable the adapter, right-click the network adapter and select Disable device.

   

5. Click the Yes button to confirm.

6. To enable the adapter, right-click the network adapter again and select Enable device.

   

Upon completing these steps, the network interface will change its status based on your selection.

Disable Network Adapter from Control Panel

To disable a network adapter using the Control Panel, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Control Panel and click to open the application.

3. Select Network & Internet.

4. Click on Network and Sharing Center.

5. Select the “Change adapter settings” option from the left pane.

   

6. Select the Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter and click “Disable this network device.”

After completing these steps, the network adapter will be disabled on your PC.

Enable Adapter from Control Panel

To re-enable a network adapter via the Control Panel, follow these instructions:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Control Panel and click to open it.

3. Select Network & Internet.

4. Click on Network and Sharing Center.

5. Choose the “Change adapter settings” option from the left pane.

   

6. Select the Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter and click “Enable this network device.”

Once these steps are completed, the network adapter will be enabled on your device.

Disable Network Adapter from Command Prompt

To disable a network adapter using Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Command Prompt (or Terminal), right-click the top result, and choose Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to view network adapter names and press Enter:

   netsh interface show interface

4. Type the command below to disable the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and press Enter:

   netsh interface set interface "ADAPTER-NAME" disable
   

   Ensure you replace “ADAPTER-NAME” with the actual name of your adapter to disable it.

Upon completing these steps, the specified Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter will be disabled.

Enable Adapter from Command Prompt

To enable a network adapter via Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Command Prompt (or Terminal), right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the command below to confirm the network adapter name and press Enter:

   netsh interface show interface

4. Type the following command to enable the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and press Enter:

   netsh interface set interface "ADAPTER-NAME" enable
   

   Make sure to replace “ADAPTER-NAME” with the actual adapter name to enable it.

After you finish these steps, the specified network adapter will be enabled.

Disable Network Adapter from PowerShell

To disable a network adapter through PowerShell, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for PowerShell (or Terminal), right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the command below to confirm the network adapter name and press Enter:

   Get-NetAdapter | format-list -Property Name

4. Type the command below to disable the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and press Enter:

   Disable-NetAdapter -Name "ADAPTER-NAME" -Confirm:$false
   

   Remember to change “ADAPTER-NAME” to the actual name of your adapter before executing the command.

Once you complete these steps, PowerShell will disable the specified network adapter.

Enable Adapter from PowerShell

To enable a network adapter using PowerShell, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for PowerShell (or Terminal), right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the command below to confirm the network adapter name and press Enter:

   Get-NetAdapter | format-list

4. Type the command below to enable the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and press Enter:

   Enable-NetAdapter -Name "ADAPTER-NAME" -Confirm:$false
   

   Ensure to replace “ADAPTER-NAME” with the actual name of your adapter before running the command.

After completing these steps, PowerShell will enable the network adapter on your Windows 11 device.

What method did you use to enable or disable your network adapter? Share your experience in the comments.

Update September 19, 2024: This guide has been revised for accuracy and to reflect updates in the process.

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