Windows

How to Change WiFi Network Priority in Windows 11 and 10

Take control of your wireless connections by adjusting network priority settings in Windows, ensuring your preferred networks connect first.

By Shivamm 2 min read
How to Change WiFi Network Priority in Windows 11 and 10

Windows 11 and 10 automatically manage WiFi network connections, but sometimes you may want to prioritize certain networks over others. This guide will walk you through the process of changing WiFi network connection priority using both graphical and command-line methods.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

This method is the most user-friendly way to adjust WiFi priority in Windows 11 and 10.

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.

Step 2: Click on “Network & Internet” in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Select “Wi-Fi” from the options on the right.

Step 4: Click on “Manage known networks” to see a list of all saved WiFi networks.

Step 5: To change the priority, click on a network name and select “Properties.”

Step 6: Under “Connect automatically when in range,” toggle the switch to “On” for networks you want to prioritize. Networks with this option enabled will be given higher priority.

Step 7: Repeat this process for other networks, ensuring that your preferred networks have the “Connect automatically” option enabled.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

For more advanced users or those who prefer command-line interfaces, you can use the Command Prompt to view and change WiFi network priorities.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

Step 2: To view the current list of WiFi profiles and their priorities, type the following command and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profiles

This will display all saved WiFi networks and their current priority order.

Step 3: To change the priority of a specific network, use the following command structure:

netsh wlan set profileorder name="NetworkName" interface="Wi-Fi" priority=1

Replace “NetworkName” with the exact name of your WiFi network (in quotes if it contains spaces) and adjust the priority number as needed. Lower numbers indicate higher priority.

Step 4: Repeat the command for other networks, adjusting the priority numbers to set your desired order.

Step 5: To verify the changes, run the “show profiles” command again:

netsh wlan show profiles

This will display the updated priority order of your WiFi networks.

Additional Tips for Managing WiFi Priorities

Here are some additional tips to help you manage your WiFi network priorities effectively:

  • Regularly review and update your network priorities, especially if you frequently connect to new networks.
  • Consider removing old or unused network profiles to streamline your connections.
  • For work environments, prioritize secure, work-related networks over public or less secure options.
  • If you use a VPN, you may need to adjust priorities to ensure your VPN connection takes precedence when needed.

By managing your WiFi network priorities, you can ensure that your Windows device connects to your preferred networks automatically, improving your overall networking experience and potentially saving time and data usage.

With these methods, you now have the tools to take control of your WiFi connections in Windows 11 and 10. Whether you prefer the graphical interface or the command line, you can easily adjust your network priorities to suit your needs.