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Windows 11 puts the main adapter controls in Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings. From there, you can enable or disable adapters, inspect connection details, open adapter properties, and reach the older Network Connections window.
If you need driver controls rather than connection settings, use Device Manager instead. The quickest route depends on what you are trying to change.
Open network adapter settings from Windows Settings
- Open Start and select Settings. You can also press
Win + I. - Select Network & internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
The Advanced network settings page lists the network adapters installed in Windows, including Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, VPN, and virtual adapters. Select an adapter to view its available controls or connection details.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYou can also open the main page directly by right-clicking the taskbar Network or Wi‑Fi icon and selecting Network and internet settings.
#1 Best Overall
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
Use the classic Network Connections window
The classic window is useful when you want to quickly enable, disable, rename, or inspect a physical adapter.
- Press
Win + R. - Enter
ncpa.cpl. - Press Enter.
Right-click an adapter to see options such as Enable, Disable, Status, and Properties. The Properties dialog is where you can access items such as Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and network client or sharing components.
This shortcut opens the adapter list directly; it does not open the newer Settings app.
Open adapter driver and hardware settings
Use Device Manager for driver versions, hardware status, power management, and adapter-specific advanced options:
- Select Search on the taskbar.
- Type
Device Manager. - Open Device Manager from the results.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the relevant adapter and select Properties.
The Driver tab shows the driver provider, driver date, and Driver Version. The Advanced tab may contain manufacturer-specific settings such as Wireless Mode or Band. Available options vary by adapter and driver.
To re-enable an adapter that Windows has disabled, right-click it under Network adapters and select Enable device.
Rank #2
- Cat 6 performance at a Cat5e price but with higher bandwidth
- High Performance Cat6, 30 AWG, RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs,computer servers,printers,routers,switch boxes,network media players,NAS,VoIP phones
- Jadaol cat6 standard cable support Cat8 and Cat7 network and provides performance of up to 250 MHz 10Gbps and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet)
- UTP(Unshielded Twisted Pair) patch cable with RJ45 gold-plated Connectors and are made of 100% bare copper wire, ensure minimal noise and interference
- The unique flat cable shape allows for a cleaner and safer installation. You can easily and seamlessly make the cable run along walls, follow edges & corners or even make it completely invisible by sliding it under a carpet.
Open Wi‑Fi adapter settings
For Wi‑Fi connection controls, use Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi. You can reach the same area from Quick Settings:
Recommended Free Tools
- Select the taskbar Network, Sound, or Battery icon.
- Select Manage Wi‑Fi connections.
To inspect the current wireless connection, select the connected Wi‑Fi network. The page includes connection properties and the assigned IPv4 address.
To change the saved network’s IP configuration, select Manage known networks, select the network, and choose Edit next to IP assignment.
Open Ethernet adapter settings
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet. Select the connected Ethernet network to view its properties, including the IPv4 address.
To change how the Ethernet adapter receives its address, select Edit next to IP assignment. Choose Automatic (DHCP) for a normal router-managed connection, or choose Manual when your network administrator has supplied fixed settings.
With manual IPv4 configuration enabled, Windows provides fields for:
Rank #3
- Designed for Outdoor & Direct Burial Installations – Heavy-duty double-shielded Cat8 Ethernet cable minimizes EMI/RFI interference and delivers stable long-distance performance. Waterproof, anti-corrosion PVC jacket allows safe direct burial and reliable use in outdoor or indoor environments.
- 26AWG for Stable High-Load Networks – Thicker 26AWG conductors provide faster, more stable data transmission than standard 32AWG cables. Ideal for high-performance home networks, gaming setups, smart homes, and data-intensive applications.
- F/FTP Shielding & Hyper-Speed Performance: Cat8 Ethernet cable constructed with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs and 26AWG OFC conductors; supports bandwidth up to 2000 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 40 Gbps, effectively reducing signal interference and ensuring stable connections. Ideal for low-latency gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and high-speed internet connections.
- RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility: Cat8 Ethernet cable with two shielded RJ45 connectors; compatible with networking switches, IP cameras, routers, Nintendo Switch, modems, PS3, PS4, Xbox, patch panels, servers, smart TVs, and more; works with Cat7, Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 devices
- Weatherproof & UV Resistant: Outdoor-rated Cat8 Ethernet cable with UV-resistant PVC jacket; withstands direct sunlight, extreme cold, humidity, and hot weather; anti-aging and durable; Includes 18-month support.
- IP address
- Subnet mask
- Gateway
- Preferred DNS
- Alternate DNS
Enter only values appropriate for your network, then select Save. An incorrect gateway, subnet mask, or DNS address can prevent Internet or local-network access.
What to do when the Wi‑Fi adapter is missing
If Wi‑Fi does not appear in Settings, do not assume that Wi‑Fi is merely switched off in the Settings app. Check these items in order:
- Look for a physical wireless switch or keyboard key on the laptop.
- Open Device Manager > Network adapters and check whether the Wi‑Fi adapter is disabled. Right-click it and select Enable device if available.
- Restart the wireless service. Press
Win + R, enterservices.msc, and press Enter. Find WLAN AutoConfig, right-click it, and select Restart. - Check whether the adapter appears in Device Manager at all.
If the adapter is absent from Device Manager, Windows is not detecting it. Download a compatible driver from the computer or adapter manufacturer. If the affected PC has no Internet access, download the driver on another device and transfer it with a USB drive.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
To check the adapter’s reported wireless capabilities, open Command Prompt or Terminal and run:
netsh wlan show driversThe output includes driver and capability information. Wi‑Fi 7 support in Windows 11 starts with version 24H2, but the PC’s hardware, driver, and wireless router must also support it.
Reinstall a network adapter driver
If the adapter is listed but its driver is damaged, reinstall it from Device Manager:
Rank #4
- High-Performance Connectivity: This Cat 6 ethernet cable is designed for superior performance, with a 24 AWG copper wire core. It provides universal connectivity as an ethernet cord for LAN network components such as PCs, servers, printers, routers, and more, ensuring reliable and fast network connections
- Advanced Cat6 Technology: Experience Cat6 performance with higher bandwidth at a Cat5e price. This network cable is future-proof, ready for 10-Gigabit Ethernet and backwards compatible with any existing Cat 5 cable network. It meets or exceeds Category 6 performance according to the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
- Reliable Wired Network Solution: Known variously as a Cat6 network cable, ethernet cable Cat 6, or Cat 6 data/LAN cable, this RJ45 cable offers a more secure and reliable connection than wireless networks. It's ideal for internet connections that demand consistency and security
- Durable and Secure Design: The connectors of this ethernet cable feature gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots for enhanced durability. Bare copper conductors not only improve cable performance but also comply with communication cable specifications
- High-Speed Data Transfer: With up to 550 MHz bandwidth, this ethernet cord is ideal for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and streaming high-definition video. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE, PoE+, PoE++) for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, ensuring fast and reliable network performance.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the adapter and select Uninstall device.
- If offered, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
- Select Uninstall.
- Restart through Start > Power > Restart.
After the restart, Windows attempts to detect the adapter and install its driver. If it does not, install the manufacturer’s driver manually.
Change the adapter’s power setting
A Wi‑Fi adapter that repeatedly disconnects may be affected by power management:
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the Wi‑Fi adapter and select Properties.
- Open the Power Management tab.
- Clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Select OK.
Some drivers do not expose this tab. In that case, the option cannot be changed through that adapter’s Device Manager properties.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use Network reset only as a last resort
For a broad repair, open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Select Reset now, then select Yes to confirm.
Network reset removes installed network adapters and their settings. Windows reinstalls the adapters after the restart and restores default settings. It can also require VPN applications, Hyper‑V virtual switches, and other network-virtualization software to be reinstalled or reconfigured. Saved networks may be changed to the Public network profile.
Do not use the old Windows 10 path Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset on Windows 11. The current Windows 11 location is under Advanced network settings.
Best Value
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
Which route should you use?
| Task | Fastest route |
|---|---|
| View Wi‑Fi connection settings | Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi |
| View Ethernet details | Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet |
| See all installed adapters | Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings |
| Enable or disable an adapter quickly | Win + R, then ncpa.cpl |
| Update, remove, or inspect a driver | Device Manager > Network adapters |
| Reset every network adapter | Advanced network settings > Network reset |
FAQ
What is the quickest way to open network adapters in Windows 11?
Press Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the classic Network Connections window with the installed adapters.
Where are network adapter settings in Windows 11 Settings?
Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings. Wi‑Fi and Ethernet also have dedicated pages under Network & internet.
Why is my Wi‑Fi adapter not listed?
Check for a physical wireless switch, an adapter disabled in Device Manager, a stopped WLAN AutoConfig service, an incompatible driver, or hardware that Windows does not detect. If it is absent from Device Manager, install a compatible driver from the manufacturer.
Does network reset remove Wi‑Fi drivers?
It removes installed network adapters and their settings, then Windows reinstalls the adapters after restarting. VPNs, Hyper‑V switches, and other virtual networking software may need to be configured again.
How do I find my network adapter driver version?
Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the adapter, select Properties, and open the Driver tab.
The Bottom Line
For normal Windows 11 connection settings, use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings. Use ncpa.cpl when you want the traditional adapter list, and use Device Manager for drivers, hardware status, and power settings. Reserve Network reset for problems that the more targeted options do not solve.
Quick Recap
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