Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and standard that uses high-frequency radio waves to provide wireless Internet and network connections to your device.
A metered connection is an Internet connection that has a data limit associated with it. Cellular data connections are set as metered by default. Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connections can be set to metered but aren’t by default. Some apps might work differently on a metered connection to help reduce your data usage. Also, some updates for Windows won’t be installed automatically.
If you have a metered Internet connection with a data limit, you might have to pay extra or the connection speed reduces if you go over the data limit.
Turning on metered connection for your Wi-Fi network can help prevent you from going over the data limit from your Internet service provider.
This tutorial will show you how to set a Wi-Fi network as a metered connection or non-metered connection for all users in Windows 11.
A network location identifies the type of network that a PC is connected to with a network adapter and automatically sets the appropriate Windows Defender Firewall settings for that location.
By default, the first time you connect to a new network (wired or wireless), you will be prompted “Do you want to allow your PC to be discoverable by other PCs and devices on this network?” by the Network Location wizard. Turning on this setting prepares your PC for sharing files and devices on a network. Based on the network location you choose, Windows will automatically assign a network discovery state to the network and automatically sets the appropriate Windows Firewall and security settings for the type of network that you connected to. You can change the network location anytime.
Public network = Your device is not discoverable on the network. By default, the public network location type is assigned to any new networks when they are first connected. A public network is considered to be shared with the world, with no protection between the local computer and any other computer. Therefore, the Windows Firewall rules associated with the public profile are the most restrictive. This blocks the following apps and services from working: PlayTo, file sharing, network discovery, and automatic setup of network printers, TVs, and other devices.
Private network = Your device is discoverable on the network. Select this if you need file sharing or use apps that communicate over this network. You should know and trust the people or devices on the network.
Domain network = The domain network location type is detected when the local computer is a member of an Active Directory domain, and the local computer can authenticate to a domain controller for that domain through one of its network connections.
This tutorial will show you how to change the type of network your PC is connected to as a domain, public, or private location for all users in Windows 11.
Airplane mode (aka: flight mode) gives you a quick way to turn off all wireless devices communication on your PC. Some examples of wireless devices are Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, GPS, and Near Field Communication (NFC).
When airplane mode is turned on, all wireless devices will be turned off automatically, and you will see the airplane icon on the taskbar quick settings area. You will still be able to turn on or off individual wireless devices while airplane mode is turned on.
When airplane mode is turned off, all wireless devices that were previously turned on when you turned on airplane mode will automatically get turned back on.
This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Airplane mode to quickly turn on or off all wireless devices communication on your Windows 11 PC.
Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and standard that uses high-frequency radio waves to provide wireless Internet and network connections to your device.
Turning off Wi-Fi will disconnect your PC from all Wi-Fi networks, and turn off power to the Wi-Fi adapter.
Turning off Wi-Fi when not needed can save on electricity and improve security.
This tutorial will show you how to only turn on or off Wi-Fi communication for your Windows 11 PC.
You can turn your Windows 10 PC into a mobile hotspot by sharing your Internet connection with other devices over Wi-Fi. You can share a Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular data connection. If your PC has a cellular data connection and you share it, it will use data from your data plan.
This tutorial will show you how to change the network name, network password, and network band of a mobile hotspot in Windows 10.
The Wake on LAN (WOL) feature wakes a computer from a low-power state when a network adapter detects a WOL event such as a magic packet. Typically, such an event is a specially constructed Ethernet packet. After enabling Wake on LAN, your computer will detect this magic packet containing its MAC address and turn itself on. Thus, your PC can be woken up by sending it a magic packet from another device on the network.
The default behavior in response to WOL events has changed from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
In Windows 7, the default shutdown operation puts the system into the classic shutdown state (S5). And all devices are put into the lowest power state (D3). WOL from S5 isn’t officially supported in Windows 7. However, some network adapters can be left armed for waking if enough residual power is available. So waking from S5 is possible on some systems if enough residual power is supplied to the network adapter, even though the system is in the S5 state and devices are in D3.
In Windows 10, the default shutdown behavior puts the system into the hybrid shutdown (also known as Fast Startup) state (S4). And all devices are put into D3. In this scenario, WOL from S4 or S5 is unsupported. Network adapters are explicitly not armed for WOL in these cases, because users expect zero power consumption and battery drain in the shutdown state. This behavior removes the possibility of invalid wake-ups when an explicit shutdown is requested. So WOL is supported only from sleep (S3), or when the user explicitly requests to enter hibernate (S4) state in Windows 10. Although the target system power state is the same between hybrid shutdown and hibernates (S4), Windows will only explicitly disable WOL when it’s a hybrid shutdown transition, and not during a hibernate transition.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Wake on LAN (WOL) for network adapters in Windows 10.
When you connect to a new wireless network, Windows will create a profile for the wireless network. A wireless (Wi-Fi) network profile contains the SSID (network name), password key, and security information to be able to connect to a wireless network.
If you turned on to automatically connect to wireless networks, Windows will automatically connect to your wireless network profiles based on a priority order when the wireless network is in range.
The autoSwitch parameter controls the roaming behavior of an auto-connected wireless network when a more preferred wireless network is in range.
If autoSwitch is turned on, it allows Windows to continue looking for other auto-connected wireless networks while connected to the current wireless network. If a higher priority auto-connected wireless network than the currently connected wireless network comes in range, Windows will automatically connect to it instead.
This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off autoSwitch for wireless networks set to connect automatically when in range in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
Microsoft Edge will automatically check for and install updates to the latest version by default, but you can manually check for updates to see if you have the latest version of Microsoft Edge install.
Starting with Microsoft Edge Canary 89.0.726.0 version, you can now turn on or off to automatically download Microsoft Edge updates over metered networks and appl them on browser restart.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable automatically download updates over metered networks for the Chromium based Microsoft Edge.
The Photos app included in Windows 10 is a universal app that allows you to view and edit your photos and videos, make films and create albums. You can use video remix to create a video instantly from the photos and videos that you select. Use the video editor for fine-tuned adjustments—change filters, text, camera motion, music and more. You can even add 3D effects like butterflies, lasers or explosions that magically appear in your video.
Starting with Photos app version 2020.20070.3003.0, a new indexing setting has been added which allows you to enable or disable indexing parts of your library stored on network locations.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable indexing your collection library stored on network locations in the Microsoft Photos app for your account in Windows 10.
Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight desktop environment to safely run applications in isolation. Software installed inside the Windows Sandbox environment remains “sandboxed” and runs separately from the host machine.
A sandbox is temporary. When it’s closed, all the software and files and the state are deleted. You get a brand-new instance of the sandbox every time you open the application.
Starting with Windows 10 build 20161, a new group policy setting was added that enables or disables networking in the sandbox. You can disable network access to decrease the attack surface exposed by the sandbox.
If you enable or do not configure this policy setting, networking is done by creating a virtual switch on the host (Windows 10 PC), and connects the Windows Sandbox to it via a virtual NIC.
If you disable this policy setting, networking is disabled in Windows Sandbox.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable networking in Windows Sandbox for all users in Windows 10.
Windows Security is built-in to Windows 10 and includes an antirvirus program called Windows Defender Antivirus.
Windows Defender Antivirus helps protect your PC against malware (malicious software) like viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software. Malware can infect your PC without your knowledge: it might install itself from an email message, when you connect to the Internet, or when you install certain apps using a USB flash drive, CD, DVD, or other removable media. Some malware can also be programmed to run at unexpected times, not only when it’s installed.
You can configure the Scan files on the network group policy to enable or disable allowing Windows Defender Antivirus to scan files on the network.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Windows Defender Antivirus to scan files on the network in Windows 10.
The Prohibit connection to non-domain networks when connected to domain authenticated network policy setting prevents computers from connecting to both a domain based network and a non-domain based network at the same time.
If this policy setting is Enabled, the computer responds to automatic and manual network connection attempts based on the following circumstances:
Manual connection attempts
If this policy setting is Not configured or is Disabled, computers are allowed to connect simultaneously to both domain and non-domain networks.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable allowing to connect simultaneously to both domain and non-domain networks in Windows 10 and Windows 8.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
To help control your data usage, you can choose which apps can or cannot use cellular data.
If you do not want any apps to be allowed to use cellular data, turn off Let apps use my cellular data. Apps won’t be allowed to use cellular data. They’ll only send and receive data when you’re connected to another kind of network.
If you do not want a specific app to use cellular data, find the app under Choose apps that can use your cellular data, and then turn off cellular data for that app.
This tutorial will show you how to hide or show the Choose apps that can use your cellular data link on the Cellular page in Settings for all users in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
To help control your data usage, you can choose which apps can or cannot use cellular data.
If you do not want any apps to be allowed to use cellular data, turn off Let apps use my cellular data. Apps won’t be allowed to use cellular data. They’ll only send and receive data when you’re connected to another kind of network.
If you do not want a specific app to use cellular data, find the app under Choose apps that can use your cellular data, and then turn off cellular data for that app.
This tutorial will show you how to allow or deny apps access to use cellular data for all users or only your account in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
You can use a PIN for the SIM in your Windows 10 device to help prevent other people from using the cellular data connection when they are not authorized. After you have set up your SIM PIN, you will be prompted to type the SIM PIN when you try to connect.
If you are using a SIM PIN for a cellular data connection and the incorrect PIN was entered three times, the SIM will be blocked and cannot be used until you unblock it. To unblock it, you will need to contact your mobile operator for the PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code.
This tutorial will show you how to unblock a SIM card with a PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) code for the SIM PIN of a cellular data connection in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
You can use a PIN for the SIM in your Windows 10 device to help prevent other people from using the cellular data connection when they are not authorized. After you have set up your SIM PIN, you will be prompted to type the SIM PIN when you try to connect.
If you set up a SIM PIN for a cellular data connection and decide you don’t want to use a PIN anymore, you can remove the SIM PIN.
This tutorial will show you how to remove the SIM PIN for a cellular data connection in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
You can use a PIN for the SIM in your Windows 10 device to help prevent other people from using the cellular data connection when they are not authorized. After you have set up your SIM PIN, you will be prompted to type the SIM PIN when you try to connect.
If you set up a SIM PIN for a cellular data connection, you can change the SIM PIN whenever you want.
This tutorial will show you how to change the SIM PIN for a cellular data connection in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
You can use a PIN for the SIM in your Windows 10 device to help prevent other people from using the cellular data connection when they are not authorized. After you have set up your SIM PIN, you will be prompted to type the SIM PIN when you try to connect.
This tutorial will show you how to set up and use a SIM PIN for a cellular data connection in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
Users can choose if your cellular data connection stays on when your Windows 10 device is outside your mobile operator’s network. Selecting Don’t roam will prevent data roaming charges by automatically turning off your cellular data connection when entering a roaming area. If you do allow roaming, you can use cellular data when your Windows 10 device is in a roaming area. Depending on your data plan, you might pay more for data you use when roaming.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable cellular data roaming in Windows 10.
Some Windows 10 devices have a SIM card and/or eSIM in them that lets you connect to a cellular data network (aka: LTE or Broadband), so you can get online in more places by using a cellular signal.
If your Windows 10 device doesn’t have a SIM card or eSIM, you can still connect to a cellular network by plugging in an external cellular device (also called a cellular modem or mobile broadband device). However, these external cellular devices will often have their own settings instead of being able to use the built-in Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular settings in Windows 10.
Sometimes you might be connected to a slower Wi-Fi network, or you might be in an area where using cellular data would be faster than Wi-Fi. In cases like this, Windows can connect you to the best network based on your current location if you select When Wi-Fi is poor or Always. When cellular data is used, it will use data from your data plan and you may incur charges.
This tutorial will show you how to select to never, always, or when Wi-Fi is poor use a cellular network instead of a Wi-Fi network by default in Windows 10.