How to Change Open Target of Network System Icon in Windows 10
By default in Windows 10, when you click/tap on the Network system icon from the taskbar notification area, it will open to new network fly-out UX for quick access to your network settings and quick actions. You’ll be able to easily connect to wireless networks from this fly-out.
This tutorial will show you how to change the Network system icon to always open to the default new network fly-out, old Windows 8.1 style network fly-out, or directly to network settings in Settings app for all users in Windows 10.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to change where the network icon opens to.
This can be handy if you prefer to have your network icon open to one of the other locations by default instead of the default new network fly-out.
EXAMPLE:
(Default new network fly-out)
(Old Windows 8.1 style network fly-out)
(Network settings in Settings app)
Here's How:
1 In the search box (Windows+S) on your taskbar or Start menu, type regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
2 If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.
3 In Registry Editor, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
4 If you have not already, you will need to first change the owner of the Network registry key in the left pane to be the Administrators group. (see screenshot below step 3)
5 If you have not already, you will need to second set permissions of the Network registry key in the left pane to "Allow" the Administrators group "Full control". (see screenshot below step 3)
6 In the right pane of Network, double click/tap on the ReplaceVan DWORD to modify it. (see screenshot below step 3)
7 Type in the data value in the table below for what you want the Network icon to open to, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Opens Data Value Default network fly-out 0 Open to Settings (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi Settings 1 Old Windows 8.1 style network fly-out 2
8 When finished, close Registry Editor.
9 You can now either restart explorer process, sign out and sign in of Windows, or restart the computer to apply.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Hide or Show Notification Area Icons on Taskbar in Windows 10
- How to Turn Taskbar Notification Area System Icons On or Off in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove Network Icon on Lock and Sign-in Screen in Windows 10