How do I set my range extender as the default Network connection?  

Excellent work Charles.

I would guess the reason for Permission denied was you PowerShell was not elevated. Close PS, search again from taskbar and be certain to click on Run as Administrator.




When we're looking and setting the Network Adapter priorities, different SSID's such as 'my router' or 'my extender' are irrelevant.

We're just setting the adapter priorities. After you've got that all squared away and to your liking, we'll then look at setting WiFi SSID priorities.

Sometimes, I find it much easier for everyone to focus on one task at a time. Then we have much less confusion for us both.

CharlesI said:

I get it, I probably wasn't using the PowerShell as administrator . But, since I've already set both IPv4 and IPv6 on the Dell to "10" in NetworkConnections (and confirmed that is 10 in PowerShell) why should I do it again with the "Set-NetIPInterface" code? It doesn't appear that there is any difference between the two methods in the instructions.

If you have all of the adapter priorities set to your liking already on both PCs, you can set the individual WiFi SSIDs (regular WiFi and the Extender) priority using one of two methods.

Either using the Connect Automatically checkbox (from option one of the tutorial) in which scenario you would require to manually connect your second choice or if you prefer both your regular WiFi and the Extender to connect automatically, use option two to set the priority between these two connections.


Change Wireless Network Connection Priority Order in Windows 10


By using 'netsh wlan show profiles' in an elevated PowerShell, the output will demonstrate the Network Connection Priority in order of priority from #1 on the list going down. I've suggested using an elevated PowerShell only so you are ready and able to adjust the priorities, if you so choose.

This is completely different from setting the Network Adapter priority.

CharlesI said:

This is great. Thanks for clarifying everything.

The only thing is now that I have the priority solved, I've noticed an occasional random disconnect happening on the Dell laptop. It never happened before I manually set the Interface Metrics to specific numbers.

You're very welcome.

This "occasional random disconnects", I trust it disconnects from the preferred WiFi SSID, does it then reconnect to the alternate SSID, back to the original SSID or requires manual intervention.

CharlesI said:

Is it possible that the connection works better with the "Automatic metric" box checked? Or does it not like the number I assigned to WiFi?

When you refer to this "Automatic metric box", is this the 'Connect automatically' checkbox shown below?





If yes, in the ideal configuration, and if the Wireless connection priority has been set to your liking, I would have this checkbox for both SSIDs checked. This way either of the SSIDs will be connected automatically, based on the priority you have configured.

CharlesI said:

Maybe, a manual setting is not needed, since I'm not using the Dell with an Ethernet connection. As you say, this is a different issue from my original question about Wi-Fi priority and a manual number probably didn't need to be assigned.

Regardless of your present day requirements, you now understand and have the ability to verify or adjust the configuration to meet with your needs. Should your requirements change, you're ready to make the necessary adjustments.

I'd suggest making notes in Notepad, Word or paper, if you prefer. I use Black Notepad and save by date & item, i.e. '0513 Wireless connection priority'. I also save screenshots using the same naming convention. Then, everything related appears consecutively in File Explorer.