Why is Network 3 showing on my desktop PC?

Jeddie · 01 Apr 2017

Hello all,

I just noticed when I hover over the Network symbol in task bar it says 'Network 3'? I don't think it said that before? It simply said 'Network'. I think?

My setup
* Only PC on network is my desktop connected by LAN to modem.
* We connect smart phones & work laptop etc via wifi from time to time to my network.
* From time to time I connect my desktop PC to internet via VPN.
* Recently while doing some unrelated testing, I disconnected my existing Modem, connected an old modem, then re connected existing modem. This could be the reason I'm guessing.

So what does it mean? Why has it changed?
Where is Network 1 or Network 2?
What is the driver of this Network numbering?

bro67 · 02 Apr 2017

Open up Device Manager and show Hidden devices.

Samuria · 02 Apr 2017

If you change router it sees it as a new network

Jeddie · 03 Apr 2017

Samuria said:

If you change router it sees it as a new network

Yes I suspected this may be the reason.

So do people bother to rename 'Network 3' back to say 'Network'? I know this is really not a big issue.

What do others do?

Just trying to

clam1952 · 03 Apr 2017

I ignore it, up to network 7 on one PC.

bro67 · 04 Apr 2017

That is from your Registry remembering each network connection. I tend to kill them off after a while if I am not using the unit between the two routers on my system or the Wireless. That is the bad part about Windows and iOS, unlike Mac OS, Linux, Android. iOS you can do a Network reset or use Mac OS to erase old networks. Windows you can use third party tools like the Farbar tools to remove those old network or kill them off in the registry or Hidden Devices.