How to Change Wireless Network Connection Priority Order in Windows 10
Windows will usually automatically connect to networks in this priority order:
- Ethernet
- Wi‑Fi (wireless)
- Mobile broadband (cellular)
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.
Windows will automatically connect to your wireless network profiles based on a priority order when the wireless network is in range, and an Ethernet connection is not available.
If you check "Connect automatically" while connecting to a wireless network, it will be placed at the top of the priority list.
If you have multiple wireless network connections, you can change the priority so the network profile you prefer will be the first one to use instead when in range.
This tutorial will show you how to change the connection priority order of wireless network profiles to your preference in Windows 10.
Contents
- Option One: To Change Wireless Network Connection Priority while Connecting to Wireless Network
- Option Two: To Change Wireless Network Connection Priority Order in Command Prompt
EXAMPLE: Available network connections
1 While connecting to a wireless network, check the Connect automatically box, and click/tap on Connect to place this wireless network profile at the top of the priority order list. (see screenshot below)
1 Open a command prompt.
2 Type thenetsh wlan show profiles
command into the command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
The wireless network profiles will be listed in priority order to connect to when in range.
Make note of the wireless network profile name (ex: "Brink-Router2") you want to change the priority order of.
Make note of the interface name (ex: "Wi-Fi 2") this wireless network profile (ex: "Brink-Router2") is on.
3 Type the command below into the command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
netsh wlan set profileorder name="WirelessProfileName" interface="InterfaceName" priority=#
Substitute WirelessProfileName in the command above with the actual wireless network profile name (ex: "Brink-Router2") from step 2.
Substitute InterfaceName in the command above with the actual interface name (ex: "Wi-Fi 2") from step 2.
Substitute # in the command above with a number (ex: "1") you want the wireless network profile to be listed as in the priority order list. For example, I have 2 wireless network profiles listed in step 2, so I can set to have the profiles listed in priority order between 1-2.
For example:
To set the "Brink-Router2" profile on the "Wi-Fi 2" interface first (top) in the connection priority order list.
netsh wlan set profileorder name="Brink-Router2" interface="Wi-Fi 2" priority=1
OR
To set the "Brink-Router" profile on the "Wi-Fi 2" interface second (bottom) in the connection priority order.
netsh wlan set profileorder name="Brink-Router" interface="Wi-Fi 2" priority=2
4 Repeat step 3 until you have all your wireless profiles listed in the priority order you want.
5 When finished, repeat step 2 to confirm the priority order. (see screenshot below)
6 When completely finished, you can close the command prompt if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Change Network Adapter Connection Priorities in Windows 10
- How to Add a Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10
- How to Connect To a Wireless Network in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off Connect Automatically to Wireless Network in Windows 10
- How to Turn On or Off AutoSwitch for Wireless Network Connection in Windows 10
- How to Disconnect from a Wireless Network in Windows 10
- How to See List of Wireless Network Profiles in Windows 10
- How to Automatically Turn Off Wi-Fi Upon Ethernet Connect in Windows
- How to Connect to and Disconnect from a Cellular Data Network in Windows 10
- How to Change When to Use Cellular Instead of Wi-Fi Network in Windows 10
- How to Change Preferred Band for Wireless Network Adapter in Windows