Windows 10 brings the entire Settings options under one hood. We have already taken a look at the Windows 10 Personalization Settings, Privacy Settings, Devices Settings, and the Update and Security settings. In this post, we will learn about the Network and Internet Settings in Windows 10.
The new and the latest version of the Network and Internet Settings in Windows 10 include quite a lot of features such as mobile hotspot, automatic proxy setup, manual proxy setup, airplane mode, and so on. You will also be able to access the Network Reset feature that can help you reinstall Network adapters and reset Networking Components to original settings.
To open these settings, click on Start menu > Settings > Network and Internet.
Network and Internet Settings in Windows 10
In the Network and Internet Settings in Windows 10, you will see the following tabs –
- Status
- WiFi
- Ethernet
- Dial-up
- VPN
- Airplane mode
- Mobile hotspot
- Data usage
- Proxy
Let us go through them in detail.
1. Status
This tab shows you the status of the network – whether you are connected to a network or not. You can change the connection properties where you can choose to connect to a network automatically when in range. You can choose your Network Profile as public or private.
Moreover, this tab allows you to view the available network adapters, change connection settings, change sharing options for different network profiles, and diagnose and fix network problems. You will be able to access the Network Reset feature that can help you re-install network adapters and reset networking components to original settings.
2. WiFi
Check for available networks and connect to the wireless network you want. You can also manage and add a new network.
Random Hardware Addresses when turned on, makes it difficult for people to track your location when you connect to different WiFi networks. You can turn on the Hotspot 2.0 Network feature to make yourself more secure and safe when connected to public WiFi hotspots.
You can also select the option of setting a Metered Connection which gives you more control over the data usage. Turning it ON makes your apps work differently so that they use less data. This is especially helpful for users having a limited data plan. You will also see the properties of your device.
This tab allows you to adjust the Wi-Fi Sense settings in Windows 10. Wi-Fi Sense is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to connect to your friend’s shared Wi-Fi connections. That is, you and your friends may opt to share your or their Wi-Fi connections.
3. Ethernet
You can set and view Ethernet settings here. It also allows you to set it as a metered connection if you have a limited data plan.
4. Dial-Up
This tab allows you to choose and set up a new Dial-up connection or network with the following options –
- Set up broadband or dial-up connections to the Internet.
- Set up a new router or access point.
- Connect to a hidden network or create a new wireless profile.
- Set up a dial-up or VPN connection to your workplace.
5. VPN
To add a VPN connection, keep your VPN provider, connection name and server name or address details ready. Fill in the type of sign-in info, username, and password and click Save.
Under Advanced Options, turn on the following settings if desired –
- Allow VPN over metered networks
- Allow VPN while roaming
6. Airplane Mode
Airplane mode when turned on, stops all wireless communication, Bluetooth, WiFi networks, and cellular networks.
7. Mobile Hotspot
The Mobile Hotspot feature is a new one in the latest version of Windows 10 Settings which enables you to share your Internet connection with other devices. The users can choose to share their Internet connection over Wifi or Bluetooth. User can also set the Turn On Remotely feature to allow another device to turn on mobile hotspot.
8. Data Usage
This section allows you to check the data used in the last 30 days for both WiFi as well as Ethernet. You can also view usage per app which will give you detailed information on data used by various apps on your PC. Additional features include setting data limits and restricting background data to reduce data usage on WiFi.
9. Proxy
In this section, you can set your PC to detect the Proxy settings automatically. However, you can also adjust the settings manually by entering the IP address and the proxy port.
In this post, all the features and the importance of the Network and Internet Settings in Windows 10 have been covered. Hope this post was a helpful read!
