Windows · Network & Internet
Configure your wired network connection
Ethernet settings manage your PC's wired network adapter, including IP configuration, connection metering, and network profile type for a plugged-in cable connection.
How to open Ethernet
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Ethernet
- Review connection status and speed
- Set the network profile to Private or Public as appropriate
- Edit IP assignment if a static address is required
What you should know
- View wired connection status, speed, and IP address details
- Switch between automatic (DHCP) and manual IP address configuration
- Set the network as metered to limit background data usage
- Choose the network profile type as private or public for firewall behavior
Why it matters
A wired ethernet connection typically offers faster, more stable, and lower-latency performance than Wi-Fi, making this page important for gaming, video conferencing, and large file transfers. Correctly setting the network profile to private or public directly affects firewall rules and file-sharing visibility, which matters for both security and functionality on shared networks. Manual IP configuration is sometimes required in office, lab, or advanced home network setups where static addressing is used. Marking a wired connection as metered can also help control data usage in environments with capped or expensive connections.
Best practices
- Set home networks to private and public networks like cafes or offices to public for appropriate firewall protection
- Use automatic DHCP configuration unless your network specifically requires a static IP
- Check link speed here to confirm you're getting expected gigabit performance from your cable and adapter
- Mark a connection as metered if you're on a capped or pay-per-use wired connection
Common problems and fixes
- Ethernet shows connected but no internet access
- Check IP configuration, or try switching between automatic and manual settings if a static IP was previously misconfigured.
- File sharing doesn't work over ethernet
- Confirm the network profile is set to Private, since Public profiles restrict discovery and sharing by default.
- Connection speed is slower than expected
- Check the reported link speed on this page; a mismatched or damaged cable can negotiate a lower speed than the adapter supports.
Tips and tricks
- Check the link speed reading here first when troubleshooting slower-than-expected wired performance
- Set public networks to the Public profile to reduce your PC's visibility to other devices
Frequently asked questions
Should my home network be private or public?
Private, since it enables features like file sharing and network discovery that are safe on a trusted home network.
Is ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?
Generally yes, wired connections offer more consistent speed and lower latency than wireless.
Can I set a static IP address here?
Yes, switch IP assignment to manual and enter the address, subnet, and gateway details.
Related settings
- WiFi ConnectionWiFi Connection settings allow you to view, connect to, and manage wireless networks. You can configure automatic connections, set network priorities, and troubleshoot connectivity issues from this panel.
- Proxy SettingsProxy settings let you route your PC's internet traffic through a proxy server, either automatically detected or manually configured, which is often required on corporate or school networks.
- VPNVPN settings let you add, connect, and manage Virtual Private Network profiles for securely routing your traffic through a work, school, or personal VPN server. This is where you configure server details, sign-in info, and whether the VPN connects automatically.
More Network & Internet guides for Windows
- Bluetooth SettingsBluetooth settings allow you to connect wireless devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice, and smartphones to your PC. You can pair, remove, and manage connected devices easily.
- Mobile HotspotMobile Hotspot lets you share your PC's internet connection (WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular) with other nearby devices over WiFi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. It's useful for sharing a wired connection with a phone, or a cellular data plan with a laptop that lacks its own SIM.
- Remote DesktopRemote Desktop lets you connect to this PC from another Windows device, or from Mac, iOS, and Android using the Remote Desktop app, over your local network or the internet. Once enabled, you can control this PC's full desktop remotely, which is useful for accessing a work computer from home or troubleshooting a family member's PC.
- Nearby SharingNearby Sharing lets you send files, photos, and links wirelessly to another nearby Windows PC using Bluetooth and WiFi together, without needing a shared network drive, email, or a USB stick. Both the sending and receiving PC need Nearby Sharing turned on and Bluetooth enabled for it to work.
- Airplane ModeAirplane mode instantly turns off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS radios all at once, which is required during flights and useful anytime you want to quickly disable wireless connectivity.
- Data UsageData usage shows how much network data your PC has consumed over Wi-Fi and ethernet in the past 30 days, broken down by app, helping you identify what's using bandwidth.