Windows 7 Quick Tip: Enable or Disable Wi-Fi and LAN Adapters

On a Windows 7 computer with LAN and WiFi capabilities, Windows automatically searches for networks available for connection as soon as it boots up. In case you don’t use WiFi, LAN or either type of network regularly, it would be better to disable the adapters completely. This would speed up Windows startup significantly. Even if you use a wireless modem/dongle to connect to the internet, or if you have the, you can safely disable the WiFi and LAN adapters.

How to Disable Unused WiFi and LAN adapters

• If the Network Shortcut is not available on Desktop or Start Menu:

Go to Computer, Click on Network and go to Network and Sharing Center.

OR

Click on the network button in the taskbar at the bottom right and go to Network and Sharing Center

• Click on “Change Adapter Settings”.
• Now right-click on an adapter icon and click on Disable.
• Repeat the process for all listed adapters except those you are going to use.

 

When you need to use WiFi/LAN or both adapters, just use the following steps:

How to Enable Disabled WiFi and LAN Adapters

• If the Network Shortcut is not available on Desktop or Start Menu:

Go to Computer, Click on Network and go to Network and Sharing Center.
OR
Click on the network button in the taskbar at the bottom right and go to Network and Sharing Center

• Click on “Change Adapter Settings”.
• Now, right-click on an adapter icon and click on Enable.

If you use WiFi networks regularly for connecting to the internet, you can still save a lot of battery power and computer resources by turning off the adapter when not in use. Typically this can be done using a button on or near the keypad, shaped like and antenna.

Please let us know whether you found the above-mentioned Windows 7 tips useful.