Overview
Windows can keep Wi-Fi and Ethernet connected at once. This guide shows how, explains the realistic benefits (mainly redundancy and separate-network access), and clarifies the common myth about doubling speed.
Using Wi-Fi and Ethernet together.
Key Takeaways
- Windows uses the connection with the lowest metric by default.
- Both can be active for redundancy or reaching two networks.
- It does not simply add both speeds for a single download.
- Interface metrics control which link is preferred.
Can You Use Both at Once?
Yes — both adapters can be connected. Windows routes traffic over the interface with the lowest "metric" (usually Ethernet), and can fail over to the other if one drops. A single connection/download still uses one path at a time.
Why Use Both
- Redundancy: if one link fails, the other keeps you online.
- Access two networks (e.g., LAN on Ethernet, internet on Wi-Fi).
- Seamless failover for reliability.
How to Enable Both (and Prefer One)
1. Connect both Ethernet and Wi-Fi normally.
2. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click an adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties > Advanced.
4. Untick "Automatic metric" and set a lower number for the connection you want preferred (e.g., Ethernet = 10, Wi-Fi = 20).
5. Click OK; Windows now prefers the lower-metric link and uses the other as backup.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Speed didn’t increase.
Solution: It won’t for a single transfer — one connection is used at a time; true link aggregation needs NIC teaming and switch/ISP support.
Problem: Wrong connection is preferred.
Solution: Set a lower interface metric on the connection you want Windows to use first.
Problem: One connection keeps dropping.
Solution: That’s fine for failover — Windows switches to the other; investigate the flaky link separately.
Problem: Apps behave oddly with two networks.
Solution: Some apps bind to one adapter; set metrics so the intended network is primary.
Conclusion
Windows happily runs Wi-Fi and Ethernet together, preferring the lower-metric link and failing over to the other. The real benefits are redundancy and multi-network access — not doubled bandwidth, which requires NIC teaming with proper hardware support.
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