How to Configure Network Settings on Windows Computers

Configuring network settings on Windows computers involves several steps to ensure that your device connects correctly to your network and the internet. Here’s a detailed guide on how to configure both wired and wireless network settings on a Windows computer:

1. Access Network Settings

Windows 10/11

• Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
• Network & Internet: Click on "Network & Internet."

2. Configure a Wired Ethernet Connection

Automatically Obtain IP Address (DHCP)

• Status: In the Network & Internet settings, click on "Status" in the left sidebar.
• Network and Sharing Center: Scroll down and click on "Network and Sharing Center."
• Change Adapter Settings: In the left sidebar, click on "Change adapter settings."
• Ethernet Connection: Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select "Properties."
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties."
• Obtain an IP Address Automatically: Ensure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Manually Configure IP Address

• Follow Steps 1-5: Follow the steps above to access the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" properties.
• Use the Following IP Address: Select "Use the following IP address."
• Enter IP Details: Input the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and preferred/alternate DNS servers provided by your network administrator or ISP. Click "OK" to save the settings.

3. Configure a Wireless Connection

Automatically Obtain IP Address (DHCP)

• Wi-Fi: In the Network & Internet settings, click on "Wi-Fi" in the left sidebar.
• Available Networks: Click on "Show available networks."
• Select Network: Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list and click "Connect."
• Enter Password: Enter the network password and click "Next" to connect.
• Automatically Obtain IP Address: The connection should automatically obtain an IP address from the DHCP server.

Manually Configure IP Address

• Wi-Fi: In the Network & Internet settings, click on "Wi-Fi" in the left sidebar.
• Network and Sharing Center: Click on "Network and Sharing Center."
• Change Adapter Settings: In the left sidebar, click on "Change adapter settings."
• Wireless Network Connection: Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection and select "Properties."
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties."
• Use the Following IP Address: Select "Use the following IP address."
• Enter IP Details: Input the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and preferred/alternate DNS servers provided by your network administrator or ISP. Click "OK" to save the settings.

4. Configure DNS Settings

• Network and Sharing Center: Follow the steps to access "Network and Sharing Center."
• Change Adapter Settings: Click on "Change adapter settings."
• Ethernet/Wi-Fi Connection: Right-click on your active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties."
• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties."
• DNS Servers: Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter your preferred DNS servers (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Click "OK" to save the settings.

5. Test the Connection

• Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
• Ping Test: Type ping google.com and press Enter. If you receive replies, your network configuration is correct and you have internet access.
• IP Configuration: Type ipconfig /all to view detailed information about your network configuration and verify the settings.

6. Troubleshooting

• Network Troubleshooter: In the Network & Internet settings, go to "Status" and click on "Network troubleshooter" to automatically diagnose and fix common network problems.
• Reset Network Settings: In the Network & Internet settings, go to "Status," scroll down, and click "Network reset." This will remove and reinstall all your network adapters and set other networking components back to their default settings.

By following these steps, you can configure and troubleshoot network settings on your Windows computer to ensure a stable and secure connection.