How to Enable or Disable Automatic WiFi Switching on Windows 11

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The article provides instructions on how to enable or disable the WiFi autoSwitch feature on Windows 11. This feature, typically disabled by default, allows the system to automatically connect to a preferred network when it comes into range, which could be advantageous in multi-WiFi network environments. Alternatively, the automatic connection may increase scanning frequency, radio…

This post shows students and new users steps to turn the WiFi autoSwitch feature on or off when using Windows 11.

When autoSwitch (WLANProfile) is enabled, Windows will automatically connect to a more preferred network whenever the preferred Network comes into range.

This may be useful in a multi-wi-fi network environment. However, this can also result in a higher frequency of periodic scanning for new networks and may increase radio frequency pollution and power consumption used by the wireless network adapter.

So basically, when Windows is connected to an existing WiFi network, it periodically scans for a more preferred network. When a preferred network comes into range, Windows automatically switches to that Network instead.

This feature is turned off by default in Windows 11. However, you can turn it on with a few clicks if you prefer to use it. Or, if you’re experiencing issues with frequent disconnects or WiFi instability, you may want to turn it off if autoSwitch is enabled.

How to enable WiFi autoSwitch on Windows 11

As mentioned above, this feature is turned off by default on Windows 11. However, if you want to turn it on and see if it helps, use the steps below.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. As a result, everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. For example, click Network & Internet in Windows Settings, then select Advanced network settings on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below.

Select More network adapter options on the Advanced network settings pane, as shown below.

This will open the network connections in the control panel. Next, Right-click on the WiFi connection and select Status, as shown below.

On the Status settings pane, click on Wireless Properties as shown below

Next, check the box for “Look for other wireless networks while connected to this network” to enable WiFi autoSwitch.

Click OK to save your changes and exit.

How to turn off WiFi autoSwitch on Windows 11

If you change your mind and WiFi autoSwitch isn’t working as expected, you can turn it off by reversing the steps above and going to the Start menu ==> Settings ==> Networks & internet ==> Advanced network settings ==> More network adapter options ==> Right-clicking on the WiFi connecting and selecting Status.

Then click the Wireless Properties window and uncheck the box for “Look for other wireless networks while connected to this network” to turn off WiFi autoSwitch.

Turn on or off autoSwitch via Command Prompt.

Alternatively, you can turn autoSwitch on or off using the Windows Terminal app.

First, open Windows Terminal and select either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

When the Terminal app opens, run the commands below to list all WiFi profiles.

netsh wlan show profiles

Next, run the commands below to turn on autoSwitch.

Enable:

netsh wlan set profileparameter name="name" connectionmode=auto autoswitch=Yes

Replace “name” with the WiFi name you want to turn on autoSwitch.

Run the commands below to turn off autoSwitch.

Disable:

netsh wlan set profileparameter name="name" autoswitch=No

Replace “name” with the WiFi name you want to turn on autoSwitch.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to turn on or off WiFi autoSwitch when using Windows 11. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.

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