PC Connected to both Wifi (300 to 600mbps) and Ethernet (1gigabit) and PC prioritizes Wifi internet speed. Help?

Optimizing Network Priority: Ensuring Ethernet Connection Supersedes Wi-Fi for Improved PC Performance

In many modern setups, computers are often connected to multiple networks simultaneously—for example, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. While this configuration can offer flexibility, it can sometimes lead to unintended network behavior. Specifically, some users notice that their PC favors the Wi-Fi connection over the faster Ethernet, which can impact activities requiring high bandwidth, such as gaming or hosting a dedicated server.

Understanding the Setup

In this scenario, the user has a dual-connection setup: the PC is connected to both their Wi-Fi network and an Ethernet network. The Ethernet connection is faster, providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps, while the Wi-Fi network offers between 300 to 600 Mbps. The user’s setup involves an ISP router connected via Wi-Fi, with an additional router connected via Ethernet, and the PC is connected to both.

The core issue is that the PC prioritizes the Wi-Fi connection for internet activities, despite the Ethernet connection being faster. This behavior stems from how Windows and networking protocols determine which connection to use by default.

Steps to Prioritize Ethernet Over Wi-Fi

1. Set a Metric Priority in Windows

Windows uses the interface metric to decide which network connection to prefer. Lower metrics indicate higher priority.

• Open the Network and Sharing Center:

  • Right-click the network icon in the system tray and select Open Network & Internet settings.
  • Go to Change adapter options under the Advanced network settings.

• Right-click your Ethernet connection and select Properties.

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
• Click Advanced.
• Uncheck Automatic metric.
• Enter a lower number (e.g., 10) in the Interface metric box.

• Repeat the same for the Wi-Fi connection, assigning a higher metric (e.g., 50).

• Disable Automatic Metric

Ensuring manual configuration prevents Windows from automatically switching priorities.

1. Disable the Wi-Fi Connection When Not Needed

If you primarily want the Ethernet connection to handle all traffic, consider temporarily disabling Wi-Fi or enabling only when needed.

1. Configure Priority Through Routing Tables

Advanced users can modify the Windows routing table via Command Prompt:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Use the command route print