Why is Ethernet Faster Than Wi-Fi on Windows 11? Tips and Tweaks

safemodesleuth

So I was messing around with my Windows 11 laptop for the first time in ages, and realized how much faster everything seemed when I plugged in an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi. Downloads finished way quicker and even web pages loaded almost instantly!

Is there something special Windows does when it detects Ethernet over Wi-Fi? Or is it just my imagination? Are there any cool tweaks in the Windows settings for making Ethernet perform even better, or for easily switching between the two? Curious if anyone else has noticed this huge difference, or if I’m missing out on some other speed tricks. Would love to hear your experiences!

alstef

Totally agree—wired Ethernet almost always feels snappier, especially for downloads or big file transfers. One cool tip: Windows does let you change the “network adapter priority” so you can make sure it always uses Ethernet if it’s plugged in. Just search for “Change adapter options,” hit Alt, go to Advanced > Advanced Settings, and drag Ethernet above Wi-Fi in the list. Also, if you’re gaming or streaming, disabling Wi-Fi while on Ethernet can sometimes help avoid odd network hiccups. Anyone played around with network profiles or QoS settings in Windows? Curious if that made a noticeable difference for you!

Donniep

One quick tip: if you want to easily switch back and forth, you can leave both Ethernet and Wi-Fi enabled—Windows will default to Ethernet automatically when it’s plugged in. Also, some routers let you create a seperate “fast lane” just for wired devices, which can help even more if you have a crowded network. Anyone tried customizing their DNS or enabling Jumbo Frames for a boost?