Summary
Instructions for switching from a Wi-Fi connection to a wired Ethernet connection on macOS or Windows 11, including plugging in the cable, turning off Wi-Fi, and confirming the wired connection is active. A wired connection is often faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. Applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students on campus.
Body
Questions
- How do I switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection on my Mac?
- How can I use an Ethernet cable instead of wireless on Windows 11?
- Why isn't my computer using Ethernet when the cable is plugged in?
- How do I turn off Wi-Fi so my computer uses a wired connection?
- How do I confirm that my computer is connected over Ethernet?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students using:
- Bowdoin-managed or personal devices
- macOS Tahoe (26.x)
- Microsoft Windows 11
- On-campus network connections (residence halls, offices, classrooms)
A wired (Ethernet) connection is often faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. You may want to switch if your wireless connection is slow or unreliable.
Resolution
Before you begin
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your computer (or into a USB-C Ethernet adapter if your device does not have an Ethernet port).
- Plug the other end into the wall network port.
- Wait a few seconds for the connection to activate.
Switch to Ethernet on macOS Tahoe
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Click Network.
- Look for Ethernet in the list on the left.
- If Ethernet shows as connected (green dot), your Mac is already using the wired connection.
- To turn off Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi and click Turn Off.
Tip: If you do not see Ethernet, unplug and reconnect the cable. If you are using an adapter, make sure it is firmly connected.
Switch to Ethernet on Windows 11
- Click the Start button.
- Select Settings.
- Click Network & Internet.
- Select Ethernet. If it shows as connected, your computer is using the wired network.
- To turn off Wi-Fi, go back to Network & Internet, click Wi-Fi, and switch it Off.
How to confirm you are using Ethernet
- On macOS: go to System Settings > Network and confirm Ethernet shows as connected with a green indicator.
- On Windows 11: go to Settings > Network & Internet and confirm Ethernet shows as connected.
Once Ethernet is connected, your computer will typically prefer the wired connection automatically, even if Wi-Fi is still on.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.