Switch from Wi‑Fi to a Wired Ethernet Connection on Mac or Windows 11

This article explains how Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students can switch from Wi‑Fi to a wired Ethernet connection on macOS Tahoe and Windows 11 for a faster and more stable network experience. It provides steps to connect the Ethernet cable, disable Wi‑Fi if needed, and confirm that the computer is using the wired connection.

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?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students using:

• Bowdoin-managed or personal devices
• macOS Tahoe
• 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

1. 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).
2. Plug the other end into the wall network port.
3. Wait a few seconds for the connection to activate.

Switch to Ethernet on macOS Tahoe

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Click Network.
3. Look for “Ethernet” in the list on the left.
4. If Ethernet shows as connected (green dot), your Mac is already using the wired connection.
5. 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

1. Click the Start button.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click Network & Internet.
4. Select “Ethernet.” If it shows as connected, your computer is using the wired network.
5. 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 can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.