Click: How to Disable Internet Connection (Windows)

This updated guide examines Click: How to Disable Internet Connection (Windows) and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Turning on Airplane Mode in Windows 10 and 8

1. Click your network connection. You should see it in the taskbar next to the clock, which is usually at the bottom of the screen. Use this method to temporarily prevent your PC from connecting to the internet.
   • Depending on the type of connection, the icon will either be a globe (sometimes with a "caution" sign over it) or several curved lines (Windows 10) or a stack of signal bars (Windows 8).
2. Click theAirplane modetile. If you're using Windows 10, it's the tile with an airplane icon. If you're using Windows 8 or 8.1, slide the "Airplane mode" switch to the On position instead. This will disconnect the PC from all wired and wireless networks immediately.
   • An airplane icon will appear to the left of the clock as long as airplane mode is enabled.
   • To reconnect, return to the network connection and click Airplane mode again (Windows 10) or slide the "Airplane mode" switch to the Off position.

Method 2of 3:

Disabling the Network Adapter (All Versions)

1. Open the Control Panel. Use this method if you want to turn off (either temporarily or permanently) your PC's ability to connect to a wired or wireless network. The steps to open Control Panel vary by Windows version:
   • Windows 10 or 8: Press?Win+Sto open the search bar, typecontrol panel, and then click Control Panel in the search results.
   • Windows 7, Vista, and XP: Click the Start menu and select Control Panel .
2. ClickNetwork and Sharing CenterorView network status and tasks. The option you see varies by PC.
3. ClickChange adapter settings. It's in the left panel. A list of your network adapters will appear.
4. Right-click the adapter you want to disable. A menu will expand.
5. ClickDisable. This adapter is now inactive and will remain so until you re-enable it.
   • To re-enable the connection, right-click the connection and click Enable .

Method 3of 3:

Disabling Wi-Fi in Windows 10

1. Click your internet connectionin the taskbar. You should see your internet connection next to the clock in the taskbar, which is usually at the bottom of the screen. Depending on the type of connection, the icon will either be a globe (sometimes with a "caution" sign over it) or several curved lines.
   • If you don't see a network connection icon, click the up-arrow left of the clock to expand additional icons.
2. Click theWi-Fiicon. It's at the bottom-left corner of the menu at the bottom of the screen. This disables all wireless connections.
   • If you just want to disconnect from the network you're connected to now, click Disconnect on that network. Be aware that depending on your settings, your PC may try reconnecting to the network (or other open networks) immediately.
   • To re-enable the adapter, click your network icon again in the taskbar, then click the Wi-Fi button again. Depending on your settings, you may need to reconnect to your wireless network manually by clicking its name.