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Top 10 Ways to Open Windows Network Connections Tool

If you are looking to address a network problem, the first place you should go to is the Network Connections tool. The following is an aide on the most proficient method to get to it.

Do you require assistance in overseeing the network connections on your Windows device? If that's the case, the Windows Network Connections tool is available to provide aid. This tool conveniently presents all of your wired and wireless connections in a single location, facilitating the identification and resolution of different connection problems on your device.


Windows Network Connections Tool
Top 10 Ways to Open Windows Network Connections Tool

This article will demonstrate different methods to access the Windows Network Connections tool. Additionally, we will examine how to determine the status of your network connection on Windows.

1. Utilize the Beginning Menu Search Bar

You can easily access the Network Connections tool by using the Start menu.

To reach it, follow the following:

  1. Access the search bar in the Start Menu by either clicking on it or pressing the Win key and the letter S simultaneously.
  2. Enter "View Network Connections" into the search bar and choose the most suitable option.

2. The Run Command Dialog Box can be utilized

You can open the Network Connections tool easily by using the Run command dialog box. To do this, simply follow these means:

  1. To access the Run command dialog box, simply press the Windows key (Win) and the letter R simultaneously.
  2. To open the Network Connections tool, simply type ncpa. cpl and hit the Enter key.

3. Use the Quick Access Menu

The Quick Access menu is a helpful tool that allows you to conveniently access various features such as the Network Connections tool, Device Manager, and more. It is a valuable resource to have if you need to use any of Windows' numerous diagnostic tools.

This is how you can utilize the Quick Access menu to launch the Network Connections tool.

  1. To open the Quick Access menu, you can either press the Win + X keys or simply right-click on the Windows icon.
  2. Pick "Organization Associations" from the choices in the menu.

4. Use File Explorer's Address Bar

The address bar in File Explorer is a powerful tool that allows you to conveniently access a wide range of apps on Windows. Follow these steps to use it and open the Network Connections tool.

  1. Press Win + E to open Record Pioneer.
  2. Simply enter ncpa. cpl in the address bar and hit Enter to access the Network Connections tool.

5. Utilize either the Wi-Fi symbol or the settings within your device's system

The Wi-Fi symbol on your taskbar is helpful when you need to adjust network settings. However, it can do more than that – you can also utilize the icon to access the Network Connections tool. Here's how you can do it:

  1. To access the Network & Internet settings, simply right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
  2. Lastly, select the option to change adapter settings and access the Network Connections tool.

Alternatively, you can access the Network Connections tool by going to the system settings and following these steps:

  1. To access the system settings, use the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
  2. Select the option for Network & Internet from the available choices.
  3. Next, choose "Status" from the options in the left-hand pane of the following window.
  4. Press on "Change adapter options" to access the Network Connections tool.

6. Utilize the Command Prompt or PowerShell

The Command Prompt and PowerShell are convenient tools that facilitate the troubleshooting of a malfunctioning Windows computer. Surprisingly, these tools also enable access to numerous software programs installed on your device.

This is the step-by-step process on how to utilize the Command Prompt for accessing the Network Connections tool:

  1. To open the Run command dialog box, press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously.
  2. Open an elevated Command Prompt by typing CMD and pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  3. To access the Network Connections tool, simply enter ncpa. Cpl in the order line and hit Enter.

Here is how PowerShell can assist you in accessing the Network Connections tool:

  1. To access the Run command dialog box, simply press the Windows key and the letter "R" at the same time.
  2. To open a PowerShell window with elevated privileges, you can type "Powershell" and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  3. To open the Network Connections tool, simply type ncpa. cpl and hit Enter.


7. Use the Control Panel

The Control Panel is a dependable resource that aids in the resolution of Windows system problems. Additionally, this utility allows for convenient access to the majority of software applications on your Windows device.

This is the method to open the Network Connections tool by using the Control Panel.

  1. To find the Control Panel, please type its name in the search bar located in the Start menu and choose the option that seems most suitable.
  2. Choose the Small icons option from the drop-down menu located under View by.
  3. Choose the Network and Sharing Center from the available menu choices.

In the following window, select the option to open the Network Connections tool by clicking on Change adapter settings.

8. Use the Task Manager

When you need to analyze system processes and monitor device performance, you can always count on the Task Manager. It is also very useful for easily terminating active software programs. However, were you aware that this tool can also assist you in accessing a variety of Windows software programs?

Below are the instructions on how to utilize the Task Manager to access the Network Connections tool:

  1. To open the Task Manager, simply press the combination of keys Ctrl, Shift, and Esc.
  2. To perform a new task, click on the File tab located at the top-left corner and then choose the option for running a new task.
  3. To access the Network Connections tool, enter ncpa.cpl into the search box and press OK.

9. Use the executable file located in the System32 directory

Next, we will examine the steps to access the Network Connections tool by utilizing the appropriate executable (.exe) file. The specific file is concealed within the System32 directory, but we will guide you on how to find it.

  1. You have to press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Select This PC on the left-hand side.
  3. Select the Local Disk (C:) option located on the right side.
  4. Navigate to Windows > System32.
  5. To access the Network Connections tool, simply scroll down and choose the ncpa.cpl option.

10. Create a shortcut to network connections on your desktop

 Creating Desktop shortcuts allows for easy access to applications on your Windows device. In this guide, we will explore establishing a Desktop shortcut specifically for the Network Connections tool.

  1. Press Win + D to access the Desktop.
  2. To paraphrase, you can say: - Click with the right mouse button on an empty area on the Desktop and go to New > Shortcut. - Utilize the right-click function on an empty space on the Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
  3. Enter ncpa. cpl in the designated area and press Next to proceed.

Afterward, input "Network Connections Tool" in the designated field and select "Finish". Consequently, you will be able to conveniently reach the Network Connections tool through the newly established desktop shortcut.

That is all! You can now easily access the Windows Network Connections tool. Now, let's discover some pointers on how to examine the status of your network connection on your Windows device.

How to Determine the Status of Your Network Connection on Windows

There are several valid motivations for accessing the Network Connection tool. For example, it can be utilized to address and resolve network problems, enable or disable IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), and perform other related functions.

However, if your primary concern is to check the status of your network connection, there is a fast method to do so using the Command Prompt.

  1. To open the Run command dialog box, you can use the shortcut Win + R.
  2. To open an elevated Command Prompt, type CMD and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

In the Command Prompt window, enter any of these commands and press Enter. Each command will provide information about your current network connections, helping you gain understanding.

  • The netstat -a command shows information about ongoing connections, including their protocol, IP addresses, port numbers, and connection status.
  • The command netstat -b displays the executable files responsible for establishing connections or listening on specific ports.
  • The netstat -e command provides a display of statistics related to Ethernet.
  • The netstat -n command provides a numerical representation of IP addresses and port numbers.
  • The netstat -q command provides a comprehensive display of all connections, both listening and non-listening TCP ports that are bound.
  • The TCP connection template for all connections can be viewed by using the "netstat -y" command.

If you are interested in learning more about additional network connection commands, here is what you can do:

  1. Follow the steps mentioned earlier to access the Command Prompt.
  2. To access details about all netstat commands, type netstat /? and hit Enter.

Resolve issues with network connections utilizing the Network Connections Tool

Sometimes, you may encounter situations where you have to resolve connection issues or turn on/off IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). In these instances, the Windows Network Connections tool can provide assistance. To conveniently use this tool, utilize any of the approaches we have mentioned.

Does the Network Connections tool offer a solution for Wi-Fi connectivity problems on Windows devices? Not really! However, there are plenty of alternative measures you can consider, like resetting the Wi-Fi Auto-Config service.

احمد ابو المجد
By : احمد ابو المجد
Ahmed Abu Al-Majd is an Egyptian blogger. I work on the blog "abouelmagd tech | احمد ابو المجد 2" which is a technical blog whose most important priority is to provide a group of exclusive explanations related to computers, technology, and information. This includes detailed explanations of each domain and also includes creating and explaining topics in the Windows and Android domains. The blog was created in late 2019 and its purpose is to provide everything new in the field of computers, technology, and information. facebook ــــ twitter ــــ linkedin ــــ pinterest ــــ instagram ــــ visit site abouelmagd tech | احمد ابو المجد 2
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