In this article, we’ll show you the various ways for opening the Windows Network Connections tool, and how you can check your network connection status on Windows.
1. Use the Run Command Dialog Box
The Run command dialog box offers an easy way for opening the Network Connections tool. To get started, here’s what you need to do:
Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box. Type ncpa. cpl and press Enter to open the Network Connections tool.
2. Use the Start Menu Search Bar
An easy way to open the Network Connections tool is via the Start menu.
To get started, click the Start Menu search bar or press Win + S. Type ncpa. cpl in the search bar and select the Best match.
3. Use the Quick Access Menu
If you want a quick and simple way to access Windows system tools, try the Quick Access Menu.
The Quick Access feature helps you easily access the Network Connections tool and other features like the Device Manager and more. As such, it’s a great tool to have on hand if you want to access one of Windows’ many diagnostics tools
Here’s how you can use the Quick Access Menu to open the Network Connections tool:
Press Win + X or right-click on the Windows icon to open the Quick Access Menu. Select Network Connections tool from the menu items.
4. Use the Wi-Fi Icon or System Settings
The Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar comes in handy when you want to configure some network-related issues. But that’s not all—you can also use that icon to open the Network Connections tool. Here’s how:
Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and select Open Network & Internet settings. Finally, click Change adapter options to open the Network Connections tool.
Alternatively, you can open the Network Connections tool directly via the system settings. Here’s how:
Press Win + I to open the system settings. Click Network & Internet from the menu options. In the next window, select Status on the left-hand side pane. Finally, click Change adapter options to open the Network Connections tool.
5. Use the Command Prompt or PowerShell
The Command Prompt and PowerShell make it easy to troubleshoot a faulty Windows PC. Interestingly, these tools can also help you access a lot of the software programs on your device.
Here’s how you can open the Network Connections tool via the Command Prompt:
Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt. Type ncpa. cpl and press Enter to open the Network Connections tool.
Alternatively, here’s how PowerShell can help you access the Network Connections tool:
Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box. Type Powershell and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated PowerShell window. Type ncpa. cpl and press Enter to open the Network Connections tool.
6. Use the Control Panel
The Control Panel is a reliable tool you can use for troubleshooting Windows system-related issues. This tool can also help you easily access most of the Programs on your Windows device.
Here’s how you can use the Control Panel to open the Network Connections tool:
Type Control Panel in the Start Menu search bar and select the Best match. Click the View by drop-down menu and select Small icons. Select the Network and Sharing Center from the menu options.
In the next window, click Change adapter settings to open the Network Connections tool.
7. Use File Explorer’s Address Bar
File Explorer’s address bar is an incredible tool that can help you access tonnes of Windows apps. Here’s how you can use this tool to open the Network Connections tool:
Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Type ncpa. cpl in the address bar and press Enter to open the Network Connections tool.
8. Use the Task Manager
You can always rely on the Task Manager for analyzing system processes and monitoring performance. The Task Manager also helps you terminate active software programs with ease. But you might not be aware that this tool can also help you access various Windows software programs.
Here’s how you can use the Task Manager to open the Network Connections tool:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Task Manager. Click the File tab at the bottom-left corner and select Run new task. Type ncpa. cpl in the search box and click OK to open the Network Connections tool.
You’re now able to easily access the Windows Network Connections tool.
How to Check Your Network Connection Status on Windows
There are some good reasons why you’d want to open the Network Connection Status window. This tool could be useful if you want to troubleshoot network issues, change your router’s IP address, enable/disable IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), and more.
But if you’re mainly interested in checking your connection status, here’s what you can do:
Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type any of the following commands and then press Enter. Each command should help you understand something about your current network connections.
netstat -a: This command displays all the current active connections, the internet protocol type, IP addresses, port numbers, and the state of the connection. netstat -b: This command shows the executable files that create each connection or listening port. netstat -e: This command displays ethernet statistics. netstat -n: This command displays IP addresses and port numbers in numerical form. netstat -q: This command displays all connections, listening ports, and bound non-listening TCP ports. netstat -y: This command displays the TCP connection template for all connections.
If you want to find out more about other network connection commands, here’s what you can do:
Open the Command Prompt as per the previous steps. Type netstat /? and press Enter to display information about all netstat commands.
Tackle Connection Problems With the Network Connections Tool
There are instances where you’d need to troubleshoot connection problems or change your router’s IP address. In such cases, the Windows Network Connections tool can help you out. If you want to easily access this tool, apply any of the methods we’ve covered.
