Windows Network and Sharing Center. How to access the Network and Sharing Center
Windows 10 users are well aware that Microsoft is slowly dragging elements of the classic Control Panel into a new app (as new as a three-year-old app can be called) Settings. Traditionally, the Software giant races horses - the speed with which the control panel is buried in the wilds of the operating system does not correspond to the speed with which the elements of this control panel are moved to Settings. That is why users often have to search the Internet for paths along which they can get to old interfaces that have not yet been rewritten in the new application. The Network and Sharing Center in Windows 10 is one of them. This article will tell you how to open the Network and Sharing Center in Windows 10 on the latest builds at the beginning of 2018.
Network and Sharing Center.
In previous versions of Windows 10, the user could get to the Network and Sharing Center by right-clicking on the network connection icon in the notification area. Unfortunately, this method no longer works because instead of a link to the classic interface, there is now a button that launches the regular Settings app in the network connections section. This does not mean that the system does not have the ability to open the old interface. Here we have collected all the methods by which you can open Network and Sharing Center in Windows 10.
How to open Network and Sharing Center using the Run command
This method is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it is simple because it only requires you to press Win + R and enter a command. On the other hand, you need to learn a complex command and not make a mistake in the name. Since this method involves a minimum of steps, let's start from there.
For reference: Almost every section of the Control Panel has its own corresponding command that you can use to quickly open the section you need. A list of these commands can be easily found on the Internet.
Launching Network and Sharing Center through Control Panel
If you know how to open the Control Panel in Windows 10, then finding the section with network settings will not be difficult for you.
Opening Network and Sharing Center through Settings
The principle is the same as in previous versions of Windows 10, but there are a few additional steps. Links to the classic interface are still in Settings - you just need to find them.
How to create a Network and Sharing Center shortcut
If you have to launch this section often, it makes sense to create a shortcut on the desktop or taskbar.
How to open Change adapter settings Windows 10
If you are looking specifically for a list of network connections on your computer (changing adapter settings), you can cut a little and get straight to the interface you need. This is done as follows, by analogy with the previous steps: click Win+R and enter ncpa.cpl.
There is another option:
No one excludes the fact that in Windows 10 1803 and newer Microsoft will bury the control panel even deeper and some of the methods described above will stop working. If this happens, we will update this article accordingly.
The Network and Sharing Center, as the name suggests, is needed to configure the Internet and protect content.
It is located in Windows 7 and Windows 8 (8.1, 10) in the same place, so there is no point in describing it separately.
To find it, just press start and enter the line in the search: “Network and Sharing Center.”
Immediately after this, you will see this section at the very top - after clicking it will open.
There are other ways in Windows 7 and Windows 8 to find it and start managing access and networks.
Find Network and Sharing Center through Control Panel
To use this method first.
Then find the line: “Network and Sharing Center” and click on it.
This is all. There you can, in addition to what the name implies, change the settings of the adapters: bluetooth, Wi-Fi and network cable.
However, this section is most often used for diagnostics - determining why the Internet has disappeared.
Another way to find out where the Network and Sharing Center is located
This is the method I use most often. Right-click on the network icon in the tray and click on the line that appears - Network and Sharing Center.
After this, you will be immediately transferred to this section or you can start diagnosing directly from there.
You can also create a new Internet connection - if you have cable, then you don’t need to create anything, just install the driver.
At the very bottom you can launch a utility to automatically fix problems. It is worth noting that standard Windows tools are not very functional.
In general, if you are an administrator, then this is for admin work. Good luck.
Today we’ll look at how to set up a home local network on devices running the Windows 7 operating system. A home local network is an association of several devices, usually computers, laptops and printers, for the purpose of seamless data exchange, organizing a gaming area, and obtaining shared access to the Internet and shared devices (printers). Creating a home network in recent years has been an integral part of spending time on the Internet for users who have more than one device that allows them to use the computer web (laptop, smartphone, computer, TV). Such procedures are easy to perform, even if the person is not a computer hardware specialist.
Types of home networks
Depending on the interface used to create a local network, they are divided into wireless and wired.
Wired network
When formatting a wired home network, a cable is used as a data transfer interface without any intermediaries - computers are connected with a twisted pair cable. Due to the many disadvantages and limitations of such a local network (the inability to organize shared access to the Internet without an additional network card, only two devices can be connected), this method of forming a connection is practically not used.
More common is to use a switch (switch) as an intermediary. The advantage of a local network is the ability to connect more than two computers and organize shared access to network devices and the global web. But settings and specifying IP addresses in Windows 7 are done manually, which is not very convenient, especially if you have a significant number of devices.
Wireless network
The most popular method of forming a home network is to use a router as a connecting device. The advantage over other options is support for wireless data transfer interfaces (via radio, support for a significant number of computers, ease of setup).
Configuration process
First of all, it is necessary to connect two or more devices, for example, using a twisted pair network cable (we will consider the configuration of a local network using this example).
- Go to the local home web settings on all Windows computers. This is done through the “Control Panel” or the “Start” search bar.
- Open the “Control Panel” and call the option responsible for configuring the network connection, as in the screenshot.
- Enter “center” into the Start search bar and select the same option in the search result.
- After this, the window shown below will be displayed.
- To configure your home network, click on “Change adapter settings” located in the left frame of the window that opens.
- Double-click on the required connection (often it is the only one and is marked as unidentified).
- In the “Connection Status…” dialog that opens, click on the “Properties” button to configure the network connection.
- Double-click on the protocol (TCP/IPv4) or select the name of the item and click “Properties” to begin manually setting up the network connection.
- We set the first trigger switch to “Use the following IP”.
- Enter the computer's IP address and subnet mask, as in the screenshot.
- We leave the remaining fields untouched, since they are not needed for connection during the formation of a home local network, and click “OK”.
- For the first time, you will have to specify the type of network location, which determines the firewall and connection security settings recommended by Windows 7 by default.
In total, Microsoft offers three types of network placement:
Home network - used to create a local network that includes devices you know and can trust. For such a connection, the network discovery function is activated, which allows you to see other devices, connect to them and use files that are open for general use with the specified privileges.
Working - suitable for a small office, office, computer class or club. As with HomeGroup, discovery and file and device sharing are active between Windows computers.
Public – used in public places. The settings of such a web hide the computers connected to it in order to increase security and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of hackers.
- We check whether all devices are members of the home network and have different names and IP addresses.
- Computer names are checked and, if necessary, changed by going to the Windows configuration menu. Call the “My Computer” context menu and select “Properties” or click on the “System” item located in the “Control Panel”.
- In the “Computer” field we check the names, below, in the “Workgroup”, we look at whether they belong to the same local network. Remember that the names of devices running Windows 7 do not have to be the same, but they must be connected to the same network.
- If you need to change the PC name, click on “Change settings”.
As you can see, creating a new connection between computers is a simple process, and you can completely do without a wizard.
Checking the functionality of the created web
The activity and functionality of a network connection in Windows is tested by entering a single short command from the command line.
- We launch it, as before, by entering “cmd” in the search bar.
- Enter the ping command with parameters in the form of the IP address of the other device: “ping168.0.1”.
With the correct settings, you will see the delay time and the number of packets sent equal to 4 without loss.
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This article will help you quickly answer any questions you may have. You can also study the entire material to get a complete understanding of network setup in Windows 7.
Introduction.
Purchasing an operating system Windows 7, the user must be prepared for the fact that sooner or later he will be faced with the task of setting up a network in the operating system. For some, this task is not difficult at all. Typically, installing and configuring a network in Windows 7 is the next step immediately after installing Windows 7 ( If you have not yet installed Windows 7 and are not entirely sure of the necessary steps, then you should read this section: Installing Windows 7).
The network setup phase is required for the following steps after installation:
- downloading current antivirus software distributions from the Internet;
- downloading the latest versions of video player, web browser;
- if necessary, downloading drivers from the network for some devices on your computer (if they were not downloaded and installed automatically, or if installation disks are missing);
- use of an XBOX console;
- exchange of documents and quick access to shared resources of several computers or laptops. In this case, to use the Internet, you need to set up a wired or wireless network. As a rule, one computer or laptop serves as a kind of Internet distributor for all other pieces of computer equipment.
The same is true with MAC addresses and subnet masks. All these settings remain the same, they have long been familiar to users. Some changes only affected the interface of the Control Panel and its items through which network parameters are accessed. Everything else is without significant changes. This is another undoubted advantage of Windows 7. Users who previously used Windows XP will be able to understand the new operating system quite easily. As a rule, setting up a local network in such popular operating systems as Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 begins with a component for configuring network properties such as “”.
This properties configuration tool allows the user to select a network location, set up printer and file sharing, and view a network map. You can also monitor the status of all your network connections. It is very convenient and practical.
How and where to open the Network and Sharing Center component.
Before you can use the full functionality to create network parameters, you need to find and open it. One of the following actions of your choice will help you open the active window correctly " Network and Sharing Center»:
As you can see, if you are careful and read everything, then you should not have any problems finding the “Network and Sharing Center” component. It should be noted that to expand the ranges of used IP addresses in Windows 7, in addition to the previously existing IPv4 protocol, a new one was added - IPv6. True, providers have not yet activated it, and when this will happen is currently unknown. Most likely, the creators of Windows 7 were ahead of the curve. 
Figure 1. The illustration shows the Network and Sharing Center window.
What does the network location of a computer mean?
Understand what " Network location", you need before you start working with this important component. For all computers, this setting is set automatically the first time they connect to the selected network. This also applies to the firewall and security settings of the network selected for connection. All of them are also configured automatically when you first connect your computer or laptop to the network.
The Windows 7 operating system supports several active profiles at the same time. This allows you to use multiple network adapters that can be connected to different networks with the greatest security.
By the way, Windows Vista uses the strictest firewall profile for all network connections. This may be why Vista is not as popular as Windows 7.
There are four main types of network locations:
| The first type is a home network. From the name itself it is clear that this network location is intended for a computer used at home. It is also used in networks in which all users know each other well. Such computers can not only create, but also join home groups. Typically, for the convenience of users when using home networks, network discovery is automatically enabled. Home networks provide all computers with high-quality network access. | |
| The second type is a network of an enterprise or organization. This type of network location also allows you to find the network automatically. The difference from a home network is that in an enterprise network it is not possible to join or create a computer to a home group. The network is intended exclusively for professional activities in an enterprise, organization or office. This type is called for short (SOHO), that is, it is used in a small office network. | |
| The third type is a public network. Cafes, airports, train stations and other public places - this is where computers use the third type of network location. By default, the ability to join home groups is disabled in this location. Network discovery is also disabled. Without exaggeration, we can say that this is the most strict arrangement. | |
| The fourth type is a domain network. The domain type of network location is almost no different from the work network. Except that in the domain type, the configuration of Network Discovery and Windows Firewall is determined by Group Policy. This also applies to the network card. In order for an existing network to automatically receive the “Domain” network location type, the computer just needs to be joined to an Active Directory domain. Only in this case can the network become a domain network. |
Figure 2. Selecting the network location of the computer.Network map.
In order to see the location of all devices included in a specific local network, a network map is used. This is a graphical representation of the devices included in the network and the diagram by which they are connected to each other.
The network map can be seen in the same “Network and Sharing Center” window. True, only the local part of the network card is displayed here. Its layout directly depends on the available network connections. In the upper left corner you can see a display of the computer on which the map is being created. On the left you can see a display of the remaining computers included in the subnet.
Figure 3. Example of a network map.
You can view the network map at any time. True, only for locations such as “Home Network” and “Enterprise Network”. If the user gets curious to view the maps for the Domain Network or Public Network locations, he will see a message that the network message is disabled by default by the administrator. A network administrator can enable mapping using Group Policy.
In Windows 7, not one, but two components are responsible for the operation of the network map. This Link Layer(Link Layer Topology Discover Mapper – LLTD Mapper). It is this important component that requests devices on the network to be included in the map.
Network connections.
In the window " Network connections"You can see the entire set of data that the user needs to connect the computer to the Internet, local network or any other computer from the home network.
This data is available for viewing only after installing all the necessary drivers for each network adapter on Windows 7 and after automatically configuring all network connections on a specific local computer or laptop.
There are several simple and accessible ways to easily and quickly open the “ Network connections»:
- Open the window " Network and Sharing Center" and follow the link " Change adapter settings"(see Figure 4);
Network and Sharing Center"." href="/upload/nastroika-windows-7/windows-7-nastroika-seti-img-7.png">
Figure 4. Open the window “ Network connections" through " Network and Sharing Center».
- Click the “Start” button and when the menu opens, enter “View network connections” in the search field. In the results found, select the “View network connections” application ( very convenient way);
- You can also use the classic keyboard shortcut Win+R. As a result, the “Run” dialog will open. In the "Open" field, which is located in the "Run" dialog box, you must enter the following command: ncpa.cpl or control network connection. Having done this, you need to click the “OK” button.
Figure 5. Network Connections windowWindow " Network and Sharing Center» similar to the Windows XP window. All detailed information about the network connection can be obtained by selecting the “Properties” option for a specific network adapter (see Figure 6). In Windows 7, to set up a network connection in the Properties window, you need to select Internet Protocol Version 4. In the same window, you can also make the necessary settings for gateways, subnet masks, DNS servers, IP addresses, etc. All this information can be obtained from the provider that provides Internet access services.
Figure 6: Network connection details.
Rename the network adapter.
The developers of Windows 7 made sure that by default the operating system itself assigns all network connections the names “Local Area Connection” or another option - “Wireless Network Connection”. If the user has more than one network connection on the computer, the system also assigns a number to the connection. There are three ways to rename the name of any of the connections you create.
- First way. Select the network connection and click on the “Rename connection” button located on the toolbar. After entering a new name, press the key Enter;
- Second way. Using the key F2: press, enter a new name and save using the same key Enter;
- Third way. To rename a network connection selected from the list, right-click on it, select the “Rename” command from the context menu that appears, rename and save the changes using the familiar key Enter;
Network status.
In addition to the ability to rename the connection, in this window you can also find out about the network status. Using this window, which is called “Network Status,” at any time you can not only view any data about the connection network, but also find out details such as MAC address, IP address and much other useful and interesting information.
There are providers that allow users to access the Internet using the MAC address of the network card. If for some reason the network card is changed or the entire computer is replaced, the MAC address will also change and Internet access will cease. For a new connection to the Internet, you must set the required physical address (MAC address).
How to see the MAC address of a network card in Windows 7?
To view the current MAC address, as well as complete information about the connection, you need to right-click on the local network connection, and then select “Status” in the context menu that opens (see Figure 7).
Figure 8. How to change the MAC address of a network card (network adapter).Network diagnostics.
If a situation arises where unexpected errors or failures occur in your network connection, you can eliminate them using connection diagnostics. The diagnostic tool can be found in the Network Connections window.
Select the window " Troubleshooting", which, analyzing the connection status, offers a choice of possible faults and troubleshooting methods. To start diagnostics, you need to right-click on the network connection and select the “Diagnostics” command in the context menu.
Figure 9. Opening the Local Area Connection Troubleshooting Wizard.
The second way to start checking your network connection parameters is to select the desired network and click on the “Connection Diagnostics” button. The button can be seen on the toolbar.
In the dialog box that opens, to diagnose the connection, just follow the steps of the wizard to troubleshoot errors and problems. Nothing complicated.
Disabling a network device (network adapter).
Sometimes situations arise when network connection problems are resolved not with the help of an error resolution wizard, but by simply disconnecting the network adapter from the computer. This can be easily done by doing one of the following:
- Select a network connection and click on the “Disable network device” button located on the toolbar;
- Right-click on the network connection and select “Disconnect” in the context menu that appears;
Conclusion.
The article details how to configure, connect and diagnose network connections.
If you have any doubts about your own network setup and connection capabilities, it is better to seek help from specialists, or carefully read the article again.
At first glance, it may seem that there are not too many differences between network settings in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. However, there are important differences when you start working with Windows 7. Let's look at them.
Navigation - going to network configuration in Windows 7
How to go to network configuration in Windows 7? Just go to the menu Start, then in Control Panel and choose Network and Internet. In Windows Vista, entering the network settings settings was done in exactly the same way. However, when you entered the options Network and Internet in Windows Vista, you had many more options displayed. Let's compare these two bookmarks by opening a Windows 7 window Network and Internet(picture 1).
Figure 1: Network configuration and Internet settings in Windows 7
As you can see, this new configuration window in Windows 7 gives you a few new options and a few old choices, but overall there aren't that many options. We're already used to the Network and Sharing Center and Internet Options, but the HomeGroup option is new. I'll come back to HomeGroup and the new and improved features in Network and Sharing Center in Windows 7 later.
Now let's compare what we saw in Windows 7 with what is in the network and Internet configuration for Windows Vista, Figure 2:
Figure 2: Network and Internet configuration options in Windows Vista
The first thing you'll notice is the plethora of options to choose from in Vista. However, I don't think this is very good since many of these options are less important than others. For example, I think options like Windows Firewall or Offline Files deserve their own section here (they've been removed from Windows 7).
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