Windows 7: How do I get Windows to use a 2nd NIC for Web browsing?

Hello,

I've added a second network card to my PC which I would like to use for Web browsing as it's on a faster line. However, as all browsers will use the original onboard nic if connected, how would I tell Windows to use the 2nd nic?



This is on a system running Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit. Onboard nic is Domain network, 2nd nic is Work network.

Also - a similar arrangement on a system running Windows 7 Pro 64bit uses the 2nd nic automatically for Web browsing (no 'extra' configuration required).

Without using a third party program I don't believe you can do that with Windows 7.

I've tested it out and Win 7 does not automatically use a second nic to connect with, I'm not sure where you got that information but it's incorrect.

If both the wired and wireless are connected Win 7 will use the wired NIC without fail.

Microsofts' stance is you should run a server to admin two nets at a time...lol. You can try this and see if it makes a difference... go into the Properties of each connection (right click on it) –> select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) –> click Properties -> click Advanced –> uncheck Automatic metric in the bottom and set a number between 1 and 9999 where the smaller the number the higher the connection priority.

I've changed the metrics and, so far, it looks like that's doing the trick so thanks very much for the quick reply.

Sorry - I should have clarified that both NICs are wired but it has definitely worked on the other system without having to change anything.

Oh ok both wired, didn't think it was possible with wired and wireless, I wonder if changing the metric would work for that. I didn't realize there were two seperate wired ISP lines for this.

what happens if you disable the onboard NIC?

I've not disabled the onboard nic as I use that for LAN access. Before the metric change yesterday - if I unplugged the cable from the onboard nic the browser would switch from using that to using the 2nd nic.