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


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
       #1

    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).
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,870
    Windows 7 Ult, Windows 8.1 Pro,
       #2

    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.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,618
    Win7 Home Premium x64 W10Pro&Home
       #3

    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.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    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.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,870
    Windows 7 Ult, Windows 8.1 Pro,
       #5

    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.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 525
    windows 7 ultimate 64bit
       #6

    what happens if you disable the onboard NIC?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    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.
      My Computer


 

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