Windows 7: Network Bridge - Add or Remove Network Connections

   Information

If you have two or more networks connected by a network bridge, then this will show you how to remove or add a network connection to the bridge in Windows 7 and Windows 8.

   Warning

You should not add a public Internet connection to a network bridge because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.

1. Do step 2 or 3 below for how you would like to open the Network and Sharing Center.

2. Click or right click on the Network icon in the notification area, click on Open Network and Sharing Center, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)

3. Open the Control Panel (icon view), click/tap on the Network and Sharing Center icon, and go to step 4 below.

4. Click/tap on the Change adapter settings link, and do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)

5. To Add a Connection to the Network Bridge

A) Right click on the Network that you want to add, and click/tap on Add to Bridge. (see screenshot below)

B) If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (if administrator) or type in the administrator's password (if standard user).

C) After a moment, the network will be added to the bridge. Go to step 7 below.

6. To Remove a Connection from the Network Bridge

A) Right click on the Bridged Network that you want to remove, and click/tap on Remove from Bridge. (see screenshot below)

B) If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (if administrator) or type in the administrator's password (if standard user).

C) After a moment, the network will be removed from the bridge. Go to step 7 below.

7. When finished, you can now close the Network Connections window. (see screenshot below step 5A or 6A)