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

[swt7]

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).

 

[chev65]

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.

 

[DMHolt57]

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.

 

[swt7]

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.

 

[chev65]

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.

 

[kword88]

what happens if you disable the onboard NIC?

 

[swt7]

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.