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Specify a default network connection

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 7

You can use this procedure to specify one of your network connections as the default connection. The default connection is started whenever Windows needs to communicate with another computer on the network, and a connection is not currently available.

Any user account can be used to complete this procedure.

You can use the following methods to configure a default network connection:

  • To specify a default connection by using the Network Connections folder

  • To specify a default connection by using Internet Options

To specify a default connection by using the Network Connections folder

  1. Open the Network Connections folder and view available connections.

  2. Right-click the VPN or dial-up connection, and then click Set as Default Connection.

To specify a default connection by using Internet Options

  1. Open Internet Explorer.

  2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.

  3. Click the Connections tab.

  4. On the Connections tab, in Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings, select either Dial whenever a network connection is not present or Always dial my default connection.

  5. In the list box, select the connection that you want to make the default, and then click Set default.

Note

  • If Windows needs, but cannot find a usable connection, then it will offer to dial the default connection for you when you select Dial whenever a network connection is not present.

  • Windows does not use any existing active connections unless it is your default connection when you select Always dial my default connection. If the default connection is not already connected, then Windows offers to initiate a connection using the default.

  • Whenever Windows attempts to connect automatically it displays the Dial-up Connection dialog box, with your default connection selected in the Connect to list. If you want Windows to always dial your default connection without prompting you from now on, select the Connect automatically check box, and then click Connect.

    • Additional considerations

    • You can specify locations for which autodial does or does not work. For more information, see Configure Autodial.

    See Also

    Concepts

    Manage Network Connections