Enable or disable a network protocol or component

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

You can use this procedure to enable or disable a network protocol or component on a specific network connection.

Network performance is enhanced and network traffic is reduced when only the required protocols and clients are enabled. If your computer encounters a problem with a network or dial-up connection, it attempts to establish connectivity by using every network protocol that is installed and enabled. Ensure that you configure each connection to use only those protocols and components that are required to create a network connection that functions correctly.

Membership in the local Administrators group, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure.

To enable or disable a network protocol or component

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

2. Right-click the connection that you want to modify, and then click Properties.

3. Do one of the following:

   • For local area connections, on the General tab, in This connection uses the following items, click the checkbox next to the component that you want to enable or disable. When the checkbox is selected, the component is enabled.

   • For dial-up or VPN connections, on the Networking tab, in This connection uses the following items, click the checkbox next to the component that you want to enable or disable. When the checkbox is selected, the component is enabled.

   • For an incoming connection, on the Networking tab, in Network components, click the checkbox next to the component that you want to enable or disable. When the checkbox is selected, the component is enabled.

Additional considerations

• If you no longer need a protocol or component on any of your connections, you can uninstall the protocol or component. For more information, see Remove a network protocol or component.

See Also

Concepts

Configure Network Protocols and Components
Manage Network Connections