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Disconnect from a network in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

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

You can use this procedure to disconnect from a wireless, dial-up, or virtual private network (VPN) to which your computer is currently connected.

Note

A wired LAN connection cannot be disconnected using this procedure. To disconnect a wired connection, either unplug the network cable, or disable the network adapter. For more information about disabling a network adapter, see Enable or disable a network connection.

Any user account can be used to complete this procedure.

The following sections provide information on disconnecting from a network.

  • To disconnect a network by using the network icon in the notification area

  • To disconnect a network by using the Network and Sharing Center

  • To disconnect a wireless network by using a command prompt

  • To disconnect a dial-up or VPN connection by using a command prompt

To disconnect a network by using the network icon in the notification area

  1. Right-click the Network icon () in the notification area.

  2. Click Disconnect from, and then click the network from which you want to disconnect. One of the following results occur:

    • If the connection is to a wireless network, it is disconnected.

    • If the connection is to a dial-up network, the modem hangs up.

    • If the connection is to a VPN that was established separately over an existing network connection, the VPN is disconnected but the underlying network remains connected.

    • If the connection is to a VPN that was established at the same time as the underlying connection (such as a dial-up connection), then both the VPN and the underlying connection are disconnected.

Additional considerations

To disconnect a network by using the Network and Sharing Center

  1. Start Network and Sharing Center.

  2. Connections are displayed under the name of the network to which they are attached. There might be more than one connection to a specific network. In the right-hand column for the connection you want, click Disconnect. One of the following results occur:

    • If the connection is to a wireless network, it is disconnected.

    • If the connection is to a dial-up network, the modem hangs up.

    • If the connection is to a VPN that was established separately over an existing network connection, the VPN is disconnected but the underlying network remains connected.

    • If the connection is to a VPN that was established at the same time as the underlying connection (such as a dial-up connection), then both the VPN and the underlying connection are disconnected.

Additional considerations

  • You can also start the Connect to a network page by clicking Start, and then clicking Connect To.

  • If you just created the connection, you might need to click the Refresh button just above and on the right side of the list of available connections.

  • A standard wired Ethernet connection cannot be disconnected by using this procedure. To disconnect a wired connection, either unplug the network cable, or disable the network adapter. For more information about disabling a network adapter, see Enable or Disable a Plug and Play Device at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=102028.

To disconnect a wireless network by using a command prompt

  1. At a command prompt, type the following, and then press ENTER:

    netsh wlan disconnect [[interface=]interface]

Value Description

interface

Specifies the interface whose current wireless connection is to be disconnected. Not required if you only have one wireless interface installed on your computer.

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Format Meaning

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Information that the user must supply

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Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

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Additional considerations

  • To start a command prompt, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

  • A standard wired Ethernet connection cannot be disconnected by using this procedure. To disconnect a wired connection, either unplug the network cable, or disable the network adapter. For more information about disabling a network adapter, see Enable or Disable a Plug and Play Device at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=102028.

Additional references

To disconnect a dial-up or VPN connection by using a command prompt

  1. At a command prompt, type the following, and then press ENTER:

    rasdialProfileName /disconnect

Value Description

ProfileName

Specifies the profile name for the connection to the remote network.

Formatting legend

Format Meaning

Italic

Information that the user must supply

Bold

Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

Between brackets ([])

Optional items

Additional references

See Also

Concepts

Configure Network Connections Manage Network Connections