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
Right-click the Network icon (
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) in the notification area.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
- 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 network by using the Network and Sharing Center
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
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. |
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 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
For more information about the netsh command, see "Netsh Commands for Wireless Local Area Network (wlan)" at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=81752.
For more information about wireless networking, see "Windows Vista Wireless Networking Evaluation Guide" at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=89052.
To disconnect a dial-up or VPN connection by using a command prompt
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
- For more information about the rasdial command, see "Using Rasdial" at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=89065.