How to Create a Network Bridge in Windows 11 and 10?

A network bridge connects two separate network adapters so they act like a single network. It allows devices connected through different adapters to communicate directly. For example, you can bridge a WiFi and Ethernet connection to share internet access or connect devices on different networks.

Windows automatically creates a virtual adapter called Network Bridge when you bridge connections. This virtual adapter manages the communication between selected networks. Once created, you can manage or remove the bridge anytime through network settings.

You may want to create a network bridge for several reasons. One common reason is sharing the internet between two network adapters without using a mobile hotspot. Another reason is connecting virtual machines or gaming consoles to the same network as your PC. Network bridging can also help when you need direct communication between devices connected to different adapters.

Before creating a network bridge, make sure both network adapters are active and connected. For example, your Ethernet and WiFi should be turned on. You also need administrator permissions on your computer to create or remove network bridges.

In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about creating a network bridge in Windows 11 and 10.

How to Create a Network Bridge in Windows 11 and 10?

To create a network bridge in Windows 11 and 10, open the Control Panel and go to the Network and Sharing Center. Click Change adapter settings, select two or more network adapters using Ctrl key, right click, and choose Bridge Connections. Windows will automatically create a new Network Bridge adapter and merge the selected connections into one.

The steps below will guide you through creating a network bridge in a simple and clear way.

Step 1. Open Control Panel

To begin creating a network bridge, you first need to access the Control Panel on your computer. The Control Panel contains all advanced network settings required for bridging connections.

Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type Control Panel. Click on the Control Panel option from the search results. Once opened, switch the view to Large icons or Small icons so all settings are visible.

Look for the Network and Sharing Center and click on it. This section allows you to manage all network connections, adapters, and sharing options on your system.

Opening this window is essential because network bridging cannot be done directly from basic settings. You must use the classic network configuration page available inside Control Panel.

Step 2. Go to Change Adapter Settings

Inside Network and Sharing Center, locate the option called Change adapter settings on the left side of the window. Click on this option to open the Network Connections page.

The Network Connections page shows all available network adapters installed on your computer. These may include Ethernet adapters, WiFi adapters, Bluetooth networks, and virtual adapters from software or virtual machines.

You must identify the adapters you want to bridge. Make sure both adapters are active and not disabled. If an adapter is disabled, right-click on it and select Enable before continuing.

It is important to understand that you can only bridge two or more active adapters. If only one adapter is active, the bridge option will not work.

Step 3. Select the Network Adapters to Bridge

Once you are inside the Network Connections window, you need to select the adapters that will be part of the network bridge.

Click on the first network adapter you want to include. Then press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard and click on the second adapter. You can also select more than two adapters if needed.

For example, you might select Ethernet and WiFi together. This allows your system to combine both connections into a single network bridge.

Ensure that the selected adapters are not already part of another bridge or sharing setup. If they are, remove them from previous configurations before creating a new bridge.

Selecting the correct adapters is an important step because the bridge will merge only those connections you choose.

Step 4. Create the Network Bridge

After selecting the desired network adapters, right-click on any of the highlighted adapters. A context menu will appear with several options.

Click on Bridge Connections from the menu. Windows will start creating the network bridge automatically. During this process, your network connection may temporarily disconnect. This is normal and happens because Windows is reconfiguring the network.

After a few seconds, a new adapter named Network Bridge will appear in the Network Connections window. This confirms that the bridge has been created successfully.

All selected adapters will now be part of this new Network Bridge. Your computer will treat them as a single unified connection.

Step 5. Wait for Network Configuration

Once the bridge is created, Windows will configure network settings automatically. This may include assigning IP addresses and enabling communication between bridged adapters.

Wait for the status of the Network Bridge adapter to show Connected. If it shows identifying or no internet for a few moments, give it time to complete the setup.

In most cases, the bridged network will start working immediately. You should be able to access the internet or connect devices across the network, depending on your configuration.

If the bridge does not work instantly, restart your computer or reconnect the adapters to refresh the network.

Test the Network Bridge

After creating the network bridge, it is important to test whether it is working correctly. Open a web browser and try accessing a website if you are sharing the internet.

If you are connecting devices across networks, check if both devices can communicate with each other. You can also open Command Prompt and use the ping command to test connectivity.

If everything works smoothly, your network bridge is successfully set up. If not, you may need to review settings or recreate the bridge.

Manage or Remove the Network Bridge

If you ever need to modify or remove the network bridge, go back to the Network Connections window. Right-click on the Network Bridge adapter and choose Delete to remove it.

Removing the bridge will restore all adapters to their original, separate state. You can then create a new bridge if needed.

Managing network bridges is simple and does not require reinstalling drivers or restarting Windows in most cases.

FAQs

What is a network bridge in Windows?

A network bridge in Windows connects multiple network adapters and allows them to function as a single network. It helps devices communicate across different network connections.

Can I bridge WiFi and Ethernet in Windows 11 and 10?

Yes, you can bridge WiFi and Ethernet connections easily. Select both adapters in Network Connections and choose Bridge Connections to merge them.

Why is the Bridge Connections option greyed out?

The option may be unavailable if you have selected only one adapter, an adapter is disabled, or one adapter is already part of another bridge or internet sharing setup.

Does network bridging increase internet speed?

No, network bridging does not combine speeds from multiple connections. It mainly allows communication between networks or sharing connections.

Can I remove a network bridge later?

Yes, you can remove a network bridge anytime. Go to Network Connections, right-click Network Bridge, and select Delete.

Is the network bridge available in Windows 11 and 10?

Yes, both versions support network bridging through Control Panel network settings.