How to Enable IPv6 on Windows 10
So, if you’ve been thinking about turning on IPv6, don’t worry — it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Many Aussies are realising that enabling this protocol is now pretty important to keep up with the evolving internet. It can even give your connection a boost and improve overall network performance. Best of all, it’s quick to do — just a few tweaks in your network settings and you’re all set.
Heads up: some machines can be a bit temperamental, and it might not work on the first go. A quick restart often sorts it out.
First up, hit the Start button and search for “Control Panel”. Press Enter to open it. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, open it directly from the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R, typing control, and hitting Enter. This is your gateway to all the system settings, including the network stuff you’ll need to adjust.
Once inside, click on Network and Internet, then select Network and Sharing Centre. This is where the magic happens — you get a quick snapshot of your network setup and can manage most connection options. Here’s a handy shortcut: you can also access the Network and Sharing Centre directly via Windows Settings (Windows + I), then go to Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Centre. Fewer clicks, quicker results.
Next, on the left side, click on Change adapter settings. You’ll see all your network adapters — like your Ethernet or Wi-Fi. For an even quicker route, type ncpa.cpl into the Run dialog and press Enter. No need to mess around with menus when you can be swift.
Find the network connection you’re using, right-click it, and choose Properties. This opens the ins and outs of your connection. From here, you’re nearly there. If you’re comfortable with command line stuff, you can also manage this with commands like netsh interface ipv6 show interfaces, which might come in handy for troubleshooting.
In the Properties window, look for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Tick the box and click OK. Once done, your device should start talking IPv6 language. Many users report faster browsing once it’s enabled.
If it seems like nothing’s changed, try opening Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter. Then run:
ipconfig /allCheck for “IPv6 Address” next to your network adapter. You can also run this quick test:
ping -6 google.comIf you see replies coming back quickly, congratulations! Your IPv6 is up and running.
A quick tip: before you start, double-check that your router supports IPv6. Head to its admin settings — usually at http://192.168.1.1 or a similar address — and look for IPv6 support. You don’t want to go through all these steps only to hit a dead end at the router.
If you run into any issues, don’t forget the good old troubleshooting method — reboot your computer, and maybe your router too. Keeping Windows up to date is also wise; just go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Sometimes, updates include important fixes for network protocols.
For the command line fans, you can enable IPv6 with a quick PowerShell command:
Enable-NetAdapterBinding -Name "Ethernet" -ComponentID ms_tcpip6Many users notice faster speeds once IPv6 is turned on, especially when browsing modern websites. Keep an eye on your response times and reliability — it’s often a noticeable upgrade.
One last thing: enabling IPv6 doesn’t mean you have to switch off IPv4. Both can run side by side without issues, which helps keep things compatible during the transition period.
If this guide helps even one person save time and avoid some headaches, then it’s been worth it!
- Open the Control Panel or hit Windows + R and type
control. - Go to Network and Sharing Centre.
- Select Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your network connection and choose Properties.
- Check Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click OK.
Turning on IPv6 is a handy move to future-proof your network. As the internet gets more advanced, having IPv6 enabled ensures your device stays in the loop with upcoming technology. It’s a sensible step for anyone wanting a solid, reliable connection.
Hopefully, this saves someone a few hours of fiddling around trying to figure out IPv6.