Secret Tips For… W10’s network & internet settings
Keep an eye on your internet usage, fix network problems, add a VPN, and manage sharing options
View data usage from all of your internet connections
Windows 10 monitors your network usage over both Wi-fi and Ethernet (wired) connections. This lets you see at a glance the total amount of data transmitted through uploads and downloads in the past 30 days. To view this, open Settings, then Network & Internet and click the ‘Data usage’ link on the left. While the summary provides a simple overview, the really useful information is to be found by clicking the ‘View usage details’ link. This shows the amount of data consumed by Windows apps, desktop programs and your system, with the most gluttonous at the top (see screenshot below). You can choose which connection type to display, and reset the usage stats at any time.
Fix network trouble
Network problems can be hard to fix. Thankfully, Windows 10 comes with a tool that can identify and overcome common networking woes. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet and on the Status screen click the ‘Network troubleshooter’ link. This will launch and scan for problems. You’ll then be asked what kind of difficulty you’re having with your network (see screenshot above). Select the option that best matches your problem and the troubleshooter will try to fix it.
Add a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) is useful because it can disguise who you are, and where you’re browsing from – allowing you to thwart snoopers and circumvent geographic browsing restrictions. To add your choice of VPN to Windows 10, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, and click VPN on the left. Click the ‘Add a VPN connection’ button. Select ‘Windows (built-in)’ as the provider, then fill in the connection name, server name or address, VPN type and so on (see screenshot above). You should be able to find the details you need on your VPN’S website. Once added, you can select your VPN by clicking its entry.
Change sharing options for different networks
Windows 10 creates a profile for each network you use, and you can change the options for them. Open the Network & Internet page, and on the Status screen click ‘Sharing options’. The Network and Sharing Centre control panel will open on the ‘Advanced sharing settings’ page. Select a profile to change, then click the options you require for file and printer, and public folder sharing.
Keep your network safe
Windows 10 can keep you safe on both private and public networks. To view the connections, change the firewall settings, and fix problems, type Windows Defender into the Windows search box and click the ‘Windows Defender Security Centre’ link ( not ‘Windows Defender Settings’). Click the ‘Firewall & network protection’ entry and select the network you’re using.