Disconnect your device from a network
Introduction
When using a network connected computer, it will sometimes be necessary to disconnect your device. Please reference this article to learn:
- How to disconnect your Windows computer from the internet.
- How to disconnect your Mac computer from the internet.
The instructions in this knowledge article address two primary types of network connections:
- Ethernet (a cable connects the computer to the internet).
- Wi-fi (wireless internet connection).
Disconnect your computer from an ethernet connection
If you are not connected to a network via wi-fi, it is likely that you are connected via an ethernet cable. To disable your ethernet connection on any computer, do the following:
1. Determine whether the ethernet cable is connected directly to your computer. Many computers have a port that you can plug your ethernet cable into directly. The port looks a bit like a telephone jack (see first image), and an ethernet cable looks a lot like a phone cable (see second image).
2. If you do not see an ethernet cable connected directly to your computer, it is likely that the ethernet cable is connected to your computer via an adapter (see first image below) or a docking station (see second image below). Locate the ethernet connection on the port or docking station.
3. When you have located your ethernet connection, simply disconnect the ethernet cable from your computer/port/docking station. When the cable has been disconnected, you will not longer be connected to ethernet.
4. Once you have successfully disabled your ethernet connection, please use the instructions below to ensure you also remain disconnected from wi-fi.
Disconnect your computer from wi-fi
Windows 10
Option 1: If you are on a Windows 10 device, you can quickly turn off your internet connection via the network icon in your taskbar.
1. Locate your taskbar.
2. In the right side of your taskbar, you will see your system tray. You will see several icons. Locate the network icon (highlighted in red below).
3. Click on the network icon. A preview of your network and internet settings will pop up. If your wi-fi is currently on, the wi-fi button will be blue.
4. Click once on the wi-fi button to turn your wi-fi off. When you have successfully disconnected from wi-fi, the button will be grey.
5. Your computer's wi-fi is now off. You should see a globe symbol instead of the network icon in your taskbar.
Option 2: Turn off wi-fi by accessing your network and internet settings.
1. From your taskbar, search for the term 'wi-fi'.
2. Click on Wi-Fi settings (highlighted in red) in your search results.
3. Your wi-fi settings should now be displayed. By default, your wi-fi will be toggled to the on position.
4. Toggle your wi-fi to the off position and exit your settings.
5. Your computer's wi-fi is now off. You should see a globe symbol instead of the network icon in your taskbar.
Windows 7
If you are on a Windows 7 device, disconnect from wi-fi by doing the following:
1. Click on the Start menu from your taskbar and then click on Control Panel. Your control panel will launch.
2. From your control panel, select Network and Internet.
3. Click on Network and Sharing Centre.
4. From the left side menu, select Change adapter settings.
5. A screen will open with a list of network connections. Right click on Wireless Network Connection and then Disable.
5. Your computer's wi-fi is now off.
Mac OS
If you are on a Mac computer, disconnect from wi-fi by doing the following:
1. Locate your menu bar.
2. Click on the wireless icon.
3. Click on Turn Wi-Fi Off. Your wi-fi will now be off.