How to change the default network adapter used by applications

Question

I have a server that I administer running Windows 10 Pro, version 22H2. It has two wired network adapters: Adapter 1 is connected to the local data network with an internet connection; Adapter 2 is a CCTV network with no internet access. Generally everything communicates properly and internet access works, but every application that utilizes a network adapter directly defaults to the network on Adapter 2. This includes the Ubiquiti Unifi controller, Angry IP Scanner, and the Netgear switch management utility. I can't figure out how to make Adapter 1 the default. I've tried changing the interface metrics in IPV4 settings but that doesn't have any effect. Is there any solution?

***moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Internet and connectivity***

Answer 1

Hello Sawi,

Hope you have a lovely day !

To ensure that Adapter 1 is used as the default network adapter for applications on your Windows 10 Pro server, especially when dealing with multiple network interfaces, you can try a few more advanced configurations to adjust the priority of the network adapters. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you configure this:

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1. Change Interface Metric Manually:

Since you've mentioned changing interface metrics without success, ensure that you've set a lower metric for Adapter 1 than Adapter 2. The lower the metric number, the higher the priority. Here’s how to do it again for clarity:

• Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet> Network Connections.
• Right-click on Adapter 1 and select Properties.

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

• Click the Advanced button.
• Uncheck Automatic metric** and enter a lower number like 1 in the **Interface metric** field.

• Repeat the same steps for Adapter 2 but enter a higher number, such as 20.

2. Network Connection Priority:

Adjusting network connection priority in the adapter settings might also help:

• Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter to open Network Connections.

• Press Alt to bring up the menu, and click on *Advanced* > *Advanced Settings*.

• Under the *Adapters and Bindings* tab, in the *Connections* area, you can rearrange the network adapters. Make sure Adapter 1 is listed first.

3. Disabling and Re-enabling Adapters:

Sometimes, simply disabling and re-enabling the network adapters can help reset the priority:

• In *Network Connections*, right-click on Adapter 2 and select *Disable*.

• Wait a few seconds and right-click again, then choose*Enable*.
• Do the same for Adapter 1 to ensure it's recognized as the primary connection.

4. Registry Tweaks:

Editing the registry to change the binding order permanently is another option, though it requires careful handling:

• Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Bindings.

• Adjust the bindings order here, but be cautious as incorrect changes can lead to system instability.

5. Application-specific Settings:

Check if the applications themselves have settings to specify which network adapter to use. Some applications like database servers and advanced networking tools allow you to select the network interface they should operate on.

If these steps still do not resolve the issue, there might be application-specific configurations or other system settings that are overriding these preferences. In such cases, checking application logs and support forums specific to the software (like the Ubiquiti forums for the Unifi Controller) may provide more direct solutions tailored to those applications.

Best regards

Rosy