IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, is the most recent version of the internet protocol designed to replace IPv4. It offers a larger address space and improved routing, but sometimes it can cause network issues, compatibility problems, or slow connectivity. If you’re facing these problems, disabling IPv6 on your Windows 10 PC can help.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how to disable IPv6 in Windows 10 using different methods — step by step!
What Is IPv6 and Why Does It Exist?
IPv6 was developed to overcome the limitations of IPv4. Since the number of devices connected to the internet keeps growing, IPv4 addresses were running out. IPv6 provides a nearly unlimited number of addresses and enhances efficiency for routing and network configuration.
Why You Might Want to Disable IPv6
Even though IPv6 has many advantages, not every network or device fully supports it yet. This can lead to some annoying issues, like:
- Slow internet or connection drops
- Network adapter conflicts
- Compatibility problems with old routers or software
- VPN or DNS configuration errors
If any of these sound familiar, disabling IPv6 could be a quick fix.
Important Note Before You Proceed
Disabling IPv6 can sometimes affect certain modern applications or services that rely on it.
Make sure you know why you’re disabling it — and don’t worry, you can always turn it back on later.
Method 1: Disable IPv6 via Network Adapter Settings
This is the easiest and most common way to disable IPv6.
Step 1: Open Network Connections
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
- Type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter.
Step 2: Select Your Active Network Adapter
- Look for your currently active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Right-click it and select Properties.
Step 3: Uncheck the IPv6 Option
- In the list of items, find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
- Uncheck the box next to it.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. IPv6 will now be disabled for that specific network adapter.
Method 2: Disable IPv6 Using Windows Registry
If you prefer a more system-wide approach, you can disable IPv6 via the Windows Registry.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause serious issues if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making changes.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the TCP/IP Parameters
Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters
Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
- Right-click on the Parameters folder.
- Select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it DisabledComponents.
Step 4: Set the Value
- Double-click DisabledComponents.
- Set the Value data to 0xFF.
- Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
Step 5: Restart Your PC
Reboot your computer. IPv6 is now completely disabled at the system level.
Method 3: Disable IPv6 Using Command Prompt
This is a faster, more technical method that works well for advanced users.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Search for cmd in the Start menu.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run the Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters" /v DisabledComponents /t REG_DWORD /d 255 /f
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
Once done, restart your PC to apply the changes.
Method 4: Disable IPv6 Using PowerShell
If you prefer PowerShell, this method is quick and scriptable.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Run the PowerShell Command
Enter this command and hit Enter:
Disable-NetAdapterBinding -Name "Wi-Fi" -ComponentID ms_tcpip6
Replace “Wi-Fi” with the name of your active network adapter (for example, “Ethernet”).
Step 3: Confirm the Change
Run:
Get-NetAdapterBinding -ComponentID ms_tcpip6
This will show the IPv6 binding status. It should now be disabled.
Method 5: Disable IPv6 via Group Policy (For Advanced Users)
This option is great for system administrators or those managing multiple PCs.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings
Go to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → TCPIP Settings → IPv6 Configuration
Step 3: Disable IPv6
- Find Disable IPv6 or Set TCP/IP Settings to prefer IPv4.
- Double-click it, select Enabled, and click OK.
Step 4: Restart Your PC
After applying the policy, reboot your computer for it to take effect.
Method 6: Disable IPv6 on a Specific Network Interface
If you only want to disable IPv6 for one particular adapter (like Wi-Fi), use this approach.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (Admin)
Search for cmd, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: List All Interfaces
Run:
netsh interface ipv6 show interfaces
Step 3: Disable IPv6 on Specific Adapter
Find your adapter’s ID from the list, then type:
netsh interface ipv6 set interface [ID] disabled
Replace [ID] with your adapter number.
How to Re-Enable IPv6
If you later decide to turn IPv6 back on:
- Go to your Network Adapter Properties and check the IPv6 box again.
- Or, if you used the Registry or Command Prompt, simply delete or set the DisabledComponents value back to 0.
Potential Side Effects of Disabling IPv6
While disabling IPv6 usually won’t break anything major, you might experience:
- Slightly slower access to certain Microsoft or modern web services.
- Some VPNs or apps may require IPv6 for optimal performance.
- Limited access to IPv6-only networks.
Tips Before You Disable IPv6
- Create a system restore point before making changes.
- Update your network drivers to avoid conflicts.
- Test connectivity after disabling to ensure everything still works properly.
Alternative: Prefer IPv4 Over IPv6 Instead of Disabling
Instead of fully disabling IPv6, you can configure Windows to prefer IPv4.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (Admin)
Run this command:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters" /v DisabledComponents /t REG_DWORD /d 32 /f
This keeps IPv6 enabled but prioritizes IPv4 for most connections — a good balance for stability.
Conclusion
Disabling IPv6 in Windows 10 can solve several network issues, especially when dealing with older hardware or routers that don’t fully support it. Whether you use the Network Adapter Settings, Registry Editor, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, the process is straightforward and reversible.
Just remember: IPv6 is the future of the internet, so consider re-enabling it once your network supports it properly.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to disable IPv6 in Windows 10?
Yes, it’s generally safe. However, some applications and services might rely on IPv6, so check compatibility first.
2. Will disabling IPv6 speed up my internet?
It might, especially if your router or ISP doesn’t support IPv6 properly — but the difference isn’t always noticeable.
3. Can I disable IPv6 only for Wi-Fi?
Yes. You can disable it on specific adapters using Network Adapter Properties or PowerShell.
4. Does Windows automatically re-enable IPv6 after updates?
Usually, no. Your settings will remain until you manually change them.
5. What’s better — disabling IPv6 or preferring IPv4?
Preferring IPv4 is safer if you’re unsure. It avoids compatibility issues while maintaining IPv6 availability for future use.