Learn how to convert IPv6 to IPv4 manually in Windows. Follow easy steps to disable IPv6, prioritize IPv4, and fix network issues on Windows 10 and 11.
If you’re dealing with internet connectivity issues, network slowdowns, or app incompatibilities, it’s likely because your system is defaulting to IPv6 instead of IPv4. While IPv6 compatibility is important for the future of networking, many current applications and services still run best on IPv4.
So, in this guide, we suggest you disable IPv6 and prioritize IPv4 for a more stable experience. We’ll walk you through exactly how to change IPv6 to IPv4 on Windows, whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you’re aiming to streamline your network configuration or resolve persistent issues, this step-by-step process is for you.
Switch from IPv6 to IPv4 Windows 10
If you’re on Windows 10, we recommend starting with the Windows network adapter settings. It’s the most user-friendly way to get this done.
Disable IPv6 in Windows 10
Open the network icon from your taskbar and go into Open Network & Internet Settings. From there, scroll down and click on Change adapter options. Find your current connection—Wi-Fi or Ethernet—right-click on it, and choose Properties.
Now, in the protocol list, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Make sure that Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) remains checked. Once you click OK, restart your computer.
With this, you’ve disabled IPv6 at the adapter level, allowing Windows to focus on IPv4. It’s our recommended method for anyone looking to convert IPv6 to IPv4 manually in Windows settings without advanced tools.
Switch from IPv6 to IPv4 Windows 11
If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11, the interface may look different, but we’ve got you covered. We’ll show you how to disable IPv6 Windows 11 without affecting internet access.
Let’s go through the Windows 11 steps together:
Launch Settings using Win + I, then go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings. Select More network adapter options, and right-click your active connection to access Properties. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and press OK.
We suggest this method if you want a safe way to adjust your IP address settings without going deeper into the system. It’s quick, easy, and reversible.
Disable IPv6 and Use IPv4 Windows
For those of you who are more advanced—or managing a shared or work environment—there are a few powerful methods that will help you ensure your system uses IPv4 preferred protocols every time.
netsh Command to Prefer IPv4
Here’s how we suggest you do it using the Windows command prompt networking tools:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then enter:
netsh interface ipv6 set prefixpolicy ::ffff:0:0/96 46 4
To verify, run:
netsh interface ipv6 show prefixpolicies
This tells your system to favor IPv4 whenever both options are available. It’s a good compromise if you don’t want to completely disable IPv6 but still want more reliable performance.
Registry Edit to Disable IPv6
If you want to force Windows to use IPv4 only via registry, here’s what we recommend:
Press Win + R, type regedit, and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters
Right-click, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, and name it DisabledComponents. Set it to 0xFFFFFFFF (or 4294967295 in decimal). Then restart your PC.
This effectively disables IPv6 at the TCP/IP properties Windows level, removing it from the stack entirely. If you’re trying to solve deeper connectivity troubleshooting problems, this is the way to go.
Group Policy Disable IPv6 Windows
For IT administrators and power users, we suggest using Group Policy to enforce the switch across systems:
Open gpedit.msc by pressing Win + R, then go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > IPv6 Configuration
Enable “Disable all IPv6 components”, click Apply, and restart or run:
gpupdate /force
This method helps ensure all systems in your domain or workspace consistently run IPv4 only. It’s also ideal for businesses where IPv6 compatibility isn’t yet needed.
How to Make Windows Prefer IPv4 Over IPv6
If you want to keep both protocols active but make Windows prefer IPv4 over IPv6, here are two reliable options we suggest.
netsh IPv4 Priority Command
Open Command Prompt as Administrator, and run:
netsh interface ipv6 set prefixpolicy ::/96 60 3
netsh interface ipv6 set prefixpolicy ::ffff:0:0/96 46 4
This modifies the Internet protocol version settings to prefer IPv4 without disabling IPv6 entirely.
Registry-Based IPv4 Preference
Here’s another registry tweak we recommend for adjusting preference without turning IPv6 off completely:
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters
Create or edit DisabledComponents, and set it to 0x20 (decimal 32). Restart your system afterward.
This allows a hybrid setup with protocol switching Windows done smartly—perfect for networks that require both protocols but still want IPv4 preferred performance.
Our Extra Tips for Network Configuration
Before wrapping up, we suggest you keep these best practices in mind when working with your network configuration:
- Use
ipconfig /allto verify current IP settings. - If your VPN or enterprise apps rely on IPv6, test carefully before disabling.
- Always back up your registry before editing it.
- Run
pingandtracertto test connectivity after changes.
For advanced testing and troubleshooting, check out our full guide on how to use the ping command in Windows like a pro.
With these, you’ll avoid any unintended disruptions while getting the most out of your internet connectivity settings.
FAQ: IPV6 to IPV4 Manually Windows
Why is my PC using IPv6 instead of IPv4?
Windows prefers IPv6 by default due to its prefix policy configuration. Microsoft is preparing systems for a future IPv6 internet, but many current networks still favor IPv4.
Can I safely disable IPv6 in Windows?
Yes, we believe you can—especially for home networks and gaming. It’s safe for most users, and in some cases, actually improves reliability.
How do I make Windows use IPv4 by default?
We suggest you either adjust prefix policies with netsh or edit the registry settings to prioritize IPv4 over IPv6. This keeps both protocols running but puts IPv4 first.
Is switching from IPv6 to IPv4 better for gaming?
In many cases, yes. A lot of gaming services still operate best with IPv4, and switching can reduce latency or fix connection errors with game servers.
Does disabling IPv6 fix network issues on Windows?
It can. If you’re experiencing DNS problems, slow connections, or failed app logins, switching to IPv4 preferred often clears up those issues.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve shown throughout this guide, there are several ways to disable IPv6 and use IPv4 on Windows—from GUI methods to advanced registry tweaks and Group Policy changes.
Whether you’re troubleshooting, improving performance, or preparing your system for IPv4-only environments, we hope this guide gave you everything you need. And remember: it’s not just about disabling something—it’s about taking back control of your network configuration.
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I’m Vanshika Vampire, the Admin and Author of Izoate Tech, where I break down complex tech trends into actionable insights. With expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Digital Entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies, I help readers stay ahead in the digital revolution. My content is designed to inform, empower, and inspire innovation. Stay connected for expert strategies, industry updates, and cutting-edge tech insights.