How to View Network Connections in Windows 11

This guide shows you several ways to view active network connections in Windows 11, including the Settings app, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. You’ll learn how to see your current Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, check IP addresses, and list all active TCP/UDP connections. No special tools are needed—everything is built into Windows.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC with an active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Administrator rights (only for some commands like netstat -b).

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Settings (View Current Connection Details)

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
2. Click the Settings gear icon (or press Win + I).
3. In the left sidebar, click Network & internet.
4. You’ll see a summary of your active connections. Click Wi-Fi or Ethernet (whichever is connected).
5. Click the network name (e.g., “HomeWiFi”) or the “Properties” button. Here you’ll see the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, DNS servers, and other details.

Method 2: Using Task Manager (Quick View of Active Connections)

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. If Task Manager opens in compact mode, click More details at the bottom.
3. Click the Performance tab.
4. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet in the left panel. You’ll see the connection status, IP address, and data transfer rates.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt (List All Active Connections)

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter (or search for “Command Prompt” in Start).
2. In the Command Prompt window, type netstat -n and press Enter. This lists all active TCP connections with IP addresses and ports.
3. For more details, try netstat -a (all connections and listening ports) or netstat -b (shows which app owns each connection—requires administrator).

Method 4: Using PowerShell (View Detailed Connection Info)

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Type Get-NetTCPConnection and press Enter. This shows active TCP connections with state, local/remote addresses, and owning process ID.
3. To see UDP connections, type Get-NetUDPEndpoint.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing local and remote addresses: In netstat output, the “Local Address” is your computer’s IP/port, while “Foreign Address” is the remote device’s IP/port.
• Forgetting to run as administrator: Commands like netstat -b or Get-NetTCPConnection -OwningProcess require admin rights to show process names.
• Looking at the wrong network adapter: If you have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, make sure you’re viewing the one that’s actually connected (check the status icon).
• Misreading IPv6 addresses: They are longer and contain colons—don’t mistake them for IPv4.

Tips

• Use netstat -n to avoid DNS resolution, which makes the output faster and cleaner.
• To see real-time connections, use netstat -n 5 (refreshes every 5 seconds). Press Ctrl + C to stop.
• In PowerShell, Get-NetTCPConnection -State Established filters only active connections.
• If you need to identify which app is using a specific port, use netstat -ano and then check the PID in Task Manager (Details tab).

Troubleshooting

If you can’t see any connections or the commands fail, try the following:

• No output from netstat: Make sure you have an active network connection. If you’re offline, there may be no active TCP connections.
• “Access denied” error: Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
• Settings shows “No internet”: Check if your Wi-Fi is turned on and you’re connected to the correct network. Restart your router if needed.
• Command not recognized: Ensure you’re typing the command correctly. In PowerShell, netstat works, but Get-NetTCPConnection is the native cmdlet.
• Task Manager shows no network activity: Even if you’re connected, the graph might be flat if there’s no data transfer. Try loading a webpage to see activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my IP address in Windows 11?

Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) → click the network name. Your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are listed there. Alternatively, type ipconfig in Command Prompt.

What is the difference between TCP and UDP connections?

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is connection-oriented—it ensures data is delivered reliably. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless—it sends data without guaranteeing delivery, used for streaming and gaming.

How can I see which program is using a specific port?

Run netstat -ano in Command Prompt, note the PID (last column) for the port, then open Task Manager → Details tab and find that PID. Or use PowerShell: Get-Process -Id (Get-NetTCPConnection -LocalPort [port]).OwningProcess.

Why does netstat show many connections I don’t recognize?

Windows and background apps (like OneDrive, Windows Update, or antivirus) maintain connections. It’s normal. If you see suspicious connections, check the PID and research it.

Can I view network connections without admin rights?

Yes, basic netstat commands work without admin. Only options that show process names (like -b) require elevation.

How do I refresh the connection list in real time?

Use netstat -n 5 in Command Prompt to refresh every 5 seconds. Press Ctrl + C to stop.

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