How to Disable IPv6 in Windows

IPv6 is the latest internet protocol designed to eventually replace IPv4. However, some users encounter network issues due to IPv6, and disabling it can sometimes resolve these problems. This guide walks you through the steps to disable IPv6 on a Windows operating system.

Why Disable IPv6?

Although IPv6 aims to enhance network performance and address the IP address shortage, there are situations where it may cause network conflicts. Disabling IPv6 may be beneficial if:

  • You frequently experience connectivity issues with the internet or internal network.
  • Your network setup is strictly IPv4-based.
  • Certain programs or services function improperly due to IPv6 compatibility issues.

How to Disable IPv6 in Windows via Network Settings

  1. Open the Control Panel. You can access it from the Start menu or through the search bar.
  2. Go to Network and Internet and select Network and Sharing Center.
  3. On the left side of the window, click on Change adapter settings.
  4. Find the relevant network connection (such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi), right-click on it, and select Properties.
  5. In the list of network components, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
  6. Click OK to save the changes.

How to Disable IPv6 in Windows via the Registry Editor

Note: Editing the registry can affect your system, so follow these steps carefully and avoid making unnecessary changes.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters.
  3. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisabledComponents.
  4. Double-click the new entry and set its value to 0xFFFFFFFF to completely disable IPv6.
  5. Close the registry editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

How to Re-Enable IPv6

If you need to re-enable IPv6, simply go back to your network settings and check the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or delete the DisabledComponents registry entry.