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How to disable IPv6 on Windows

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While IPv6 is the successor to IPv4, turning it off has many benefits, especially for VPN users. The main benefit for VPN users is that it will not be possible to get any IPv6 leaks when connected to the Surfshark VPN servers. Moreover, it brings many stability improvements when connected. This article will teach you how to turn off IPv6 address support on your Windows device manually.


NOTE: If you have a Windows 7 operating system, you can check out our article on disabling IPv6 on Windows 7.

Windows 10:

  1. Right-click the network icon in the notification tray and select Open Network & Internet settings.

    Windows tray menu with Open Network and Internet settings highlighted

  2. Open Network and Sharing Center.

    Change your network settings with Network and Sharing Center highlighted

  3. Click on Change adapter settings.

    Network and Sharing Center with Change adapter settings highlighted
  4. A window with all network adapters will open. Right-click on the active network adapter and choose the Properties tab. The green connection bar next to it indicates the active adapter.

    Network Connections Ethernet menu with Properties highlighted

    NOTE: The Wi-Fi adapter must be active if you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
    If you connect to the Internet via an Ethernet cable, Ethernet     is your active adapter.

  5. Untick the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) box and press OK.

    Wi-Fi Properties with Internet Protocol Version 6 unchecked

  6. Repeat the process with the Surfshark Data Offload adapter as well.

    Network Connections with Local Area Connection and OpenVPN Data Channel Offload highlighted

Windows 11:

  1. At the bottom of your screen, find and press the magnifying glass icon.

    Windows 11 taskbar with the Search icon highlighted

  2. A window with a search bar will appear. Type in "Network Connection" and open the matching result.

    Windows search for Network connections with View network connections highlighted

  3. Find your network adapter, and right-click on it. Then, press on Properties.

    Network Connections Ethernet menu with Properties highlighted

  4. Find and uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) on the list. After that, click OK and Close.

    Wi-Fi Properties with Internet Protocol Version 6 unchecked

  5. Repeat the process with the Surfshark Data Offload adapter as well.

    Network Connections with Local Area Connection and OpenVPN Data Channel Offload highlighted

 

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