How to enable or disable Airplane mode on Windows 10
If you have to turn off all the wireless communications on Windows 10, you can use airplane mode, and here’s how.
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OnWindows 10, you can manage Airplane mode in multiple ways, and in this guide, I’ll outline the steps to complete this configuration. Airplane mode is a feature that allows you to quickly disable wireless devices (such as Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Global Positioning System (GPS), and cellular) with a single option. Usually, this feature comes in handy when you aboard a plane, or you’re at a location that prohibits the use of radio signals.
The feature can also helpsave battery lifesince the wireless devices won’t have to use additional power to scan, connect, and transmit signals to nearby networks or cellular towers.
Regardless of whether you are in a place that doesn’t allow wireless signals or want to save batter, Windows 10 includes several ways to enable or disable Airplane mode using a dedicated key on the keyboard, options available on the desktop, Settings app, Lock screen, or even using Command Prompt.
In thishow-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to manage Airplane mode on a laptop.
How to enable Airplane mode on Windows 10
On Windows 10, you can enable airplane mode in at least six ways, including Action Center, network flyout, Settings app, Lock screen, and Command Prompt.
Function key
Some portable computers include a dedicated hardware key to turn Airplane mode on or off. If so, press the"Function key + Airplane key"to turn on the feature.
Action Center side panel
To enable Airplane mode through Action Center on Windows 10, use these steps:
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Network side panel
To turn on the feature from the network side pane on Windows 10, use these steps:
Settings app
To disable wireless communications through the Settings app, use these steps:
Lock screen
To disable Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth connections from the Lock screen, use these steps:
Command Prompt
Although there is no command-line tool to manage the Airplane mode states, you can still use Command Prompt to enable the feature by using a command to modify the Registry.
Warning:This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended tomake a full backup of your PCbefore proceeding.
To enable Airplane mode with Command Prompt, use these steps:
Once you proceed with one of the methods outlined above, the Airplane mode feature will be enabled on Windows 10, turning off all wireless communications.
How to disable Airplane mode on Windows 10
You can turn off Airplane mode to enable all the wireless communications using the approach to turn on the feature.
Function key
If your device has a dedicated key, press the"Function key + Airplane key"to turn off the feature.
Action Center
To disable Airplane mode on Windows 10, use these steps:
Network side panel
To enable all wireless communications, use these steps:
Settings app
To disable Airplane mode to connect to the internet and use Bluetooth devices, follow these steps:
Lock screen
To turn off Airplane mode from the Lock screen, use these steps:
Command Prompt
To re-enable Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth through Command Prompt, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Airplane mode will be disabled, and all wireless devices will be enabled again on Windows 10.
How to fix Airplane mode problems on Windows 10
Although Airplane mode usually works as expected, you may sometimes encounter problems. For example, you may be unable to turn it on or off, or the feature may appear grayed out.
If you cannot get the feature to work, try these troubleshooting steps:
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
