Chrome OS is one of the simplest operating systems to use, but just because it’s easy to use doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. In fact, there are many settings you can tweak and adjust to customize your experience and take control of your Chromebook just like you do your Windows PC.
While Chrome OS will configure your network settings for you, knowing how to change your Chrome OS network settings is essential if you ever have issues connecting to networks or problems surfing the Internet. Today, we will look at how to reset network settings on a Chromebook and configure many of your Wi-Fi network settings so you can ensure that your Chromebook stays connected to whatever network you want with this settings and addresses you need.
Why Change Your Network Settings
For many of you, you are probably wondering why you would ever need to bother changing any of these settings in the first place. There are many reasons. But, many of you may never need to worry about these settings if you use your Chromebook on your home network or only occasionally when you travel. But, if you are more of a power use on your Chromebook, you may need to access these someday. Here are a few reasons you may need these settings:
1. Taking control of the IP addresses on your network. If you have a lot of devices or are using your Chromebook in a work environment, your network settings may require you to enter these manually or you may want to specify addresses to keep things on your network clean.
2. Cleaning Up Your Wi-Fi. Over time, your Chromebook can collect quite a few Wi-Fi networks. This can slow you down when you are changing networks or make it more difficult to find a network that’s not working. By keeping your Wi-Fi clean and tidy and only saving the networks you really need, you can speed up troubleshooting times greatly.
3. If you are having trouble with the Internet, knowing how to change these settings can help you figure out the problem. For example, your default DNS servers may be having trouble. By knowing how to change these, you can get yourself back up and running until your provider gets things repaired.
4. It’s good to know. If you are using a Chromebook, then you really should know how to properly work it. You never know when you may need to troubleshoot a connectivity issue on your Chromebook. As good as they are, sometimes there are problems, just like any computer. Understanding these settings, where they are, and what you can and can’t change will help you get it up and running if there is a problem. And, there is nothing wrong with learning something new!
These are but a few of the reasons why you should know how to change these settings. In the end, you need to know how to properly control your Chromebook in case there is an issue, and understanding where all the settings are and what you can and can’t change in these settings will be very helpful to you if you do run into issues down the road.
Change Network Settings
By default, your Chromebook will try to use DHCP to automatically setup your network connections. Using these features, it will assign you an IP address and determine your router address and DNS server addresses. Sometimes, you may want to change these settings. Here’s how to do it.
1. Make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use.
2. Click on your account photo in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Click on Settings (Cog icon).
4. In the network section, click on your Wi-Fi network, then select it again if necessary.
5. Scroll down and click on the Network drop down.
6. To configure your IP and Router Addresses, turn off the Configure IP address automatically switch.
7. Enter your new network settings.
8. To change your DNS servers, select Google name servers if you prefer to use Google’s servers or select Custom name servers.
9. If you select custom name servers, enter the addresses of your DNS servers.
Remember, while you can change all of these settings, you need to be careful. If you don’t know the addresses you use or if you enter them incorrectly, then you could end up with a Chromebook that can’t connect to your network or the Internet.
Manage Wi-Fi Networks
In addition to your traditional network settings, you can also manage your Wi-Fi networks. This will let you join Wi-Fi networks, manage your connections, and even forget networks that you have connected to in the past.
Automatically Connect to a Network
First, let’s look at how you automatically join a network. These settings are handy for networks at your home or office or other networks that you connect to often.
1. Make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use.
2. Click on your account photo in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Click on Settings (Cog icon).
4. In the network section, click on your Wi-Fi network, then select it again if necessary.
5. Click the switch labeled Automatically connect to this network. From here, you can toggle this setting on or off.
Prefer a Network
If you connect to multiple networks that are within range of each other, you probably should set your preferred network so Chrome isn’t constantly deciding which one you should connect to. To set your preferred network, follow these steps:
1. Make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use.
2. Click on your account photo in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Click on Settings (Cog icon).
4. In the network section, click on your Wi-Fi network, then select it again if necessary.
5. Click on the switch labeled Prefer this network.
Forget a Network
Occasionally, you may need to forget a network. This usually happens if you have changed your a network you regularly use or if you accidentally save a network that you won’t be using anymore. Follow the steps below to forget a network. Remember, even if you forget a network, you can still connect to it again later.
1. Sign onto your Chromebook with the owner account.
2. Click on your account photo in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Click on Settings (Cog icon).
4. Click Known Networks.
5. Click on the More Icon (Three vertical dots).
6. Select Forget this network.
Parting Thoughts
Chrome OS is easy to use and can configure most of your settings for you with just the press of a few buttons on your part, but knowing how to adjust these settings manually is essential if you want to be a true Chromebook power use. Your Chromebook has the same network settings as Windows and Mac, and you can customize these settings to the needs and requirements of your network. So what are you waiting for? Dig into Chrome OS and start adjusting your settings today to give you a truly customized experience that many don’t even realize is possible in Chrome OS.
Do you have any questions or concerns about the Chrome OS network settings? If so, comment below or ask your question and I will do my best to answer it.
