Unable to Switch From Wireless to Ethernet When Docked

Unable to Switch from Wireless to Ethernet When Docked

You may be unable to switch between Wireless and Ethernet network connection automatically when you dock your system. The onboard Ethernet connection works and the Wireless network connection. After the system is docked, the Wireless network connection remains on instead of switching to the Ethernet connection of the docking station. Manually switching (FN + PrtScr) does not disable the Wireless connection and after disabling Wireless manually the system reconnects to the Wireless network even while docked.

This has been reported on the following models:

• Latitude 3470
• Latitude 3570
• Latitude E5270
• Latitude E5470
• Latitude E5570
• Latitude E7270
• Latitude E7470
• Precision 3510
• Precision 7510
• Precision 7710

Cause information is not available.

Install the Dell WLAN HotKey Driver

You can download and install the Dell WLAN HotKey Driver from the Dell Support Website, where you can select your system, then Drivers and Downloads, Network folder to locate and download the WLAN Radio Switch Driver.

Use the steps below to enable WLAN Control in BIOS if not already done:

1. Tap the F2 key while powering up the system
2. Once in the BIOS, click Power Management
3. Click Wireless Radio Control
4. Once here please ensure that the Control WLAN radio option is selected
5. Click Apply and then Exit

Once complete, the system should automatically switch from Wireless to Ethernet when docked.

See these Dell Knowledge Base articles for related information:

• Laptops Do Not Switch to Ethernet From WiFi When Plugged Into Ethernet Cable With USB-C Dongle
• How to Automatically Switch from Wireless to Wired Connections When Available by Hot Key or Intel Toolkit
• How to Turn the Wireless Devices on a Dell Laptop On and Off
• How to Set up both Wired and Wireless Networks to work simultaneously on a Latitude Laptop.